Sickle cell anemia is an inherited from of anemia. This condition results in inadequate amounts of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. In this type of anemia, red blood cells are not round and bouncy but are rigid, sticky and shaped like crescent moons. Because of their abnormal shape, they can get stuck in the small blood vessels throughout the body, resulting in impaired blood flow and oxygen flow in general. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, but by knowing what to eat you can help decrease some of the pain and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Symptoms
Sickle cell anemia presents itself with many symptoms. Low levels of hemoglobin is one of them. According to MayoClinic.com, other symptoms include periodic periods of severe pain that occur when these sticky cells get stuck in blood vessels; swollen hands and feet, again from blocked blood vessels; and frequent infections due to cell damage to the spleen. Jaundice is another common symptom. It occurs as a result of an overworked liver that has to rapidly break down defective red blood cells.
Treatment
Treatment for this condition usually focuses on preventing pain crises. This is why it's very important to monitor your blood periodically in order to see how your red blood cells are doing and to see whether a blood transfusion or supplemental oxygen could help. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication for pain. Because patients with sickle cell have increased needs for calories and micronutrients, the American Dietetic Association recommends a diet that's high in energy and protein to prevent any malnourishment that could lead to further complications or to a weakened immune system that can result in chronic infections.
What to Eat with Sickle Cell
According to the American Dietetic Association, the most beneficial diet if you have sickle cell is one that's high in calories and nutrients, such as vitamins and supplements. Usually, when pain intensifies, your appetite decreases and you don't take in all of the calories and vitamins your body needs to function adequately. This is why the ADA recommends that once flare-ups subside, do your best to maintain your weight. In some cases, this might warrant taking energy supplements and vitamin and mineral supplements daily to complement what you eat. It's also crucial to stay well hydrated. Sickling of cells can increase when you're dehydrated.
Other Diet Guidelines and Tips
Other things can help increase your daily caloric intake. The ADA recommends you try to eat more meals throughout your day to maximize the amount of food you eat daily. Also, if you take a liquid energy supplement, try to do so between meals so that they don't fill you up during your meal times. Take a daily multivitamin to ensure you get all of the nutrients your body needs.
