Managing Anemia with Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty performing daily activities. While medical treatment is often necessary, diet and lifestyle changes can play an important role in managing symptoms and supporting overall health. Eating the right foods and making small adjustments to daily habits can help the body maintain better energy levels and improve red blood cell production.

How nutrition supports anemia management

A well-balanced diet provides essential nutrients that help the body produce red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B12, and folate are especially important for maintaining healthy oxygen levels. Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, the protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Iron comes in two forms: heme iron, found in animal products, and non-heme iron, which comes from plant-based foods. The body absorbs heme iron more easily, but pairing non-heme iron sources with foods rich in vitamin C can help improve absorption. Vitamin B12, another essential nutrient, is primarily found in animal-based foods, but fortified options and supplements can provide alternative sources. Folate is also important for red blood cell formation and is in leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits.

Further, eating enough protein is essential. Lean meats, eggs, and plant-based proteins help the body maintain healthy red blood cells. Likewise, staying hydrated supports circulation and allows oxygen to reach tissues more effectively.

Lifestyle habits that can make a difference

Along with appropriate nutrition, daily habits can influence how the body manages anemia. Physical activity, quality sleep, and stress levels all contribute to maintaining energy and supporting red blood cell production.

Physical activity does not have to involve high-impact workouts like kickboxing or sprinting five times a week. If patients incorporate regular movement and light exercises like walking and stretching in 15-minute intervals, they can improve circulation and help oxygen reach the muscles and tissues. People managing anemia may need to monitor their activity to avoid excessive fatigue, but incorporating the aforementioned exercises can help support overall health.

Sleep is just as important as physical activity. The body repairs and regenerates red blood cells during rest, so maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps reduce symptoms of anemia like fatigue and weakness. Moreover, chronic stress can also interfere with nutrient absorption and immune function. Managing stress through deep breathing, meditation, or spending time in a calming environment may help improve overall well-being.

Nutrient deficiencies and their impact on anemia

Sometimes, even a healthy diet is not enough to meet the body's nutritional needs. Certain medical conditions can make it difficult to properly absorb iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Blood tests can help identify deficiencies, and an oncologist may recommend appropriate dietary adjustments or supplements personalized for each patient.

In contrast, some foods interfere with nutrient absorption. High amounts of caffeine, calcium, or fiber may reduce the body's ability to absorb iron effectively. Taking iron-rich foods or supplements with vitamin C while avoiding calcium simultaneously may improve absorption.

When to seek medical guidance

Although dietary and lifestyle changes can help manage anemia, medical evaluation is important when symptoms persist. An oncologist can determine the cause of the condition and recommend appropriate treatments. If fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath continue despite making changes to nutrition, further testing may be necessary. Common tests include:

• Bone marrow biopsy. If anemia is severe or unexplained, the oncologist may perform this procedure to check for conditions such as aplastic anemia, leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
• Complete blood count {CBC). This is the most fundamental test for diagnosing anemia. It measures the hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and other blood components to assess the severity of anemia and overall blood health.
• Erythropoietin levels. This test measures the hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production, which may be reduced in cases of kidney disease-related anemia.
• Hemolysis tests. Tests such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), haptoglobin, and direct Coombs test help determine if red blood cells are being destroyed prematurely due to autoimmune disorders or other conditions.
• Inflammatory and chronic disease markers. Tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) assess inflammation levels, which contribute to chronic disease anemia in cancer patients.
• Iron studies. These tests evaluate iron levels, including serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation, to determine if iron deficiency anemia is present.

Note that this list is not exhaustive. However, it is a great place for oncologists to start when determining the exact type of anemia one has and personalize a treatment plan.

Receive a comprehensive to manage anemia

Combining proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits, and the help of an oncologist provides the most effective approach to managing anemia. Recognizing signs of nutrient deficiencies and seeking medical support when needed can further improve energy levels and overall well-being. If you are ready to receive a personalized approach to managing anemia, contact Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center and schedule an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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