I have a few follow-up questions for you:
1. I want to make sure that you have idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia ("idiopathic" meaning the cause is unknown?)
2. Is your current treatment of steroids (prednisone) showing improvement in this condition? (Meaning, is your condition being properly treated?)
In other forms of hemolytic anemia, it is recommended that the individual be treated with folic acid and/or iron supplements (along with steroids and other treatments). However, in Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (IAHA), this does not seem to be a suggested treatment, as typically, when we hear about someone being "anemic", than the response is to have that person be treated nutritionally with increase in iron and/or B12. However, your anemia is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and is caused by your body prematurely destroying red blood cells (not from a lack of nutrients in your diet). The answer to your question "what to eat" really depends on what your current blood tests reveal, if your body is able to regenerate red blood cells effectively, and if your condition is being well-controlled with your current steroid treatment, and if you have any additional medical/health conditions.
Since you have had this condition for ten years, what information have you gathered from your health care providers? Have your doctors suggested that your diet is inadequate, or have they recommended that you speak with a Registered Dietitian?
Unfortunately, there is still much that is unknown about autoimmune disorders, and there are no foods generally recommended to eat more of, or any supplements that have been proven successful for your condition. Are you aware of the numerous national health organizations, specializing in your condition (as well as autoimmune conditions, in general)? Here are some resources for you:
- American Autoimmune Related Disorders Association (AARDA): Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Lastly, if your doctor did suggest that consuming more folic acid or iron is essential for your specific condition(s), we can provide a list of foods that are good sources of these nutrients.
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I have a few follow-up questions for you:
1. I want to make sure that you have idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia ("idiopathic" meaning the cause is unknown?)
2. Is your current treatment of steroids (prednisone) showing improvement in this condition? (Meaning, is your condition being properly treated?)
In other forms of hemolytic anemia, it is recommended that the individual be treated with folic acid and/or iron supplements (along with steroids and other treatments). However, in Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (IAHA), this does not seem to be a suggested treatment, as typically, when we hear about someone being "anemic", than the response is to have that person be treated nutritionally with increase in iron and/or B12. However, your anemia is a chronic autoimmune disorder, and is caused by your body prematurely destroying red blood cells (not from a lack of nutrients in your diet). The answer to your question "what to eat" really depends on what your current blood tests reveal, if your body is able to regenerate red blood cells effectively, and if your condition is being well-controlled with your current steroid treatment, and if you have any additional medical/health conditions.
Since you have had this condition for ten years, what information have you gathered from your health care providers? Have your doctors suggested that your diet is inadequate, or have they recommended that you speak with a Registered Dietitian?
Unfortunately, there is still much that is unknown about autoimmune disorders, and there are no foods generally recommended to eat more of, or any supplements that have been proven successful for your condition. Are you aware of the numerous national health organizations, specializing in your condition (as well as autoimmune conditions, in general)? Here are some resources for you:
- American Autoimmune Related Disorders Association (AARDA): Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Lastly, if your doctor did suggest that consuming more folic acid or iron is essential for your specific condition(s), we can provide a list of foods that are good sources of these nutrients.
December 22, 2009 - 2:31pmThis Comment
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