Anemia is a condition caused by a deficiency of red blood cells in your body. Red blood cells are responsible for quality blood circulation (for transporting oxygen back and forth from the lungs to essential organs and tissues). While there are various types of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, and sickle cell disease are among the most common.
When the human body contains inadequate red blood cells symptoms such as fatigue, sallow skin, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cold hands and feet may occur. Read on for some of the best foods to help manage anemia symptoms

1. Seafood and shellfish
One of the best sources for people with anemia is eating seafood, as it contains high iron levels. With adequate iron, your body will create enough hemoglobin, thus healthy blood circulation in your body. Some of the best seafood types include fish, especially fresh perch, canned or fresh salmon, mackerel, and fresh or canned tuna. Additionally, shellfish is another good source of iron, including scallops, oysters, clams, and crabs. However, be sure to avoid food seafood rich in calcium, including dairy milk, and yogurt as they might prevent iron abortion

2. Leafy greens
Consuming a lot of leafy greens is another way of increasing the iron level in your body. Ensure you include dark green leafy vegetables in your daily meal as they are rich in nonheme iron. Additionally, some leafy greens like collard greens and Swiss chard contain folate, which helps you prevent folate deficiency anemia. Be sure also to eat whole grains and citrus fruits to boost your folate levels. However, some leafy greens, such as kales and spinach, are also rich in oxalates, preventing nonheme iron absorption. To help absorb iron, include food with high levels of vitamin C, especially oranges, strawberries, and red peppers in your meal

3. Meat and poultry
Typically, poultry, lamb, venison, and red meat contain heme iron. Doctors often recommend taking poultry or red meat with vitamin C and leafy greens to increase iron consumption

4. Fortified foods
If you struggle taking other sources of iron, fortified food might be your best food for your anemia condition. Some of this food include:

  • Fortified cereals
  • Orange juice
  • Fortified pasta
  • Fortified white rice

5. Nuts and seeds
If you suffer from anemia, consuming nuts and seeds might help boost iron levels. Be sure to look for cashews, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, and hemp seeds. Both roasted and raw nuts contain the same iron level; thus, you can prefer how to take them. Additionally, dried fruit and almonds are other sources of iron; however, almonds contain high calcium levels, thus hindering iron absorption

6. Beans
Beans are versatile and inexpensive sources of iron for anemia patients, especially vegetarians. Be sure to include some chickpeas, peas, pinto, or black-eyed peas regularly in your meals

Generally, there is no single food to help anemia patients cure the condition. However, taking a healthy diet, and incorporating the foods above, can help manage and reduce the symptoms, including side effects of sickel cell disease. Be sure to include seafood, fruits, and leafy green in your meals to increase your iron levels. Additionally, your doctor may recommend iron supplements as diet alone might not yield desired results. Remember to avoid acidic foods as they absorb most iron.