Iron Deficiency Anemia (AVOID This!) 2023

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of iron deficiency anemia, including:

• Being a woman: Women are more likely to be iron deficient than men, especially during pregnancy and menstruation.
• Being a child: Children need a lot of iron to grow and develop.
• Having a chronic illness: Some chronic illnesses, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, can increase your risk of iron deficiency anemia.
• Being vegetarian or vegan: People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may not get enough iron from their diet.
• Losing blood: If you’re bleeding internally or have a blood disorder, you may be more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia.

If you have iron deficiency anemia, there are a number of things you can do to manage your condition, including:

• Eating a healthy diet: There are a number of foods that are good sources of iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.
• Taking iron supplements: If you’re not able to get enough iron from your diet, you may need to take iron supplements.
• Getting regular blood tests: Your doctor will want to monitor your iron levels to make sure that your treatment is effective.

There are a few things that you should avoid if you have iron deficiency anemia, as they can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb iron. These include:

• Tea and coffee: Tannins in tea and coffee can block the absorption of iron.
• Milk and dairy products: Calcium in milk and dairy products can also block the absorption of iron.
• Foods that contain phytates: Phytates are found in a variety of foods, including beans, lentils, whole grains, and nuts. They can bind to iron and prevent it from being absorbed.
• Foods that contain oxalic acid: Oxalic acid is found in a variety of foods, including spinach, rhubarb, and chocolate. It can also bind to iron and prevent it from being absorbed.

If you have iron deficiency anemia, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition. They can help you create a treatment plan that’s right for you and make sure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.