5 foods people with hemophilia must avoid
Blood contains proteins known as clotting factors that help it clot. Individuals with hemophilia usually have low levels of clotting factors, which causes spontaneous bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop after an injury or surgery. This condition is usually tackled with the help of medications. But, food can also help maintain a healthy body and remedy associated conditions. To help you, here are a few foods that should be avoided with hemophilia.
Avoid fried foods
One of the best ways to tackle hemophilia is to maintain a good relationship with healthy food. Of course, sticking to a healthy meal plan often means avoiding or limiting the intake of fried food. Fried foods contain tons of unhealthy fats that can affect the body negatively. Instead, individuals who have hemophilia can opt for baking, boiling, or even grilling meats such as poultry and fish. It is also recommended to avoid pre-packed sauces, gravies, and toppings to limit the consumption of preservatives and other artificial additives.
Steer clear of processed grains
Refined grains are usually high in carbs, meaning they are broken down and absorbed quickly. This is usually the reason behind sudden and rapid blood sugar spikes in the body. These sudden spikes eventually cause an individual to become more hungry and crave other foods, increasing calorie intake. Processed grains have also long been linked to tons of metabolic conditions. So, instead of refined or processed grains, doctors suggest that individuals with hemophilia should consume whole grains such as bran, whole wheat, barley, and pasta. Switching to whole grains can have a positive effect on the overall health of the individual and help stabilize blood sugar levels in the body.
Dairy may not be the best
Dairy products contain tons of essential nutrients that help the body stay healthy. But, typically, most dairy products such as butter and cheese are high in fat content. Patients with hemophilia should switch to low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk or low-fat cheese. This ensures that the individual is getting the required nutrients such as calcium without the unnecessary fat content.
Sugar is not your friend
Sugar is a part of pretty much most packaged foods. Not to mention, most of these foods have artificial sweeteners and sweet fatteners. Sugar content is high in soft drinks, candies, juices, smoothies, yogurt, and shakes. Excess consumption of these foods can cause teeth damage. The eventual extraction of damaged teeth can put people with hemophilia at risk of bleeding. Sugar can also be found in salad toppings and ketchup, which is why it is best to opt for mustard sauces, as they contain vinegar.
Avoid unnecessary supplements
Those who have hemophilia are required to maintain their blood volume and blood cell production. So, aside from consuming nutrient-rich food, they also have to rely on supplements. But, this should be done under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional because some supplements might increase bleeding tendencies in the body.