7 Diet Tips To Manage Pain With Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is a serious, lifelong condition. Patients with sickle cell disease require medication in order to live a healthy life. Sickle cell patients also need to make sure that they are following the proper diet. The following diet tips can help you manage your condition.
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1.) Eliminate Sugar
Your body metabolizes sugar differently when you have sickle cell disease. Sickle cell can also affect your blood sugar readings. That is why it is best for you to eliminate as much sugar as you can from your diet. Not only do you need to avoid cookies, cake, and brownies, but you also need to avoid beverages that are high in sugar. This includes fruit juices and sodas.
Keep in mind that many foods have hidden sugar in them. That is why it is a good idea to read the food label before you buy something. Look out for words like fructose, dextrose, and maltose.
2.) Eat More Leafy Green Vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables include things like turnip greens, kale, spinach, and turnip greens. These foods are rich in folate. Your body needs folate in order to produce red blood cells. The folate can also help control your appetite.
3.) Get More Vitamin D
It is common for people who have sickle cell disease to have low vitamin D levels. This nutrient can help improve immune health and musculoskeletal health. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, certain cereals, and fortified milk. You can also get it by spending a few minutes in the sun each day.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to get vitamin D from food alone. That is why it is a good idea for you to ask your healthcare provider if it is okay for you to take a supplement.
4.) Eat More Beets
Beets are one of the best foods that you can eat if you suffer from sickle cell anemia. They are rich in iron. Your body also needs iron in order to produce red blood cells. It also helps detoxify the bladder, liver, and kidneys. This can help reverse some of the effects that sickle cell medications have on you.
5.) Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the best fluid that you can drink. It will not only keep you hydrated, but it can also stop you from getting constipated. Your water needs can vary. However, you should drink it throughout the day so that you can stay hydrated.
6.) Eat Garlic
Garlic is not only a herb that can add flavor to your food, but it is also great for the immune system. Sickle cell anemia can weaken your immune system. However, you can still fight off infections if you ingest garlic regularly. You can add garlic seasoning or garlic cloves to your food. You can also take it in the form of a supplement.
7.) Brown Rice
Brown rice makes a nice substitution for white rice. It is high in fiber and magnesium. It can also strengthen your spleen and lungs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
