A person suffers from anemia when the body does not have an adequate amount of red blood cells. Anemia is typically caused due to blood loss, our body’s inability to produce enough RBC, and the destruction of RBCs. It can be of several types, of which the most common type is the one brought on by iron deficiency. The best anemia diet plan will have foods that treat anemia because these are essentially rich in vitamins and iron which enable RBC and hemoglobin production.

RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that is loaded with iron. When there is not enough iron, the body is unable to produce adequate hemoglobin that is needed for creating an adequate number of RBCs in order to supply oxygen-rich blood to various body parts. A deficiency of vitamin B12 and folate will also affect the body’s ability to create red blood cells. This is why one’s diet must include foods that are rich in iron, folate, and B vitamins so that it can produce enough hemoglobin.

Iron in foods can be either heme iron or non-heme iron. The former can be acquired from poultry, meat, and seafood while the latter is obtained from foods fortified with iron and plant foods. Dietary plans for anemia are usually customized and one will probably need to take supplements and prescription iron medication along with a proper diet until the levels are stable.

Leafy greens
These, especially those of the dark variety, are one of the best foods that treat anemia because they are excellent sources of non-heme iron. Examples are spinach, kale, Dandelion greens, Collard greens, Swiss chard, etc. The last two vegetables are also rich in folate. Diets that have low-folate may lead to folate-deficiency anemia and to avoid this it is important to take folate-rich foods like whole grains, beans, and citrus fruits. Eating leafy greens along with vitamin C-rich foods like red peppers, oranges, and strawberries can help iron absorption.

Liver
While many people are hesitant to eat organ meats, the liver can be probably the best source of iron; it is also rich in folate. Other organ meats that can help in anemia treatment are kidney, heart, and beef tongue.

Seafood
This offers a great source of heme iron; the best choices are clams, oysters, shrimps, etc. Most fish are excellent sources of iron too, like fresh salmon, haddock, halibut, perch, canned sardines in oil, etc. While both canned salmon and sardines may be beneficial for tackling iron deficiency, canned salmon is calcium-rich; calcium can bind with iron lowering its absorption. That is why foods that are super rich in calcium must not be eaten together with the iron-rich ones.

Fortified foods
Many foods have been fortified with iron; one may include these in their daily diet when they are unable to get iron from other dietary sources or if they are a vegetarian. Examples are fortified orange juice, ready-to-eat cereals, pasta, fortified oatmeal, and fortified white rice.

Beans
They are excellent sources of iron particularly for vegetarians; besides they are cheap and highly versatile. The best ones loaded with iron are chickpeas, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, soybeans, black beans, Pinto beans, lima beans, etc.