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Foods That Help With the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia causes the body to produce hard, crescent- or sickle-shaped red blood cells. These blood cells have a shorter lifespan than round blood cells, leading to anemia. Sickle-shaped red blood cells get trapped in blood vessels, obstructing blood flow. Sickle cell anemia sufferers feel pain and can experience organ damage. The U.S. National Library of Medicine website says approximately one in 12 African Americans have the sickle cell gene. Some foods help treat sickle cell anemia.

  1. Symptoms

    • A blood test screens newborn infants to see if they have sickle cell anemia traits, but signs of the disease usually don't show up until 4 months old. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia are linked to pain and anemia. These symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, headaches, cold hands and feet, pale skin and acute or chronic pain in the bones, lungs, abdomen and joints.

    Foods with Iron

    • Eat a balanced diet filled with iron-rich foods if you have sickle cell anemia. Foods in all major food groups contain iron. Sandra Luthringer, registered dietitian at The Regional Cancer Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, says high-protein foods such as red meat, liver, tuna fish, shellfish, egg yolks, beans and peas contain iron. Other foods include iron-fortified cereals, oatmeal, cream of wheat, leafy green vegetables, dried fruits, prune juice and molasses. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says folic acid in leafy greens helps the body produce more red blood cells.

    Vitamin-C Rich

    • Fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C, help with sickle cell anemia treatments because they assist in iron absorption. Luthringer says these foods include citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit, tomatoes and tomato juice, strawberries, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower. Take vitamin C supplements only if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, get the majority of your vitamins from your diet. The water content in these foods also decreases dehydration, a condition that causes pain in sickle cell anemia sufferers.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Some foods, even healthy foods, inhibit iron absorption and should be limited or avoided because they interfere with sickle cell anemia treatment. The fibers and phytates in whole-grain cereals and bread obstruct iron absorption. Calcium and phosphorus in dairy products limit iron absorption. Avoid or limit coffee or tea because they limit iron absorption and don't hydrate as well as water.

    Importance of Diet

    • A balanced diet helps people with sickle cell anemia manage their condition. According to Drs. Lewis Hsu and William Muller on DrSpock.com, a healthy diet helps children with sickle cell anemia avoid obesity, which can exacerbate the condition, and prevents illnesses. Sickle cell anemia sufferers have greater risks of developing heart disease, cancer, strokes and diabetes as they get older, and a healthy diet serves as a preventive measure.

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