Whether you think you may be anemic or have some signs, your first appointment should be a doctor, but there are things you can do on your own - that is, customize your diet for anemia.
It is critical to maintain that you eat enough iron-rich foods, particularly if you are at risk or have been diagnosed with anemia before. Just raising your dietary iron intake will help you better distribute oxygen in your blood to treat the problem.
Eggs
While being one of our favorite breakfast staples and salad toppers due to their naturally high iron levels, they do happen to be one of the best foods for anemia. For a light lunch, combine sautéed spinach and quinoa or make an iron-rich breakfast plate with eggs on top of whole-grain toast, ghee or grass-fed butter, and lightly roasted tomato.
Legumes
Legumes - particularly lentils - are good for anemia, as up to 3.3 milligrams of a half-cup dish, and about 20 percent of what your body needs for the day. In addition, they are also a major fiber source. It's worth noting that iron absorption can be affected by certain foods (e.g., tea and coffee). In other words, refrain from getting too much coffee. Or, if you have an eye on your iron intake, at least you can limit the liquid caffeine to one or two cups a day maximum.
Shellfish
Fish, the shelled variety, in particular, is one of the easiest ways to improve your diet if you are anemic. Experts recommend aiming for about three ounces at mealtime. A simple lemon squeeze can only optimize the benefits and absorption thereof. If you're not a shellfish fan, sardines are another great choice.
Seeds and Nuts
We know by now that nuts and seeds are among the most nutrient-dense foods we can snack on. And pumpkin (and pistachios!) seeds are wonderful, iron-rich options to keep next to your desk. As a matter of fact, only one ounce of pistachios can offer 6.1 percent of your daily value.
Dark Leafy Vegetables
The body can absorb 70 percent of iron (found in animal sources), while only around 30 percent of non-heme (found in plant sources) forms of iron can be used by the body. It is possible to absorb two types of iron: heme, best for the treatment of anemia, and non-heme.
Therefore, if you rely on non-heme, you will need to increase your serving sizes, because the body can eventually consume less of it. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach are a great source of non-heme.
