Anemia is common medical condition but then there are hundreds of types of anemia. Some of the commonest ones include iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B-12 anemia (pernicious anemia), thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Most people consider that anemia results due to poor nutritional intake and it can be corrected or prevented by taking a healthy diet and supplements. But every type of anemia cannot be prevented by just healthy diet and supplements. Read to know how you can prevent anemia.
Choose a healthy diet: Although all the types of anemia can't be prevented with a healthy diet the most common types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia can be prevented by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and nutrients. Include foods in your diet which are rich in iron, and vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin C).
- Foods rich in rich are beef and other meats, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables and dried fruit.
- Folic acid rich food include citrus fruits and juices, bananas, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and fortified breads, cereals and pasta.
- Good source of Vitamin B-12 are meat and dairy products, and some cereals and soy products, such as soy milk.
- Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, melons and berries, help increase iron absorption.
- Genetic counseling: If you have a family history of anemia, go for genetic counseling. Your doctor or a genetic counselor can assess the risk of transmission of inherited anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia to your children.