An Anemic's Diet

Did you know that Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder in the world? It can leave you feeling tired, decrease your ability to concentrate and lower your immune function. However, by following this special diet for patients who suffer from anemia, this can help to make things better!* :) This special diet has been certified and the needs of the anemia patients will be well taken care of.  

THE ANEMIA DIET:

Basically, an anemia diet is a diet that increases your intake of iron-rich foods to reverse your deficiency. This diet is a prerequisite for any anemic patients.

It is vital for you to include foods that are rich in Vitamin B and Vitamin C in your diet apart from most important ingredient iron. Some examples of iron-rich foods include animal proteins, such as beef and chicken, which is easily absorbed by your body. 

Plant-based foods, such as spinach and legumes, and vitamin C rich foods, such as tomatoes and peppers, will definitely help your body to enhance its absorption.

BREAKFAST:

A high-iron breakfast meal may include 1 cup of instant oatmeal with 4 tbsp. of raisins served with 1 cup of orange juice. 

The vitamin C in the orange juice will help improve your absorption.

LUNCH:

For lunch, on your anemia diet you can have a roast beef sandwich made with a few slices of lean roast beef deli meat on two slices of iron-enriched bread.  

Sides such as 1 cup of sliced strawberries, carrot sticks and a container of low-fat yogurt can be included too!

DINNER:

A healthy dinner meal with foods high in iron consists of roasted chicken breast with a medium baked potato with 1 tsp. of margarine, 1 cup of cooked lima beans and steamed broccoli. 

The vitamin C in the baked potato and broccoli will help increase your iron absorption.

OTHER RECOMMENDED FOOD CHOICES (14):

The fourteen food items listed below have been proven to be effective in combating anemia! They are easily affordable and will definitely help the anemia patients! :)

1. Spinach 

Spinach is a very popular leafy vegetable that helps in preventing anemia. It will help in improving the overall health of your body. 

It is found out that half a cup of boiled spinach contains 3.2 mg of iron and this accounts for about 20 percent of the iron requirement for a woman’s body.

2. Beetroot 

Beetroot is known to be very effective in fighting anemia as it is filled with iron. It will help in repairing and reactivating your red blood cells. Adding beet-root in any form in your daily diet will help to easily fight anemia.

3. Red Meat 

There is rich iron content in lamb, beef and other red meats. It is said that the beef liver has more than 600 percent of your daily requirements of iron.

4. Peanut Butter 

Peanut butter is a rich source of iron. Try to include peanut butter in your daily diet. If you do not like the taste of peanut butter, you can also think of eating a handful or roasted peanuts everyday to fight anemia.

5. Tomatoes 

Vitamin C is the main ingredient in tomatoes. Tomatoes also contains Vitamins E and hence help in natural conditioning of the hair and skin.

6. Eggs 

Eggs are a rich source of proteins and contain a lot of antioxidants that will help in stocking up vitamins in the body when you are suffering from anemia.

7. Pomegranates 

One of the popular fruits that contain a rich source of iron and Vitamin C is pomegranates. It helps in improving the blood flow in your body and is also very effective in treating anemic symptoms like weakness, dizziness, exhaustion and even loss of hearing.

8. Soy Beans 

Beans are a great source of iron and vitamins. Soybeans are considered to be the beans that contain high iron content.

9. Whole Grain Bread 

A slice of whole grain bread is said to contain about six percent of the daily iron required for the body.

10. Nuts 

Nuts are a great source of iron and will help you to easily boost the iron levels in your body.

11. Seafood 

Fish will also help in preventing anemia as it contains iron. Some of the popular fatty fishes like salmon, tuna as well as sea foods like mussels and oysters are rich in iron.

12. Honey 

Honey is very good for the entire body. It contains a good amount of iron.

13. Peaches, Prunes and Raisins 

Peaches, raisins and prunes are found to be a rich source of iron.


14. Apple And Dates 

Apple and dates are also known to help in boosting iron levels in the body.

I sincerely hope that all readers have gotten a better idea of the recommended food choices for anemic patients and will recommend these to their friends who need it! Do keep posted about the next post as it will be up very soon! :)

* The above food choices are recommended ones, however, your daily iron needs vary depending on your age and sex. Consult with your doctor to determine how much iron you should be eating each day on your anemia diet.