Anemia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate red blood cell count. There are many types of anemia, but all of them have symptoms of chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle cramping and weakness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent type of anemia, often caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Foods that help to raise iron levels include fish, red meats, and poultry, as well as non-meat foods like dark chocolate, beans, nuts and seeds. While these foods help boost iron, other foods can negatively affect iron absorption, and even make anemia symptoms worse.

1. Tea and coffee

These two caffeinated beverages can contribute to worsening anemia symptoms because they contain chemicals that inhibit iron absorption. It is best to avoid drinking tea and coffee when you have anemia, especially with meals. If you do still want to drink coffe and stea,

with meals when you have anemia, and to drink them between meals, but not with food. Studies show that this method can help increase iron levels in the body by up to 40%.

2. Milk and other dairy products

Milk and other dairy products (i.ebutter, cream, yogurt, sour cream) can interfere with the absorption of iron from plant sources (i.e., dark leafy greens). This is because the calcium found in milk and animal dairy products can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb non-heme iron. Drinking milk or eating foods that contain a lot of calcium, such as cheese, while eating food with non-heme iron will decrease the amount of iron that is absorbed into the body.

3. Tannin rich foods and drinks

Tannin rich foods, such as corn and grapes, can cause tannins to inhibit iron absorption. Tannins are also found in tea and red wine. If you have anemia, it is best to avoid drinking tea or eating high tannic foods with your meals. The tannin content of black tea is higher than green tea and white tea has about half the tannin content of black tea. However, there are a few exceptions to this. For example, canned beans have been found to contain less tannins than dry cooked beans.

4. Foods high in phytates or phytic acid

Phytates are also known as phytic acid. This is a naturally occurring substance found in grains, seeds, nuts and legumes. Phytic acid is a substance that is found in plants and bacteria, but not animals. Cereals, breads and crackers made from whole grain flour and corn contain high levels of phytates. Phytates interfere with the absorption of iron from plant sources. Phytates bind to calcium, iron and zinc found in food and can interfere with their absorption and cause deficiencies in these nutrients. Some people think that avoiding phytates altogether will increase the amount of iron absorbed from plants, but this is false. In fact, consuming lower amounts of phytate rich foods can help to increase the amount of iron absorbed. As an example, roasted soybeans contain less phytates than boiled soybeans do.

5. Foods high in oxalic acid

Oxalic acid is found in spinach, chard, cocoa powder and tea. It can reduce the amount of iron absorbed from plant foods by 50%. Oxalic acid binds with calcium, which prevents excess oxalate build up in blood vessels or kidneys. Therefore, it is not stored in your body. Since there is no recommended dietary allowance for oxalate, it is recommended that people avoid eating too many foods high in oxalates.

In conclusion, there are certain foods that can worsen the symptoms of anemia. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid these foods, especially if you have iron deficiency anemia.