Food and Nutrition - Anemia - Iron Deficiency

Anemia can result from a variety of deficiencies. For example, you may be deficient in iron, Vitamin B-12 or folic acid. Once you know, what you are deficient, then you can consume food that is rich in that nutrient. Hence, the first thing you need to do is to determine the cause of your anemia.

You can use HolisticOnLine Nutrition site to determine the foods and vegetables to consume to assure the proper nutrition intake. For example, green leafy vegetables are a good source of iron. Salmon and mackerel are good sources of Vitamin B-12. Black eyed peas, beans, and lentils are good sources of foliate.

It is a good idea to include the following in your diet if you suspect you are suffering from anemia: apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, egg yolks (Avoid if you have cardiovascular disease or have high cholesterol problem), kelp, leafy greens, okra, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, purple grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains, and yams. It is a very good idea to eat food high in Vitamin C to improve the absorption of iron by your body.

Avoid foods high in Oxalic acid from your diet. Oxalic acid interferes with iron absorption. Foods such as almonds, cashews, chocolate, kale, rhubarb, sorrel, spinach, Swiss chard and most nuts and beans are high in oxalic acid.

Avoid foods that interfere with the iron absorption. Examples of foods to avoid are: beer, candy bars, dairy products, ice cream, soft drinks, coffee and tea.

Take a tablespoonful of blackstrap molasses twice daily. Molasses is a good source of iron and essential B vitamins. For children, mix the molasses in a glass of milk or in their formula.

Do not take calcium, vitamin E, zinc, or antacids at the same time as iron supplements. These interferes with the iron absorption.

WARNING: Iron is extremely toxic in large quantities. Excessive use of supplements can lead to iron overload, possibly resulting in abdominal pain, nutritional imbalances, digestive problems, or even in death, especially in children. Supplements pose a particular threat to people with the inherited disorder hemochromatosis. Consult a qualified physician before you start any treatment involving iron supplements.