Diets For a Person With Polycythemia

Written by Jill Corleone

05 December, 2018

Following a special diet can aid in the treatment of a number of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Polycythemia is a rare blood disorder that causes your body to over produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. While no special diet exists to aid in treatment of polycythemia, it is recommended that you eat a well-balanced diet and limit your intake of sodium.

Polycythemia

Each year, only about five new cases of polycythemia in 1 million are diagnosed, according to the University of Iowa. It can affect anyone at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60. While some may not experience any symptoms, others may bruise or bleed easily with little or no injury. In addition, the overproduction of red blood cells causes an increase in blood volume, which can lead to an enlarged spleen or liver. The aim of treatment for polycythemia is to decrease blood volume. Treatment depends on your age and medical condition, and includes phlebotomy, or regular blood draws; chemotherapy or medication.

Each year, only about five new cases of polycythemia in 1 million are diagnosed, according to the University of Iowa.
It can affect anyone at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60.

Balanced Diet

How to Remove Excess Iron in Blood

Learn More

Maintaining a balanced diet is important for weight maintenance for people with polycythemia. A balanced diet aims to provide you with the right amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly while maintaining a healthy weight. Your doctor or dietitian can help you determine your individual needs. In general, a balanced diet includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from each of the food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods.

Maintaining a balanced diet is important for weight maintenance for people with polycythemia.
A balanced diet aims to provide you with the right amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals your body needs to function properly while maintaining a healthy weight.

Low-Sodium Diet

In addition to eating a balanced diet, you also need to watch your intake of sodium. Your increased blood volume also increases your risk of high blood pressure. Limiting your sodium intake can help you better manage your blood pressure. The first step in reducing your sodium intake is to stop adding salt to your food during cooking and at the table. Secondly, you should limit your intake of high-sodium processed foods, such as bacon, deli meat, sausage, frozen meals, salty chips and soup. Instead, include more fresh, whole foods prepared at home with salt-free seasonings.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, you also need to watch your intake of sodium.

Concerns About Iron

What Causes a Low Blood Count?

Learn More

If you undergo phlebotomy as your form of treatment for polycythemia, you may worry about iron deficiency. However, while your blood may be lower in iron than normal, people with polycythemia do not suffer from the typical signs of iron deficiency, according to an article published in the "Journal of the American Society of Hematology." In addition, inducing a chronic state of iron-deficiency can help people with polycythemia by decreasing blood production.