Diet Plan For Anemic Patient

 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.

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