Foods that help blood

People with anemia should supplement foods rich in antioxidants such as tomatoes, pomegranates, spinach ., enhance whole grains, vitamin B.

Anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This is an enzyme that helps red blood cells function normally, generating energy by metabolizing carbohydrates, protecting red blood cells from oxidative stress when infected or drug-induced.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, MD, Department of Clinical Nutrition - National Institute of Nutrition, said G6PD deficiency is a genetic disease caused by recessive gene located on chromosome X. The world has 400 million people with this disease. , in which more men than women.

Patients with G6PD deficiency often have two main problems: hemolytic anemia and prolonged neonatal jaundice. Especially after birth, jaundice due to G6PD deficiency will cause many serious injuries such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and motor development.

People with anemia often experience shortness of breath or dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, chest tightness, headache . Most people do not consume enough iron or vitamin B12, along with folate, substances are essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Therefore, the diet for anemia should focus on the nutrients needed to prevent free radicals from damaging red blood cells.

"Choosing foods that are rich in antioxidants, high in fat and restricting refined carbohydrates can help minimize the risk for this disease," the doctor said.

Antioxidant foods like tomatoes, pomegranates, apples, oranges, grapes, dates, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, apricots, etc.In particular, pomegranates are rich in iron, calcium, fiber and Essential minerals like magnesium and copper. Eating pomegranate or drinking a glass of pomegranate juice regularly helps increase hemoglobin level, preventing anemia. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that can help fight anemia by being rich in vitamins, iron, fiber, calcium and beta-carotene. Tomatoes are the main component of vitamin C along with lycopene, which helps the body absorb iron better, preventing the risk of anemia.

Salad of tomatoes and pomegranates is suitable for those with anemia.(Image: Printerest)

In addition to antioxidant foods , anemic patients should increase the use of whole grains such as oats, millet, barley, and legumes. Whole grains are not only high in fiber but also contain iron and folic acid, providing good complex carbohydrates that help prevent anemia, limiting the risk of diabetes.

"Vitamin B should be supplemented from the diet as best," the doctor said. "A balanced diet, rich in B vitamins and folic acid should be encouraged . " B vitamins, such as vitamins B5, B8 and B12, play an important role in the metabolism of the body as well as the normal functioning of cells. Vitamin B is found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, cauliflower, mushrooms, especially in seafood and dairy products. Seafood is high in iron, especially effective for anemic patients.

Foods to avoid for anemia

According to Dr. Hung, anemic people should limit eating soy products, fava beans (broad beans). Limit blueberries, avoid energy drinks due to quinine, a contraindication in G6PD.

Avoid products that contain peppermint like chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash . Do not arbitrarily supplement vitamin K because it causes adverse reactions such as hemolytic anemia, only used when indicated doctor.

Dr. Hung also noted that anemia should not arbitrarily supplement iron without testing or doctor's recommendations.

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