Dietary Requirements for Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a disease inherited usually by those of African or Hispanic descent. With this disease, red blood cells are not round, but they are shaped like sickles, making them harder to pass through the veins and arteries, thus keeping the blood from necessarily flowing to all the parts of the body and oxygenating the body properly. There is no way to cure this disease, but certain steps can be taken to help.
There really are no special dietary requirements for this disease, but again, there are certain things associated with diet that you can do to prevent problems and stay healthy.

Fluids

It is crucial, if you have sickle cell anemia, to get plenty of water to drink. Water will actually help the blood to not be so thick, thereby possibly keeping the red blood cells from sickling. You should get at least the normal amount of eight glasses a day, but when the weather is hot out, you will probably need more in order to stay completely hydrated. If you become dehydrated, you are setting yourself up for a sickle cell crises.

Supplements

It is very important for someone with sickle cell anemia to also get extra folic acid on a daily basis, whether through a supplement or foods that are rich in it. Your doctor will prescribe the right amount for you. If you want to get this nutrient in your diet, you can eat more green, leafy vegetables like spinach, fruit, grains or nuts. This will aid in the production of red blood cells.

Caloric Intake

If you have sickle cell anemia, you will probably need more calories in your diet. This is especially important for children with the disease. The excess calories will help the body to be able to produce more red blood cells. If a child does not receive enough calories, it could hinder his growth.

You can get these extra calories in creative, healthy ways. These calories need to come from healthier snacks and foods, not cakes, cookies and candy. Healthy snacks might include string cheese or other dairy products, peanut butter, nuts and lots of fruits and veggies.

Fiber

If you experience constipation, you may need more fiber in your diet. You can get more fiber from grains and nuts, whole grain breads, fruits and veggies. Juice is also another great way to add fiber to your diet.

Considerations

There are other dietary considerations being proposed or studies, such as the effect of Omega fish oils in the diet and other supplements. Dr. Oji Agbai, proposes, in his book, "Sickle Cell Anemia: A Solution At Last," that Vitamin B-12 is necessary for patients, as well as an African diet, to help relieve their symptoms. Foods rich in thiocynate, such as yams, cassava, buckwheat, cabbage, carrots and lima beans, are highly recommended.

A mother, by the name of Maureen Henry, who has used Dr. Agbai's dietary recommendations for her own son, has found that her son has done very well on the diet and has had no problems with maintaining his growth, since being placed on this diet. She has also used supplements, such as prickly ash bark tea and even thiocynate, since the recommended amount per day is 500 to 1000mg. He also has not experienced the usual crises, since consuming the thiocynate and the tea. The traditional treatment calls for no dietary requirements, but as with any disease, there are recommendations out there concerning nutrition.

References

• Mayo Clinic for more about sickle cell anemia

Resources

• Dr. Spock
• Recipes for natural health