Losing a lot of blood, or becoming anemic, will not only cause you to feel weak and fatigued, but will also damage your organs if not properly treated. While your doctor will likely prescribe iron and multivitamins, you can eat certain foods to help replace certain vitamins and nutrients lost in your blood. As your doctor is working to control the source of bleeding, accelerate the healing process with a proper diet.
Foods to Replace Iron
Iron is the main component of blood. Iron is a mineral that binds oxygen molecules in blood to transport oxygen to the cells, organs and tissues in your body. If you are losing blood, it is important to replace as much iron as you are losing. In addition to supplementation, you should eat more meats, lentils, beans, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits to increase your iron intake. Eating healthy portions of these foods will help stabilize your iron levels.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is an important nutrient in blood that helps maintain healthy red blood cell and nerve function. When deficient, your red blood cells do not form properly, and nerves in your spinal column might become damaged. Thus, including more foods rich in folic acid will help prevent losses. Include more citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, legumes, cereals and pastas in your diet. In severe cases of blood loss, a supplement might be needed.
Vitamin B-12
Similar to folic acid, vitamin B-12 is also necessary for healthy red blood cell formation and nerve function. Deficits in vitamin B-12 are less likely than folic acid deficiencies because the liver stores many years' worth of vitamin B-12. However, if you are losing blood, you might be losing vitamin B-12 at a faster rate. Therefore, in addition to a supplement, you should eat more meats and dairy products that are rich in vitamin B-12.
Vitamin C
Losing blood can cause a vitamin C deficiency. This vitamin is necessary for the growth and repair of tissues and is an important antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce free radicals in the body, which might cause arthritis, cancer and heart disease. To replace lost vitamin C, you must consume more citrus fruits, melons and berries. If necessary, your doctor might also recommend an over-the-counter vitamin C supplement.
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