How to Follow Dietary Requirements for Anemia

Anemia is a far more common condition than most people think. While many have a genetic disposition for anemia, it is also common among pregnant women, as well as vegetarians. If you have been diagnosed with anemia or have risks for developing anemia, learning to follow the basic dietary requirements can help protect your health.

Things You'll Need

• Iron rich foods
• Iron supplements (only if prescribed by a doctor)
• Vitamin C supplements (1000 to 2000 mg daily)

Instructions

1. Eat lean red meats which are the greatest source for iron and the best way to quickly fulfill the dietary requirements of anemia. If you are an adamant vegetarian, your diet will be a bit more challenging; however, it is certainly possible.

2. Include lots of iron rich foods in your diet other than red meat, particularly if you are a vegetarian. Beets, pineapple, apricots, dark leafy vegetables and legumes are all great iron sources. If non-animal products are your only source of iron, consider speaking to a doctor about iron supplements. Because iron supplements are potentially toxic, always see a doctor about dosage information before self-medicating.

3. Take 1000 to 2000 mg of vitamin C each day. Not only does vitamin C help to remove toxins from the body and boost the immune system, two important factors for those with anemia, it also helps to increase the absorption of iron into the bloodstream. If you experience stomach upset after taking vitamin C, try splitting the dose up throughout the day and take before meals.

4. Limit your intake of caffeine, including coffee tea and energy drinks. Caffeine blocks the absorption of iron and can counterbalance your efforts to follow the requirements of an anemic diet. If you simply cannot live without your morning coffee or afternoon tea, make sure that you enjoy your caffeinated beverage within at least two hours of eating or taking iron supplements.