Read more about Food
Sickle cell disease is a genetically inherited red blood cell disorder in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped and fragile. These red blood cells die early; when they do, they either cause a shortage of healthy red blood cells leading to sickle cell anaemia or obstruct the flow of blood causing pain which leads to sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell disease cannot be cured but it can be managed. One way to do this is to make nutrition a critical aspect of sickle cell management and treatment. If you don’t know how to do this, below is a dietary guide: Eat More Home-Cooked Meals: A vital aspect of sickle cell management is healthy eating. It keeps the patients strong and healthy. It also reduces their chances of becoming anaemic or malnourished. This is why eating homemade, balanced meals is important for sickle cell patients. These meals are prepared with their peculiar needs in mind. Guess what? They don’t have to be boring. Different, tasty foods can be prepared using healthy ingredients and healthy cooking techniques that will help maximize the nutrients in the food. When healthy eating is the goal, even snacks can be wholesomely delicious and not the usual junk. Eat Calcium-Rich Foods: Most sickle cell patients suffer bone diseases like osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Both medical conditions result in weakened bones and are caused by a deficiency of calcium or Vitamin D. However, while the former is a problem with the bone formation or bone-building process, the latter has to do with a decrease in either bone mineral density or bone mass. As a result of their exposure to bone diseases, patients with sickle cell are encouraged to eat foods like leafy green vegetables, low-fat milk, yoghurt which have high calcium and Vitamin D content. They will help in building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Stay Hydrated: Sickle cell patients need to drink lots of fluids. But they should be encouraged to avoid sugary drinks and instead, drink two to four litres of water every day. The operative word here is every day. This means that this quantity of water doesn’t have to be finished at once. Small quantities can be taken at intervals and when possible, fruits with high water content should be consumed. If sickle cell patients adopt this approach, it would promote healthy blood flow and reduce the chances of their red blood cells sickling and sticking together which could potentially lead to a crisis. Eat Fruits and Vegetables: Sickle cell patients need the increased blood flow associated with fruits and vegetables like oranges, berries, spinach, beets, onions. They also need the immune-boosting properties of foods like citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, papaya and the sustainable energy that can be provided by fruits and vegetables like avocados, bananas. They should therefore find new, interesting ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables in their diet. Avoid Alcohol: A sickle cell patient, at one point in time or the other, may feel pressure from peers to drink. It’s important for them to resist this pressure for it can cause health complications for them. Alcohol will cause sickle cell patients to urinate more often. This may lead to dehydration. If the patient becomes addicted to it, it may destroy vital body organs. Obtain a Personalized Nutrition Plan: Everybody with sickle cell disease should have a personalized meal plan drawn up by a team of haematologists, personal physicians and nutritionists. This plan should take the patient’s metabolic and energy requirements into consideration. If this personalized meal plan is strictly adhered to, it can boost the patient’s immune system and reduce their chances of being sick. Finally, healthy life begins with healthy choices. Start today. Make nutrition a priority. Sources: Healthline Very Well Health Sickle Cell Anaemia News Featured Image Source: Verywell Health
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
You might also like:
- Chowdeck Rakes in $1.7 Million Monthly Revenue, Secures $2.5 Million Seed Funding
- The Fear of Processed Foods
- Social Media Accounts to Follow: 10 Culinary Stars
- How Chowdeck Won its Distribution Game: A Recipe for Success
