7 Must-Have Food Items for Management of Thalassemia

The blood flowing in our body is sustaining life. The flow of blood carries out several functions that important to human life. From circulating oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cell, removing waste to regulating the body temperature, all these processes are sustaining due to the presence of blood in the human body. Considering blood as an essential component, any damage to it which eventually hampers its functioning would cause severe blood disorders. Thalassemia is one such inherited blood disorder in which the body isn’t able to produce enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an essential protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Thalassemia minor is a less serious condition. On the other hand, if this disorder leads to the massive destruction of red blood cells, then the condition would worsen and result in anemia. Anemia is a serious condition in which your body doesn’t have normal and healthy red blood cells.

Being an inherited blood disorder, it can be passed on to the child by the parents. It is caused by mutations in a gene that carries hemoglobin. There are two types of proteins: alpha-globin and beta-globin. The production of either of these proteins is reduced which would cause alpha thalassemia or beta-thalassemia. Symptoms of this disorder include dark urine, fatigue, paleness, slow growth and weakness.

Thalassemia can be cured by blood transfusions and chelation therapy. Along with other treatments, maintaining a healthy diet can also help in curing thalassemia. Iron-rich foods should be avoided if you are a thalassemia patient. Food items such as oysters, pork, green leafy vegetables, beef, and tofu are all rich sources of iron and shouldn’t be consumed.

Here are 7 food items for you to manage thalassemia:

• Food rich in calcium
• Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and butter
• Food rich in zinc
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Herbs

Footnote
Even though thalassemia is a serious blood disorder, with the right medications and treatment, it is possible to cure thalassemia. Consuming the right diet acts as a catalyst in the healing process. Remember to avoid iron-rich foods. Discuss with your doctor and design a diet that suits your requirements.