Causes of severe anemia, what to eat

Jul 02, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have been feeling dizzy and lightheaded for some time. At first, I thought it was due to fatigue from work and didn't pay much attention. However, I fainted the day before yesterday and was taken to the hospital for examination. The doctor said it was caused by severe anemia. May I ask, what should I eat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The causes of severe anemia are diverse, mainly including blood loss (such as heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding), rheumatic immune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), and hematologic disorders (such as aplastic anemia, leukemia). For severe anemia, dietary recommendations include consuming foods rich in iron, such as animal liver, lean meat, and spinach. Additionally, supplementation with folic acid and vitamin C is advised to enhance iron absorption. If dietary intake is insufficient to correct the anemia, medications such as iron supplements, folic acid, and vitamin B12 may be required under a doctor's guidance. Furthermore, treating the underlying cause of anemia is also crucial, such as controlling bleeding and managing the primary disease.