How Can I Prevent Anemia?

Do you eat a lot of iron-rich food, such as tofu, green and leafy vegetables, lean red meat, lentils, beans and grains, and iron-fortified breads?

Do you avoid drinking tea or coffee during meals?

Do you get enough vitamin B12 and folic acid in your diet (beef, liver, chicken, fish, clams, fortified breakfast cereal, low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, eggs, leafy green vegetables, oranges, and beans)?

Do you drink enough water to stay hydrated (about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men, and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women)?

Do you know how to cook food so that the loss of vitamins is minimal (e.g. chopping vegetables after washing, adding a very small amount of ulcers and shortening the cooking time)?

Do you consume fortified food?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways to prevent anemia. Anemia is a common disorder that affects about 3 million Americans. Some types of anemia are inherited and cannot be prevented. However, anemia caused by a lack of vitamins and minerals can be prevented by eating properly. Anemia is most often caused by a lack of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, beans, peas and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of iron. Be sure to include foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, peppers, melons, strawberries) in your diet, because vitamin C will increase the absorption of iron.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent anemia. There are several types of anemia, and each type is characterized by an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells Common types of anemia can be prevented by eating foods rich in iron. Your body absorbs iron better from meat than from vegetables, so if you are a vegetarian, check with your doctor if you are getting enough iron. If you are not sure that you can get enough vitamins through food, you can always consult a doctor about taking dietary supplements. Some studies have shown that regular water intake contributes to increased hemoglobin levels.