Iron Deficiency Anemia

 

Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues.

Anemia



Signs and Symptoms


  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale Skin
  • Chest Pain, shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Inflammation of the Tongue
  • Brittle Nails

 

 Causes

  • Blood Loss
  • Lack of Iron in Diet
  • Inability to absorb Iron (Intestinal Problems like Celiac Disease)
  • Pregnancy (Lack of Iron Supplementation)

 

Risk Factors

  • Women (Menstruating Cycle)
  • Children and Infants (Low Birth Weight or Premature Birth)
  • Vegetarian (Do not consume meat and other Iron-Rich Diets)
  • Blood Donors

 

 Complications

  • Heart Problems
  • Problems during Pregnancy (Low Birth Weight and Premature Birth)
  • Growth Problems (Increased susceptibility to Infections)

 

 Diet Therapy

            To overcome iron deficiency anemia and to perform normal functioning of our heart and related organs, we have to choose iron-rich foods. So, foods rich in iron include;

  • Red Meat and Poultry
  • Seafood
  • Beans
  • Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Dried Fruits (Raisins and Apricot)
  • Iron-Fortified Cereals, Bread, and Pasta
  • Peas

 


Vitamin C Rich Foods

                     To increase iron absorption and provide more iron to the body, vitamin C-rich diets should be recommended, so that, the bioavailability of iron to the body increases.

  • Brocolli
  • Kiwi
  • Grapefruits
  • Tomato
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Onions
  • Guava
  • Strawberries


Meal Plans

Breakfast

Option 1

Unsweetened oatmeal made with sprouted oats topped with raspberries, hemp seeds, and cacao nibs. Enjoy with a glass of iron-fortified orange juice.

Option 2

Breakfast hash made with chickpeas, chicken sausage, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Tea and coffee inhibit iron absorption, and people should not drink them with meals.

 Lunch

Option 1

A bowl of beef chili, or a tuna burger, with a spinach salad.

Option 2

A bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and spinach.

Dinner

Option 1

Lamb chops with boiled potatoes, steamed broccoli, and curly kale.

Option 2

A stew that includes kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, tinned tomatoes, onions, red peppers, and garlic, topped with vegan or dairy-based cheese and a dollop of vegan or dairy-based yogurt.

Foods To Avoid

  • Tea and Coffee
  • Dairy Products
  • Foods containing oxalates, phytates