Anemia is a condition in which the blood becomes deficient in red blood cells (RBC) or the hemoglobin portion of red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein responsible for transporting oxygen in our blood. The molecule is composed of an iron atom bound to a heme group. When iron levels are low, this molecule cannot function properly. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in North America. It is often caused by lack of iron in the diet, diminished iron absorption, increased iron requirement, blood loss or a combination of factors. It is essential to understand the underlying cause of anemia to treat it properly.
Helpful Anemia Tips
Foods to Eat in Abundance
Red meat and organ meats
Blackstrap molasses
Vitamin C rich foods
e.g. citrus fruits, broccoli, leafy greens
Beans
e.g. kidney beans and pinto beans
Certain dried fruits
e.g. apricots, prunes, raisins
Foods to Limit
Tannins
e.g. tea, coffee, wine, grapes, barley
Foods high in oxalic acid
e.g. almonds, cashews, cocoa, kale, swiss chard
Gluten-containing foods
Foods high in polyphenols
e.g. cocoa, coffee, apples, walnuts
Dairy
Cook Time
5m
6h
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