Anemia is a health problem in which your red blood cell count is low. If you have anemia, you do not have enough hemoglobin -- an oxygen-carrying protein located within with your red blood cells. A significant number of people with anemia feel exhausted or fatigued most of the time. Certain dietary factors may help treat your anemia, although you should always discuss diet-related issues with your primary care provider first.
Anemia Information
Anemia exists in many forms and may be caused by numerous factors or conditions. Anemia may be temporary or prolonged. Possible causes of anemia include blood loss, poor diet, pregnancy, certain medications and numerous chronic health problems, including kidney failure, cancer, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the most frequently experienced symptoms associated with anemia include reduced energy, chest pain, dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath.
Dietary Considerations
Numerous dietary inclusions and exclusions may be beneficial in treating your anemia. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," purple grapes, parsley, apples, apricots, asparagus, egg yolks, broccoli and bananas are helpful for this condition. Blackstrap molasses contains iron and essential B vitamins, both of which are important in treating your anemia. Consider minimizing your intake of foods high in oxalic acid -- almonds, cashews, kale, rhubarb, spinach, soda, cocoa -- because oxalic acid interferes with iron absorption.
Featured Food
Asparagus may be one of the most helpful foods in treating your anemia as well as numerous other health problems. In his book "The World's Healthiest Foods," biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan states that asparagus is a good source of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin -- three B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into useable energy. Asparagus is also a good source of iron, and your body requires iron -- as well as vitamin B-12 and folic acid -- to produce more red blood cells.
Additional Information
Anemia is a serious health condition that should always be managed by a qualified healthcare professional. If you are diagnosed with anemia, review all possible treatment methods with your primary care provider. In most cases, a combination of conventional medical therapies and complementary alternative treatment measures may be appropriate in addressing this health problem. Nutritional therapy is an adjunct treatment measure in addressing your anemia and should not replace other treatment strategies suggested by your doctor.
References
- PubMed Health: Anemia
- MayoClinic.com: Anemia
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
