Mediterranean anemia, also called thalassemia or Cooley’s anemia, is a condition in which your blood does not make enough hemoglobin. The condition is most common in people of Italian, Greek, African, Asian and Middle Eastern descent. It usually causes early death, although improved treatments are extending life expectancies somewhat. There are several subtypes, and the treatment depends on the type and severity. Diet can be very helpful in reducing complications from this disease.
REDUCING IRON INTAKE
Thalassemia poses a risk of excess iron levels. The Northern California Comprehensive Thalassemia Center explains that patients who do not receive chronic transfusions to treat the condition are ‘’encouraged’’ to avoid high-iron foods and to drink tea with meals because tea contains a substance that inhibits iron absorption. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate amount of iron in your diet. If you receive regular blood transfusions, you have a much higher risk of iron overload, and you must be diligent in avoiding high-iron foods. You should also avoid iron cookware. The center reports the following foods are very high in iron: oysters, liver, beef, pork, beans, beef, peanut butter, tofu, flour tortillas, infant cereal, cream of wheat, most cereals, prunes, watermelon, spinach, leafy green vegetables, dates, raisins, broccoli, peas and fava beans.
EATING FOR HEALTHY BONES
The disease itself as well as the side effects of certain treatments can accelerate bone loss, according to the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet is important to combat bone loss. Vitamin D is mainly available in the diet through fortified milk, and dairy products are also a great source of calcium. Some calcium-rich foods are also rich in iron, such as spinach and other leafy greens, so you must limit them or avoid them completely. If you find it difficult to meet your need for these nutrients through your diet, talk to your doctor about supplements.
MAGNESIUM AND BETA THALASSEMIA
Low levels of magnesium have been reported in patients with beta thalassemia, which most commonly affects people of Mediterranean descent. Some older research suggests that magnesium levels affect this condition. Researchers from the University of Verona in Italy report low magnesium levels might contribute to some of the abnormalities that cause this disease. The results of a study on the effects of magnesium supplementation in patients with beta thalassemia, published in a 1998 issue of ‘’Haemotologica,’’ found that supplementing with magnesium improved several of these abnormalities. Animal research published in the August 1997 issue of ‘’Blood,’’ found that mice with beta thalassemia fed a diet high in magnesium improved their anemia, while a low-magnesium diet made the anemia worse. Many magnesium-rich foods -- such as beans, cereals and leafy greens -- are also high in iron. You may require supplements to increase your levels; talk to your doctor first.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR GLUTEN
Undiagnosed celiac disease was responsible for the growth failure of a child with beta thalassemia, according to the case report published in ‘’The Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.’’ The authors report this allergy is underdiagnosed as a cause of growth problems in children with beta thalassemia and urge more careful screening. Once the child went on a gluten-free diet, he gained weight and began to grow taller. While this report clearly focused on just one complication of a gluten allergy in this condition, gluten allergies and sensitivities have been implicated in causing various symptoms in numerous conditions. Experimenting with a gluten-free diet may be something to consider.
Originally posted here: https://steemit.com/life/@hnub/diets-for-mediterranean-anemia
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