Knowing What You Can and Can't Eat Helps
Discovering the right foods can make a significant difference in managing hemophilia, helping you live a healthier and more comfortable life. In this article, we'll look at diet tips, cover different types of hemophilia bleeding and tips to help manage symptoms. A solid treatment option for hemophilia includes Ixinity, a brand name for a prescription medication called coagulation factor IX (recombinant), which is used to treat hemophilia B. Ixinity works by replacing the missing factor IX in the blood, helping to control and prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia B.
Foods to Avoid With Hemophilia
These recommendations ring true for almost everyone, as the foods to avoid apply to anyone working toward a healthy lifestyle. High-fat and heavily processed foods should be left off your plate. Avoid deep frying your food, and pass on cooking with animal fats and butter. Instead, prepare your cooked foods by boiling, baking or grilling, and remember that for many foods, fresh is best. Choose good fats, such as olive oil, over bad fats, such as butter and shortening. In addition to being critical about what is on your plate, keep your portion sizes appropriate for your age, activity level and other health issues.
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Think about how you might be adding too much sugar and sweeteners to your diet; many condiments, such as ketchup and salad dressings, are super high in sugar and should be avoided or used at a minimum. Likewise, we often consume too much fat, so think about choosing better options for items such as mayonnaise, bacon, hard cheeses and pastries.
When adding to your plate, avoid items such as sauces, gravies and dips, as they can be too high in sugars, fats or both. Instead, use herbs and spices to add flavor to your dishes. This advice goes for dairy, too; if you must have dairy products, opt for low-fat or fat-free options or dairy-free substitutes such as plant-based milk, cheeses and yogurts.
Foods to Eat to Help with Blood Clots
Iron-rich foods will help to replenish the iron in your blood and should be eaten with foods dense in Vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Of course, liver and lean red meats are great suppliers of iron. However, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle or love veggies, add spinach and broccoli to your plate. These can be eaten cooked or raw, and there are many delicious recipes for both!
Leafy green vegetables are delicious and nutritious and can be prepared in many ways! So next time you are in the produce section, be sure to pick up some fresh kale, cabbage and collard greens! Orange fruits are also a solid choice. Another added benefit of fresh veggies is all that healthy fiber.
Other great iron options are dried beans and iron-rich grains such as amaranth, spelt, oats and quinoa. Whole grains such as these and bran and brown rice are perfect for regulating glucose levels and giving you that full tummy feel. Raisins are a yummy snack or add-on to salads, cereal and baking. Choose fruit for a sweet snack, rather than candy bars and other sweets.
Types of Hemophilia Bleeding
Typically, we think this bleeding is due to a cut or other injury. This excessive bleeding can be life-threatening and even fatal. However, it's important to note that hemophilia can also result in different types of bleeding, as explained by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC):
- Bleeding into the joints results in swelling, pain or tightness. This often occurs in the knees, elbows and ankles.
- Bleeding into the skin, muscles and soft tissues.
- Oral bleeding (gums and mouth).
- Bleeding after injections, such as vaccinations.
- Blood in the urine or stool.
- Common, aggressive nosebleeds.
- Manage Your Hemophilia Symptoms With Diet
Having hemophilia places a significant strain on the muscles and joints. For many with hemophilia, the risk of a life-threatening bleed makes them cautious about physical activity, which can negatively impact body composition. Poor food choices can result in becoming overweight or obese. In addition, proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy blood volume and adequate red blood cell production.
While staying safely active is essential, proper nutrition can help maintain an ideal body composition and better support the body’s blood. We gain several essential nutrients from our diet critical for red blood cell production: folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, copper, iron and lean proteins. Eating foods rich in these nutrients can help you be your best self while managing your hemophilia.
Tips and Tricks to Manage Your Hemophilia Symptoms
The National Hemophilia Foundation offers several recommendations on how to live your best life with hemophilia. First, find a hemophilia treatment center near you, and inquire about a thorough checkup. Ask them about which vaccines, including Hepatitis A and B, you should receive. If you have a bleed, treat it quickly and appropriately. Seek urgent medical attention if you cannot bring a bleed under control.
If you have hemophilia, you are not more likely to develop dental and gum issues. However, gum and dental problems can more severely impact those with hemophilia. Keep your mouth healthy by checking in with your dentist every six months for cleaning and a thorough oral exam.
Find a physical activity you love to do. Exercising regularly and maintaining your ideal body can better protect your joints. Also, talk to your healthcare team about regular tests for possible blood-borne infections. Finally, if you are considering adding a dietary supplement, you must discuss your plans with your doctor, as many supplements hurt hemophilia symptoms.
Ixinity for Hemophilia B
Ixinity is a brand name for a prescription medication called coagulation factor IX (recombinant), which is used to treat hemophilia B. Hemophilia B is a rare bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX. Ixinity works by replacing the missing factor IX in the blood, helping to control and prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with hemophilia B.
Fueling Your Health
For many of us, hemophilia is one of those diseases we don’t hear much about. It's not a rare disease but is less common than others. When we hear of hemophilia, most understand it as a disease that can cause excessive or dangerous bleeding. It's a bleeding disorder that causes blood to not clot properly.
Your diet can affect hemophilia symptoms. Eating foods rich in iron, such as kale or lentils, helps create more red blood cells. Foods that are high in fat and alcohol should be avoided, as they can affect blood clotting.
To help you learn more about hemophilia, NovoMedLink is a great site for exploring treatment options. A reputable solution is Benefix, which is an injectable medicine that helps control and prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia B.
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