Not only eating blood-boosting foods, people with anemia must also adhere to certain dietary restrictions that inhibit iron absorption. So, what are the dietary restrictions for people with anemia? Check out the full explanation below.
Foods to avoid for anemia sufferers
If you have anemia, you must avoid foods with certain ingredients and must follow a special diet so that this disease does not get worse.
The following are dietary restrictions for people with anemia, including:
1. Calcium
One of the main causes of anemia is iron deficiency. People with anemia are advised not to eat foods that contain lots of calcium.
This is because calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron in the body, making the condition worse. Foods that contain calcium include:
- Milk.
- Dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream.
- Nuts.
- Banana.
2. Tannins
Tannins or tannic acid are naturally occurring substances found in plants. Although beneficial for maintaining health, this compound should be avoided by people with anemia.
Iron absorption usually occurs in the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine. However, tannin compounds can bind to iron molecules and interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. Because of this disorder, iron cannot be fully absorbed by the body.
Here are some dietary restrictions for people with anemia, including:
- Give.
- Grape
- Pomegranate
- Corn.
- Sorghum.
- Nuts.
- Legumes.
- Coffee.
- Tea.
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3. Gluten
Certain foods with high gluten content are one of the dietary restrictions for people with anemia. Gluten can damage the intestinal wall and inhibit the absorption of iron and folic acid needed to produce red blood cells.
In people with Celiac disease, folic acid and iron are not fully absorbed by the body because gluten can damage the small intestine. As a result, impaired absorption of these nutrients can lead to anemia.
Here are some foods that contain gluten, including:
- Pasta.
- Cereals.
- Bread.
- Cake.
- Barley.
- Rye (rye).
- Oats.
4. Phytate
Phytate or phytic acid is an antioxidant compound that can be found in fiber-rich foods. This compound can bind iron in food. About 5-10 milligrams of phytate can interfere with iron absorption by up to 50%.
Despite being one of the dietary restrictions for people with anemia, soaking food containing phytate before cooking can eliminate or reduce the binding properties of iron.
Some of the most popular foods that contain phytate include:
- White rice.
- Brown rice.
- White flour.
- Whole wheat.
- Legumes.
- Nuts.
5. Oxalic acid
In some cases, foods containing oxalic acid are known to interfere with iron absorption. Therefore, people with anemia are recommended to avoid it, especially when undergoing treatment to treat anemia.
Foods that contain oxalic acid include:
- Peanuts.
- Spinach.
- Parsley.
- Oregano.
- Basil.
- Water spinach.
- Bits.
- Nuts
- Chocolate.
- Strawberry.
Consumption of tea in large quantities close to mealtimes can cause the body not to get enough iron from food. This is because tea contains oxalic acid.
6. Polyphenols
Polyphenols or phenolics are substances that can also significantly inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. This substance is an antioxidant that helps eliminate free-floating cells that damage the body.
According to Iron Disorders Institute, Cocoa is a chocolate ingredient that can inhibit 90 percent of iron absorption in the body, while 1 cup of coffee can prevent iron absorption by 60 percent.
Other dietary restrictions include:
- Apple.
- Herbs and spices.
- Peppermint.
- Some herbal teas.
- Walnut.
- Blackberry.
- Raspberries.
- Blueberries.
7. Resveratrol
Resveratrol has the same iron-inhibiting effect that polyphenols do when taken with iron-rich foods.
When taken either as a supplement or in food, resveratrol may reduce the absorption of iron from food. This makes it have the same effect as other iron blockers; such as phytate, calcium, and polyphenols.
Some foods that contain resveratrol include:
- Red wine.
- Peanut butter.
- Dark chocolate.
- Blueberries.
8. Zinc
Zinc and iron interact competitively during intestinal absorption. Excess iron can inhibit the absorption of zinc and excess zinc inhibits the absorption of iron.
This is because zinc is an essential mineral that the body needs to help absorb folic acid. Consuming excess zinc can cause a decrease in folic acid levels in the body. Meeting folate intake is important to prevent anemia due to folate deficiency
Some foods that contain zinc, including:
- Egg.
- Meat.
- Heart.
- Oyster.
- Nuts.
9. Caffeine
For healthy people, caffeine has no effect on iron absorption. However, for someone who is iron deficient, you should avoid it or not consume tea with meals.
The following are drinks and foods that also contain caffeine, including:
- Energy drinks.
- Soft drink
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Sunflower seed.
Well, that’s a list of foods to avoid for anemia that is important for you to know. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!
