Are there any foods to avoid when the Hb is low in pregnant women (anemia)?
The cause of anemia or low Hb (hemoglobin or red blood cells) in pregnant women is usually due to nutritional deficiencies.
If left untreated, it can have bad consequences not only for the mother, but also for the fetus in her womb.
To overcome or prevent this, there are several things that can be done.
One of them is by paying attention to the foods that can and cannot be consumed.
The following are foods that should be avoided when Hb is low in pregnant women.
7 Foods to Avoid When Pregnant Women Have Low Hb
If you are pregnant and suffer from anemia, be careful with the following 7 types of food.
These are the foods to avoid when Hb is low in pregnant women, according to the pagePharmeasy.
1. Avoid Tannins
Tannins are natural substances that come from plants, such as tea and coffee.
Tannins are also found in fruits such as berries, grapes, corn, sorghum, pomegranates, nuts, and some spices.
Iron absorption occurs mainly in the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine.
These substances then bind to iron molecules and interfere with the absorption of iron in the body.
As a result of this disorder, iron is not fully absorbed optimally by the body.
2. Say No to Gluten
Foods rich in gluten should be avoided as they can worsen anemia.
Gluten can damage the intestinal wall and prevent the absorption of iron and folic acid which are needed to produce red blood cells.
In celiac disease (a disease in which the small intestine is damaged due to an allergy to gluten), folate and iron are not fully absorbed in the body.
As a result, this malabsorption can lead to anemia.
3. Avoid Phytates
Phytate or also called phytic acid is present in nuts, seeds, brown rice, and whole wheat products .
Phytic acid binds iron in the digestive tract and inhibits its absorption, this is the reason why people with anemia should avoid foods containing phytate.
4. Beware of Foods Containing Calcium
Minerals inhibit the absorption of iron.
That’s why consuming calcium-containing food products along with iron- rich foods can affect how much iron the body absorbs.
Therefore, consume dairy products and foods containing calcium at different times.
5. Polyphenols
Polyphenols are significant inhibitors of iron absorption. Foods containing polyphenols include cocoa, coffee, apples, spices, and walnuts.
6. Avoid Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can cause anemia which can affect the production and maturation of red blood cells, as well as cause cell abnormalities or dysfunction.
Alcohol can also affect how nutrients are absorbed from food and lead to deficiencies in iron and folic acid , which are responsible for proper hemoglobin formation.
7. Avoid Certain Medications
In some cases, drugs sometimes mistake red blood cells for foreign substances so the body responds quickly by making antibodies that attack the red blood cells and cause them to break down too early.
The drugs in question areCephalosporin,Dapsone,Levodopa, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),Penicillinand its derivatives, and others.
Avoid these medications whenever possible as they can cause hemolytic anemia, and consult your doctor before taking them.
By avoiding the types of foods above, you have tried to overcome anemia and rebuild the iron supply in your body.
Daily Iron Requirements
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells.
Occurs because the body is unable to produce enough red blood cells or the destruction of red blood cells.
This is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children and adults.
This condition can be temporary or long-term and can range from mild to severe, or it can be a symptom of a serious illness and should not be ignored.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron to form healthy red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anemia has a number of causes, but is most often the result of inadequate dietary intake and/or blood loss.
People with iron deficiency anemia are also encouraged to increase their iron intake by prioritizing iron-rich foods.
And if the condition is very severe, they will usually receive oral iron supplementation or intravenous (IV) iron treatment.
Recommended daily requirement (recommended daily allowanceor RDA) of iron depends on each person’s age and gender.
Here’s the explanation, according to the pageMedical News Today:
- Infants under 6 months = 0.27 milligrams (mg) of iron per day
- Men aged 19-50 years = 8 mg per day
- Women 19-50 years = 18 mg iron per day
- Pregnant women = 27 mg per day
- People with iron deficiency anemia = 150-200 mg of iron per day, or 2-5 mg per kilogram of their body weight.
The above dosage recommendations vary because the body does not absorb high doses of iron supplements efficiently.
To decide on a more appropriate dosage, you can consult your doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
There are many signs and symptoms that point to a possible cause of anemia. These include:
- Fatigue
- Hard to breathe
- Tongue feels sore
- Headache
- Feeling restless and without realizing it the lower legs keep moving
- Rapid heartbeat
Types and Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
There are many cases of anemia that are not caused by iron deficiency. Among them:
1. Pernicious anemia
People with this type of anemia lack something called intrinsic factor, which helps absorb vitamin B12.
Without the vitamin, healthy red blood cells cannot be produced. (A deficiency of vitamin B9 is called folate deficiency anemia).
2. Hemolytic Anemia
It is a genetic condition in which the body produces defective red blood cells that die very quickly.
3. Sickle Cell Anemia
A genetic form of anemia that occurs due to a defective red blood cell structure.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells that block blood vessels.
This causes damage and the hemoglobin may not work properly as a result.
4. Diamond Blackfan Anemia
This is a rare blood disease that can be genetic or acquired.
The bone marrow does not make enough red blood cells and 90 percent of sufferers are usually diagnosed in the first year of life.
5. Aplastic Anemia
This is because damaged bone marrow cannot produce sufficient red blood cells.
Another name for this disease is bone marrow aplasia.
6. Fanconi anemia
People suffering from this disease develop physical conditions such as abnormal bone structure and skin color.
7. Mediterranean anemia
Also known ascooley’s anemia, which refers to beta-thalassemia major.
This is an inherited condition in which the body cannot make enough hemoglobin.
In addition, the red blood cells produced have a very short lifespan.
Low Hb Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the risk of anemia:
- If your diet is low in iron, lacking vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B-12, folate, and copper, it increases your risk of anemia.
- You have a bowel disorder that affects nutrient absorption and puts you at risk for anemia.
- Women who are menstruating and who have not yet experienced menopause have a greater risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.
- Pregnant. It is important to increase your intake of multivitamins, folic acid and iron while you are pregnant to avoid the risk of anemia.
- Having cancer, kidney failure, or other chronic conditions also puts you at risk of having a lack of red blood cells and developing anemia.
- Family history may be another factor that puts you at increased risk for sickle cell anemia.
- People over the age of 65 are at higher risk of developing anemia.
Daily Meal Plan to Prevent Anemia During Pregnancy
The best diet for people with anemia includes plenty of iron-rich foods and other foods that help iron absorption.
Here is a daily menu plan for anemia patients.
Breakfast
Option 1: Unsweetened oatmeal with raspberries, flax seeds and cocoa nibs. Enjoy with a glass of iron-fortified orange juice.
Option 2:Hashmade with chickpeas, chicken sausage, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Have lunch
Option 1: A chili beef bowl, or tuna burger, with spinach salad.
Option 2: Bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese and spinach.
Dinner
Option 1: Lamb chops with boiled potatoes, steamed broccoli and curly kale.
Option 2: A stew of kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, canned tomatoes, onions, red peppers and garlic, topped with vegan cheese and a dollop of vegan or dairy-based yoghurt.
Foods to Eat When Hb is Low
The above are foods to avoid when Hb is low in pregnant women because they interfere with the absorption or production of iron in your body.
Well, this one is the opposite. These are the types of foods you should consume to help increase iron absorption.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Watercress
- Curly kale and other varieties
- Spinach
- A type of mustard greens
- Green Dandelion
- Swiss chard (a type of spinach and kale)
- Citrus fruits
- Red and yellow peppers
- Broccoli
Be wary of some dark leafy greens that contain oxalates.
Oxalates can inhibit the absorption of iron. Other foods that contain oxalates are peanuts, parsley, and chocolate.
Nuts and Seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Cashew nut
- Pistachio
- Linseed
- Pine nuts
- Red beans
- Beans
- Black eyed peas
- Pinto beans
- Soya bean
- Black beans
- Peas
- Sunflower seeds
- Lima beans
It’s best to choose iron-fortified cereals, bread products, orange juice, rice, and pasta.
Also, fermented and sprouted grains and legumes are better choices for people with iron deficiency because sprouting and fermentation break down antinutrient compounds that negatively impact iron absorption.
Meat and Fish
- Beef
- Sheep
- Venison
- Heart
- Shell
- Oyster
- Shrimp
- Sardines
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Haddock
Tips for Getting More Iron in Your Diet
Adding iron-rich foods to your diet is optimal in helping increase iron levels in the blood.
However, most people with iron deficiency need to take supplemental iron to achieve healthy iron status.
Your doctor may advise you on the best treatment for your specific needs.
However, the following strategies can maximize one’s iron intake:
- Refrain from drinking tea or coffee.
- Avoid eating calcium-rich foods together with iron-rich foods.
- Consume iron-rich foods along with foods rich in vitamin C.
- Cook with a cast iron skillet.
- Cook food in less time.
If you have tried everything, but your iron requirements are still low or insufficient, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or nutritionist.
In these cases, doctors usually advise people to take iron supplements .
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That’s it, Mom, foods to avoid when Hb is low in pregnant women. Hopefully this article is useful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
