Nutrition for anemia. What is possible and what is not?

Doctors divide anemia into several types: hemolytic, iron deficiency, megaloblastic, aplastic, chronic, etc. In most cases (over 90%), the diagnosis reveals iron deficiency anemia. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, patients have prescribed medications and a special diet is recommended.

The causes of anemia are most often genetics, diseases of the internal organs, injuries, or an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, at risk are people who have lost a lot of blood due to injuries or operations. Anemia often affects women with heavy menstruation. The cause of anemia can be gastritis, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, and cancer.

Improper nutrition, unbalanced diets, and vitamin deficiencies are also the cause of a drop in hemoglobin levels. For example, iron, folic acid, and vitamins C and B directly affect the formation of red blood cells. Their lack of diet in children and adults leads to the development of anemia. Therefore, the role of proper nutrition is very important in the treatment and prevention of the disease. Next, we will tell you what foods are needed to prevent the risk of anemia.

What foods and vitamins are useful in the treatment and prevention of anemia

The basic principles of compiling a menu for iron deficiency anemia:

• calorie control;
• reduction in the proportion of fats and carbohydrates;
• maintaining the balance of iron and vitamins.

The first rule: foods rich in proteins must be present in the diet, as they contribute to better absorption of iron. Fats and carbohydrates are “useless” for patients with anemia, their proportions in the diet should not exceed the norm. There are no serious restrictions, but a reasonable approach is welcome. For example, sugar should be replaced with honey, and desserts from berries and fruits should be preferred to sweet pastries.

Another rule that patients with anemia should follow is not to neglect liquid meals. Soups, broths, and sauces stimulate the secretion of the stomach, which contributes to better absorption of nutrients.

The third rule concerns fluid intake. It is best to drink ferruginous mineral waters, carbonated or still. But it is better to exclude sweet soda from the menu, replacing it with rosehip broth or dried fruit compote. Useful juices from pomegranate, cranberries, apples, and citrus fruits.

The correct diet for anemia is a set of dishes from foods rich in proteins and iron:

• liver and rabbit meat, turkey, chicken;
• lamb, veal;
• eggs;
• buckwheat, oatmeal, millet, barley;
• sea ​​fish and seafood;
• berries (blueberries, raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries, grapes);
• fruits (apples, peaches, plums, bananas, quince)
• wholemeal bread;
• greens and vegetables (beets, carrots, tomatoes, zucchini).

Nutritionists recommend combining protein foods and "vitamin" foods: the therapeutic effect of such nutrition is achieved faster. To maintain vitamin balance, patients with anemia should regularly consume:

• berries and fruits rich in vitamin C (sea buckthorn, blackcurrant, citrus fruits, apricots, strawberries);
• milk with honey to restore vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the body;
• nuts ( almonds, peanuts ), citrus fruits, greens, and other foods containing folic acid.

Unwanted Products

Consider what products should be excluded from the menu. These include ingredients that interfere with iron absorption:

• fats, lard, margarine;
• fatty meat, sausages, smoked meats;
• pickles and brines;
• coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, strong alcohol;
• flour products.

Diet recommendations

How to make a menu for an anemia patient in order to get the maximum benefit and enjoy the taste? Nutritionists advise dividing the daily diet into 5 meals. To build a daily menu, use our tips:

• breakfast is not to be missed. Please yourself and homemade crumbly buckwheat porridge, chicken liver, and vegetable salads. Cranberry juice or compote from berries are perfect as drinks;
• for a snack in the office, take apples, nuts, dried fruits, or a boiled egg;
• for lunch, prepare soup or broth and a meat dish: chicken fillet with vegetables, stewed lamb, or boiled veal. Dessert can be a fruit salad;
• low-fat cottage cheese with honey - a great option for a light afternoon snack;
• dinner should be low-calorie and healthy. We recommend baked fish, this dish perfectly complements a salad of fresh tomatoes and herbs.

When compiling a menu for every day, control the ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Combine meals in such a way that the body is guaranteed to receive iron, folic acid, and vitamins C, and B. When

forming a diet with a predominance of protein foods, do not forget about fiber: cabbage, celery, carrots, beets, tomatoes, and greens will help the gastrointestinal tract, cleanse the body and ensure excellent absorption of nutrients.

Recipes to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood

People with anemia need to control their level of hemoglobin: for women, its range is from 120 to 145 g / mol, and for men from 130 to 160 g / mol. A general blood test will give a clear picture of the patient's current condition. The appearance and well-being will tell about the decrease in the rate of red blood cells in the blood. The first signs of anemia: are skin turning pale, nails exfoliating, hair falling out, and fatigue increasing.

If you need to quickly increase your hemoglobin level, give up bad habits, increase the time you walk in the fresh air, and reorganize your diet according to the principles of a healthy diet.

Products that help to quickly restore the rate of red blood cells in the body:

• pomegranate juice;
• beef liver and lean red meat;
• Red caviar;
• fresh fruits (apples, persimmons);
• beets, greens.

Folk remedies can also be used to treat anemia. Here are some recipes:

• finely chopped dried apricots, walnuts, prunes, and raisins. The resulting mass is mixed with honey and taken on an empty stomach;
• mix 100 grams of beet and carrot juice, drink in the morning on an empty stomach;
• steam buckwheat, and add natural honey to the mixture. Take in the morning 1-2 tbsp. spoons.

In order to quickly raise hemoglobin in children, we recommend using tasty and healthy meals;

• prepare fruit drinks from dried or fresh cranberries;
• add blackcurrant and cranberry puree to the usual yogurt;
• prepare an unusual dessert from apples that your child will like: stuff fruits with currant and sea buckthorn berries, bake in the oven;
• mix chopped nuts and dried apricots with honey, to form bars from the resulting mass for a healthy snack.

As you can see, it is not at all difficult to increase the level of hemoglobin at home. The key to success is the right menu, the rejection of junk food, healthy sleep, and physical activity.