Best Diet to Control Anaemia & Food to Avoid

what are the foods to eat and avoid by anaemia patient

Anaemia is a term used in medical terminology to refer to a condition where a person has low levels of red blood cells in his/her body. The red blood cells' job is to carry oxygen in the human body. When the number of red blood cells becomes too low in an individual's body, he or she will not get adequate oxygen in vital organs like the brain and lungs. Understanding which foods to include and which to limit helps address nutritional deficiencies and supports the body in maintaining adequate oxygen levels.

If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with anaemia recently, ensure that the person maintains a proper diet for anaemia treatment. A good diet, exercise, and medication will help keep the deficiency under control.

Team Digit

What is Anaemia?
Types of Anaemia
Foods to Include
Foods to Avoid
Factors to Consider
What are the Causes?
How to Treat?
Key Points to Remember
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a blood disorder in which a person does not have sufficient healthy RBC in their blood to deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. It may lead to tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Different forms can be noted, but iron deficiency is the most commonly encountered.

It can occur due to several conditions, such as a low intake of certain food substances, chronic illnesses, or blood loss. The affected persons may also feel lightheaded or have cold extremities. It may be diagnosed through blood tests, and treatment includes increased intake of these blood components or altering one’s diet.

What are the Different Types of Anaemia?

There are various kinds of anaemia, and each type has a different treatment. However, the only thing common in all these types of anaemia treatments is that they aim to increase the number of RBCs in an individual and the amount of oxygen in one's body. The various ways to reduce anaemia depending on each type of anaemia are stated below:

1. Iron Deficiency Anaemia

If an individual suffers from iron deficiency anaemia, then the physician will try to diagnose if the individual is suffering from any form of excessive internal bleeding. After that has been detected, the physician might suggest to the patient some iron supplements and medicines based on that individual's requirements. Another great way to solve iron deficiency anaemia is by adopting a healthy, iron-rich diet.

2. Vitamin Deficiency Anaemia

A doctor might suggest a patient take some Vitamin B12 supplements if an individual suffers from anaemia. This type of anaemia often arises from inadequate absorption of the vitamin or insufficient dietary intake. Supplements are prescribed to correct the deficiency and improve red blood cell production.

3. Anaemia Triggered Due Chronic Disease

In this case, the doctor's main aim is to control the underlying bleeding and treat the chronic disease. The treatment plan often includes medications and lifestyle changes to control the chronic disease. Managing symptoms and preventing complications are key aspects of the treatment.

4. Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is a more life-threatening kind of anaemia, and doctors may prescribe a drug, namely Hydroxyurea, which they use to treat patients with cancer. Regular medical care and monitoring are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing complications.

5. Thalassemia

Thalassemia is another life-threatening variant of anaemia. Physicians treat this with folic acid supplements and iron chelation. Whereas for some patients, the physicians may also prescribe certain patients with grave deficiency to get bone marrow transplants and blood transfusions.

6. Aplastic Anaemia

Doctors suggest that patients suffering from aplastic anaemia get a bone marrow transplant or a blood transfusion. Aplastic anaemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells. Fewer red blood cells cause haemoglobin to drop.

7. Hemolytic Anaemia

In this type of anaemia, the doctors usually prescribe immunosuppressant drugs to patients. Furthermore, they may suggest blood filter therapies like plasmapheresis and other treatments to cure infections. It is caused by a defect in the red blood itself and doesn’t function properly.

Best Food to Include in Diet for Anaemia Patients

According to medical experts, many individuals, especially women, children, and patients with long-term diseases, sometimes also suffer from anaemia. To combat the side effects of this deficiency, one should incorporate the following food items into his/her daily diet:

1. Meat and Poultry

All meat and poultry items are rich in iron, especially red meat. Therefore, if an anaemic individual eats red meats like lamb, chicken, goat meat, or duck meat combined with citrus fruits and leafy greens, the individual's body will be able to absorb the iron better. Moreover, incorporating meats into the daily diet is relatively easy.

If you are a person with iron deficiency, you can easily toss in some lean cuts of chicken into your salad or steamed rice with veggies, and you will get the daily requirement of iron.

2. Liver

eat liver daily or weekly during anaemia

Most people shy away from organ meat, but the liver is an excellent iron-rich food for anaemic patients. You can try eating both chicken and goat liver for your daily iron requirements. Other than being rich in iron, liver meats and other organ meats are also rich in folate.

Though many people try to stay away from organ meat, liver meat is both tasty and healthy in moderation. Cook it with some tomatoes, garlic and onion, and you wouldn't even notice that you are consuming organ meat.

3. Seafood

Seafood is a popular source of iron, and most fishes are also rich in omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids boost one’s heart health. According to some studies, fishes like mackerel, tuna, and haddock contain massive amounts of iron.

The omega-3 also strengthens the organs which do not receive much oxygen in an anaemic patient's body. So as an anaemic patient, you need to include seafood and fish like oysters, sardines, salmon and Mahi Mahi at least once or twice a week.

4. Eggs

Eggs are enriched with protein but contain a high amount of iron. They have low levels of saturated fats and contain Vitamin A, Vitamin D and choline, a nutrient that helps in the brain’s development.

Eggs are the most versatile food items on the planet. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. You can have them for breakfast, add them to your salad or in a sandwich.

5. Fruits & Vegetables

eat fruits and vegetables during anaemia diet

Patients suffering from iron deficiency anaemia are suggested to consume a lot of vegetables and fruits. Leafy greens, incredibly dark leafy greens, are enriched with nonheme iron. These green leafy vegetables include:

Collard greens
Kale
Spinach
Dandelion greens
Swiss chard

Other than these, some other fruits and vegetables are high in iron, such as:

Red and Yellow Bell Peppers
Lemon
Oranges
Key Lime
Water Cress
Strawberries
Beet Greens
Sweet Potatoes

6. Nuts & Seeds

Experts say that nuts and seeds are some of the most nutrient-dense foods that are easy to consume regularly. For instance, if an anaemic patient eats 28 gm of pistachios daily, the individual will quickly get 6.1% iron, which is the daily requirement for any average individual.

Trying incorporating nut seeds in your meals, such as:

Walnuts
Almonds
Cashew
Pistachio
Hemp seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Peanuts
Pine nuts
Hazelnuts

7. Beans and Pulses

Lentils, beans and legumes have been termed superfoods in the last few years. This means that this food group can provide humans with more than one type of nutrient.

An average Indian's diet will contain some dishes that will include the following pulses and legumes:

Black-eyed peas
Kidney beans
Red lentils
Lima beans
Chickpeas
Soya beans

According to known facts, half a cup of lentils contains around 3.3 mg of iron. This percentage of iron content will make up 20% of the requirement for an average human body.

8. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses contains various nutrients like iron, selenium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and calcium. This ingredient is excellent for anaemic patients suffering from severe iron deficiency.

Furthermore, the other vital nutrients present in this molasses will also strengthen the body of the person suffering from anaemia. One can drizzle Blackstrap molasses over his/her overnight oats or chia pudding or even use it as a honey substitute.

9. Fortified Food

Fortified foods are those food items where the manufacturer adds additional iron to the various food ingredients. Such foods include:

Fortified fruit juice
Fortified rice
Fortified readymade cereals
Fortified pasta

People who find it difficult to consume food items that naturally contain iron may eat these fortified foods for their daily intake. Furthermore, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you should also consider incorporating fortified food items in your meals.

10. Whole Grains

Fortified pasta and rice are good options for getting your adequate daily iron intake, but there are also natural sources of iron in grains. It would be best to try consuming whole grains because they are rich in iron. Some of these grains include:

Quinoa
Whole wheat
Teff
Kamut

Foods to Reduce Mouth Ulcers During Anaemia

Mouth ulcers are a common symptom of anaemia due to deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Below is a list of foods that can aid in reducing mouth ulcers associated with anaemia:

Food	Description
Yoghurt	Rich in probiotics and soothing to the mouth, yoghurt helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing.
Spinach	Packed with iron and folate, spinach helps address deficiencies that lead to mouth ulcers in anaemia.
Bananas	Soft and easy to eat, bananas provide essential vitamins like B6, which aid in healing mouth sores.
Eggs	High in vitamin B12, eggs support red blood cell production and help reduce anaemia-related ulcers.
Sweet Potatoes	Rich in vitamin A, sweet potatoes promote cell regeneration and help heal ulcers caused by anaemia.
Almonds	Almonds are a good source of iron and healthy fats that help fight nutritional deficiencies that lead to mouth ulcers.
Avocado	Loaded with healthy fats and vitamins, avocado soothes the mouth and aids in healing ulcers.
Citrus Fruits	Rich in vitamin C, citrus fruits boost iron absorption and improve immune function, aiding in ulcer recovery.
Chickpeas	High in iron and protein, chickpeas help improve haemoglobin levels and reduce the frequency of mouth ulcers.

Foods to Avoid for Anaemia Patients

foods to reduce and avoid by anaemia patient

Now that you know about all the food items an anaemia patient should consume, let's find out what foods they should avoid. Anaemic patients should avoid consuming certain food groups like:

1. Tannin Rich Foods

Tannin is a substance commonly found in ingredients like tea, coffee, grapes and corn. Aside from keeping you awake for an extended period, the tannin in these food items will prevent your body and blood vessels from absorbing the iron you consume correctly.

As a result, doctors and nutritionists often suggest that patients with severe anaemia avoid consuming tannin-rich foods.

2. Calcium Containing Foods

avoid eating more calcium containing foods during anaemia

Calcium is a necessary nutrient for humans as it strengthens the bones and joints. However, excess calcium in an anaemic person’s body will not do him/her any good. Besides preventing the proper absorption of iron, excess calcium also aggravates the symptoms of anaemia.

Thus, people suffering from anaemia should ultimately reduce the consumption of milk and other dairy products like yoghurt and cheese.

3. Foods With Gluten

avoid eating foods with gluten during anaemia

Even though physicians and nutritionists suggest that anaemic patients consume whole grains like oats and whole wheat, they should avoid consuming excess amounts of gluten. Moreover, many people are allergic to gluten.

When somebody with gluten allergy consumes food items that belong to this food category, their intestinal walls can be damaged. This will disrupt the iron absorption process in the body.

Try avoiding gluten-rich foods like wheat, flour, barley, etc. If you want to consume these every once in a while, opt for their whole grain variants as they contain iron.

4. Polyphenol Containing Foods

avoid taking polyphenol foods during anaemia

Polyphenols are known to prevent iron absorption in an individual's body. Food like apples, cocoa, coffee and spices contain polyphenols or phenolic compounds. This is why people suffering from anaemia should stop consuming such food items to avoid reducing their iron levels further.

5. Oxalic Rich Foods

avoid eating oxalic foods during anaemia

Oxalic acid is a component that completely disrupts the absorption of iron in one's body. Hence, people suffering from anaemia should avoid oxalic acid-rich foods. However, some of the foods that people commonly consume in their everyday lives are rich in oxalic acid, like chocolate and parsley.

6. Phytate Rich Foods

Phytate is a chemical that sticks to the iron in an individual’s digestive system. Thus, it stops the iron from getting absorbed in that human’s body. People with severe iron deficiency should avoid consuming foods with phytate.

So, if you have iron deficiency, avoid consuming foods like peas, sesame seeds and tofu that contain phytate.

7. Alcohol

avoid drinking too much alcohol during anaemia

People who do not suffer from anaemia have the chance of getting this disorder if they consume too much alcohol. Furthermore, people already suffering from anaemia will end up worsening his/her condition if he/she drinks alcohol.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause red blood cell abnormalities like it can decrease the production or force them to mature early. Moreover, consuming alcohol can also cause stomach ulcers which can disrupt iron absorption in the body.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Diet for Anaemia

If you or somebody you know is suffering from anaemia, then choosing a proper diet plan is extremely important. Below are a few factors that one should consider while choosing a diet for anaemia patients:

1. Health Problems

Besides suffering from anaemia, a person can suffer from other underlying health issues. For instance, a patient who has anaemia may be allergic to seafood items which are high in iron. This is why it is important to get a thorough check-up before starting a diet regime.

2. Budget

Some of the food items that are good for helping someone with anaemia can be very expensive. If you have anaemia but do not have the means to spend too much on food, then you should create a budget. This also stops you from stopping the diet regime midway.

3. Availability

Many food items that are good for anaemia may not always be available in local markets. This is why it is important to create a flexible diet plan. You should be able to swap a particular food item with something healthy in case of unavailability.

4. Nutritional Balance

A well-rounded diet must provide all essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. Ensure that your meals include a variety of food groups. Balance is critical to maintaining energy, promoting good health, and preventing deficiencies.

5. Calorie Requirements

It is vital to understand your daily calorie needs based on age, gender, activity level, and overall health. A diet too high in calories can lead to weight gain, while a deficit might cause fatigue. Choose foods that provide energy without exceeding your target calorie intake.

What are the Main Causes of Anaemia?

Individuals can suffer from anaemia for various reasons. It can be either a congenital or an acquired deficiency. As previously stated in this blog, this disease happens when the body cannot make adequate amounts of red blood cells. The other causes of anaemia include:

1. Lack of Iron in One’s Diet

If you eat iron-rich foods regularly, your body will also get iron. Foods for anaemia patients include the above-stated items. So, make sure to incorporate them into your daily diet. However, if you maintain an unhealthy diet of fast foods, soda and coffee, there will be a severe deficiency of iron in your body. Moreover, these foods disrupt the process of food absorption in your body.

2. Failure to Absorb Iron

Some people cannot absorb iron into their bodies even after regularly consuming iron-rich foods. This can happen due to several reasons like blood loss, certain diseases or the use of certain medications. This is because they also consume other foods that disrupt the absorption process. Moreover, they might be suffering from underlying diseases like stomach ulcers, which may act as inhibitors of iron absorption.

3. Pregnancy

During childbirth, women lose a lot of blood, which is why many women tend to get iron deficiency anaemia. This is why women are often prescribed iron supplements so that they do not develop iron deficiency during pregnancy. Furthermore, women are also prescribed iron supplements so that their babies do not end up developing congenital anaemia.

4. Excess Blood Loss

The red blood cells in an individual's blood contain iron and are responsible for carrying oxygen. So, if an individual loses extra blood during accidents or for any other reason, they have a high chance of getting diagnosed with anaemia. Blood loss can also occur in the form of internal bleeding caused due to medical conditions like hernia, ulcers and cancer. When an individual suffers from anaemia, the doctor immediately suggests they take iron supplements. These iron supplements are good if you want to increase the iron level in your blood within a short time.

5. Genetic Disorders

Genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, can cause anaemia due to defects in red blood cell production or structure. Sickle cell anaemia leads to the production of abnormally shaped red blood cells, which can cause blockages and pain. Thalassemia involves reduced or absent production of haemoglobin, leading to fragile red blood cells.

However, to get the long-term effect, you must maintain a proper diet for anaemia. Furthermore, if you maintain a good diet with iron and vitamin-rich foods, there is a high probability that you will not suffer from anaemia.

How to Treat Anaemia?

Some other treatments include pain relief medications, oxygen therapy, antibiotics, intravenous fluids and blood transfusions. Other than this, they may also prescribe patients to take folic acid supplements.

Increasing iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, and lentils can boost iron levels. Vitamin B12 and folate are also essential for red blood cell production. Iron supplements or infusions may be recommended for severe cases.

Treating underlying conditions like chronic disease or blood loss is necessary in certain instances. Regular blood tests help monitor progress, and a healthcare provider can guide the best treatment plan.

What are the Key Points to Remember?

Below are a few key points that every anaemia patient should remember:

Older people who are over the age of 65 tend to suffer more from anaemia.
Many a time, it has been seen that people who have anaemia in their family history suffer from anaemia.
Diseases like kidney failure and cancer can also lead to anaemia.
Both menstruation and menopause can drastically reduce RBCs in one’s body, leading to anaemia.
Drinking plenty of water supports overall health and prevents complications associated with anaemia.
Caffeine can inhibit iron absorption, so reduce the intake of these beverages, especially around mealtime.
Gentle physical activity can improve circulation but avoid overexertion, which can worsen symptoms.

Understanding their dietary needs and making necessary lifestyle adjustments can help individuals support their recovery and maintain adequate oxygen levels. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for personalized care and effective anemia management. Regular medical evaluations and appropriate treatments are also essential to controlling symptoms.

FAQs about Diet for Anaemia

All

Can anaemia affect my appetite?

A hormone in the human body called the ghrelin hormone is one of the major factors that regulate an individual's hormone. Moreover, if an individual suffers from iron deficiency anaemia, this individual may have a decreased appetite.

What level of anaemia is considered severe?

Usually, a man’s haemoglobin level should be between 14 to 17.5 g/dl. The normal range for women ranges from 12.3 g/dl to 17.5 g/dl. For men, a haemoglobin level below 13.5 g/dl is severe low, while a haemoglobin level below 12 g/dl is severely low for women.

What foods are high in iron?

Leafy greens, red meat, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of iron that can help increase red blood cell production and prevent iron deficiency anaemia.

Can a vegetarian diet cause anaemia?

Yes, if it lacks iron-rich plant foods and vitamin B12. However, including beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified foods can prevent anaemia in vegetarians.

What foods should I avoid with anaemia?

Avoid foods that inhibit iron absorption, like coffee, tea, and high-calcium products. These can reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron from meals.

Is red meat good for anaemia?

Yes, red meat is rich in heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. It’s one of the best dietary sources for preventing and treating anaemia.

Are eggs beneficial for anaemia?

Yes, eggs contain a small amount of iron and protein, which helps in supporting overall health. Eating eggs with vitamin C-rich foods can aid in iron absorption.

Can I get enough iron from plant-based foods?

Yes, plant-based foods like spinach, lentils, and tofu contain non-heme iron. Pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods improves iron absorption from these sources.

What fruits are good for anaemia?

Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and guavas, aid in iron absorption. Dried fruits like apricots and raisins also contain iron.

Does cooking in iron cookware help with anaemia?

Yes, cooking in cast iron pots can slightly increase the iron content of your food, especially when cooking acidic foods like tomatoes.

What are some iron-rich snacks for anaemia?

Snacks like almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruits, and hummus made from chickpeas provide iron and can support healthy red blood cell levels.

How much iron should I consume daily for anaemia?

The recommended daily intake varies by age and gender, but generally, women need about 18 mg and men 8 mg of iron per day for optimal health.

Can I take iron supplements with food?

Yes, taking iron supplements with food can reduce stomach upset, but avoid taking them with dairy or caffeine, which can block iron absorption.

Does alcohol affect anaemia?

Excessive alcohol consumption can inhibit red blood cell production and impair iron absorption, worsening anaemia. It's best to limit alcohol intake if you have anaemia.