Foods That Help Manage Hemophilia Symptoms

Foods That Help Manage Hemophilia Symptoms

It is not necessary to follow a specific diet if you have been diagnosed with hemophilia. However, maintaining a healthy weight is important, as excess weight can put extra pressure on the joints. Here is a list of foods to eat to manage hemophilia better.

  • Fruits and vegetables
    Fruits and vegetables help manage hemophilia and other health conditions. They are a good source of many vitamins, minerals and fiber essential for the proper functioning of the body. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are especially beneficial for those with conditions such as hemophilia as they are rich in iron. Also, iceberg lettuce and oranges are especially good for those who are lactose-intolerant, as they are good sources of calcium. In some cases, supplements may be necessary to provide the body with nutrients; you can speak to your doctor about this.
  • Whole grains
    Increase your consumption of oats, barley, brown rice, and whole wheat. These foods to eat to manage hemophilia will not only help to satisfy your hunger and keep you fuller for longer but will also lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
  • Low-fat dairy products
    Skimmed milk and low-fat dairy are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and calcium. Since they contain minimal fat, they are good options when trying to manage your weight. You can choose skimmed milk, milk with 1 or 2 percent lactose, or lactose-free milk.
  • Lean protein
    Besides lean meats, poultry and fish help manage hemophilia; you can also bake, boil, or grill these items instead of frying. Avoid heavy gravies and sauces that are full of calories. Include dried beans, nuts, and seeds in your diet and try to have a few meat-free meals during the week. If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy a wide variety of beans, such as chickpeas, pinto, and white and split peas. You can also have soy products such as tofu and tempeh to ensure that you provide your body with the protein it needs.
  • Good fats
    Choose olive and canola oil when cooking instead of butter or shortening is a good idea when trying to cope with a condition such as hemophilia and manage your weight. Avoid or limit your intake of fried foods and snacks that are high in fat. Opt for baked snacks such as pretzels. Also, try to avoid condiments high in fat, such as mayonnaise and ketchup, and choose mustard to add flavor. When eating out, ask for the dressing on the side; that way, you can control how much you want to use.

In addition to these foods to eat to manage hemophilia, you can use the body-weight calculator provided by the United States Department of Agriculture to determine how many calories you should be consuming daily to help you manage your weight.