Red meat (beef and liver) Poultry (chicken and turkey) Seafood Cereals and breads fortified with iron Legumes (peas; lentils; white, red, and baked beans; soybeans; and chickpeas) Tofu Dried fruits (prunes, raisins, and apricots) Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables Prune juice Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so your doctor will likely recommend that you drink a glass of orange juice or consume foods high in vitamin C along with your iron supplement. [2] X Research source
Eggs Milk Cheese Meat Fish Shellfish Poultry Foods fortified with vitamin B12 (like soy beverages and vegetarian burgers)[4] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
Bread, pasta, and rice fortified with folic acid Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables Black-eyed peas and dried beans Beef liver Eggs Bananas, oranges, orange juice, and some other fruits and juices
If you’re already anemic, take care to limit your alcoholic intake, since it will only make your condition worse. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men as “moderate” consumption. [9] X Research source
Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend regular blood transfusions.
If prescribed a medication, you’ll need to dissolve the tablet and drink the solution. Usually, this treatment is needed once a day.
Once the stem cells reach your bone marrow and graft on, they’ll begin to create new blood cells, potentially treating the anemia.
Fatigue and weakness since your muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen. Shortness of breath, which is a sign your body needs more oxygen. You may only notice this when doing a physical activity, if your anemia is mild. Pale skin because you lack enough red blood cells to make up the red hue of your skin.
Dizziness Headache Decrease in cognitive ability Fast heartbeat
Your doctor may also order a body imaging scan (like a CT or MRI) or more advanced blood tests. If all tests are inconclusive, a bone marrow biopsy might need to be done. [18] X Research source
