CORRECTING ANEMIA THROUGH DIET

Mr Jejeloye had been feeling weak and tired for quite a couple of days. Sometimes, he feels dizzy and lightheaded after walking a short distance. He found it difficult to engage in activities he once engaged in effortlessly. He decided to take a day off work to rest, thinking it was work-stress. He switched off all his mobile phones and instructed his wife and children not to disturb him. After resting for a whole day, he felt rejuvenated and strong.

'I just needed to rest' he thought to himself.

Few days later, the symptoms came back, albeit, they were stronger this time. He almost passed out at work and he was rushed home.

'Daddy Stella, with these symptoms you are experiencing, I think it is high time you visited the hospital. I don't want to become a widow o' His wife mentioned to him as soon as she came back from work and saw him lying on their bed. He nodded his head in approval. He was too tired to talk.

The following morning, his wife took him to the hospital.

'Mr Jejeloye, with all the tests we carried out on you, we discovered that you have anemia, insufficient red blood cell. However, there's nothing to worry about as this condition can be corrected with diet asides from medications. We have a trusted health and lifestyle coach in our healthcare facility who will guide you through the process of modifying your diet to correct the anemia. Here is her contact' The doctor placed a small business card in Mrs Jejeloye's outstretched hands.

'Thank you doctor'. 

Anemia is a condition caused by insufficient red blood cells in the body. Red blood cell is a component of the blood that helps in transporting oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.   Anemia is characterized by  feelings of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and paleness. The causes of anemia include:  iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other underlying health issues such as excessive loss of blood. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet is one of the effective ways of correcting anemia. By incorporating specific foods into your daily meals, you can help increase your body's red blood cell production and improve your overall health.

1. Eat food rich in iron: One of the most common causes of anemia is iron deficiency, so it is important to consume foods that are rich in iron. Foods such as lean red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are all excellent sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Plant-based sources of iron include lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Additionally, combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can help enhance the body's absorption of iron.

2. Eat food rich in vitamin B12:  Another nutrient essential for red blood cell production is vitamin B12, which is commonly found in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. For individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it's important to consume fortified foods or supplements to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin B12. Some examples of fortified foods include plant-based milk, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast.

3. Eat food that are high in  folate and vitamin A: Asides from food rich in iron and vitamin B12, foods rich in folate and vitamin A also play a crucial role in correcting anemia. Foods that are high in folate include dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, avocados, and citrus fruits. Vitamin A can be found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and bell peppers.

4. Avoid taking tea or coffee with meals: Taking tea or coffee with meals interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. Iron is an essential element required in the production of red blood cell. Poor absorption of iron by the body will affect the production of red blood cell, thereby causing anemia.

Adopting a nutrient-rich diet can certainly play a significant role in improving red blood cell production and overall health. With the right diet, anemia can be corrected.

NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.