Anemia occurs when your blood does not have a sufficient quantity of red blood cells to properly transport oxygen to your organs and tissues, including your brain and heart. A common sign of anemia is fatigue, since your body's cells are not getting the oxygen needed to perform daily functions. Other symptoms of anemia include weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, feeling cold, headache and chest pain. Consuming a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet is important in order to help treat, relieve, and control anemia.
Iron-Rich Foods
Iron-deficiency anemia is a form of anemia caused by conditions such as a lack of iron in your diet, pregnancy or blood loss. Consuming more iron-rich sources can be helpful in raising your red blood cell supply and relieving symptoms of anemia. Iron can be found in supplement form and you can consult your doctor about taking supplements. You can also naturally boost your iron intake with certain foods including red meat, particularly calves' liver, poultry, egg yolks, beet greens, spinach, beans, brewer's yeast, blackstrap molasses, almonds and beans.
Vitamin B-12
A 1,000-microgram injected dose of vitamin B-12 taken once a day for 1 to 2 weeks, then once every 1 to 3 months, may effectively help treat anemia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). This is because vitamin B-12 helps form red blood cells in your body. Therefore a deficiency in this vitamin can contribute to anemia. In addition to an injection or oral supplement, you can obtain this vitamin from animal-based food sources. Good choices include meat, poultry, eggs, dairy and fish. Some grain products may also be fortified with vitamin B-12.
Folate
Folate is another B vitamin that helps your body produce red blood cells. A deficiency in folate can lead to anemia, and the UMMC recommends that a supplement of 400 to 1,000 micrograms per day may help treat anemia symptoms. Consult your doctor before taking a supplement. You can also find folate in natural food sources including grains, beans, green leafy vegetables and orange juice.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important when you have iron-deficiency anemia because this vitamin helps your body absorb iron. The UMMC recommends you consume 250 to 500 mg of vitamin C twice per day in order to help relieve symptoms of anemia. Good sources include oranges, kiwis, lemons, limes, grapefruits, strawberries, melons, broccoli and bell peppers. Combining vitamin-C-rich foods with iron-rich foods can also be helpful. One good combination can be an iron-rich beef stir-fry with vitamin-C-rich bell peppers.
