Iron deficient anemia is one of the most common types of anemia characterized by the lack of healthy red blood cells. As a result, the blood is prevented from carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues. In most cases, this type of anemia is quite mild and goes unnoticed. However, once the condition worsens, there are certain symptoms of iron deficient anemia that should not be ignored. The most common are weakness, chronic fatigue, brittle nails, cold feet and hands, pale skin, chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
To reduce these symptoms, it is important to maintain a certain diet, and here is the list of foods to avoid if you suffer from this type of anemia:
1. Tannins
The foods like seeds, plants, leaves, fruit skins, and wood contain an element known as tannin – a naturally occurring compound. Scientifically tannins are called polyphenols. Tannins bind iron molecules and do not let the body absorb iron completely. The products containing tannins are coffee, tea, fruit juices, nuts, legumes, berries, some spices and herbs.
2. Gluten
The products with gluten should be avoided as they worsen the symptoms of iron deficient anemia. Gluten damages the intestinal wall and prevents folic acid and iron absorption. Gluten is found in barley, wheat, couscous, bulgur, semolina, farina, pasta, rye, and others.
3. Phytates
These elements, also known as phytic acid, bind with the iron in the digestive tract and affect the process of iron absorption. High-phytate foods that should be avoided are seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains.
4. Calcium-containing foods
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are able to inhibit iron absorption and worsen anemia. Also, some researches prove the fact that people, especially teenagers, can develop iron deficiency anemia if they consume too many dairy products and do not add to their diet foods rich in iron.
5. Polyphenols
Polyphenols, that can be found in some fruits and vegetables, are not good for people with anemia. It was found out by Penn State nutritional scientists that consumption of certain polyphenols decrease the level of iron in the blood and can significantly worsen the condition of iron deficiency. The foods highest in polyphenols are berries, apples, apricots, grapes, cherries, grapefruit, cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and beans.
6. Oxalic acid foods
Some foods containing oxalic acid are able to interfere with iron absorption. These foods include spinach, parsley, all types of chocolate, and peanuts. People living with iron deficient anemia should consume these foods in limited quantities or even eliminate them from their diet completely while on treatment.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol has a negative impact on the red blood cell production and can also cause dysfunction of the red cells. Moreover, alcohol also affects the process of the body’s absorption of nutrients from food. Hence, people with anemia should avoid drinking alcohol of any type.
