The nutritional needs of individuals living with sickle cell are different from those of the general population. People with sickle cell tend to be anaemic, a condition where there is a shortage of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the body. Individuals living with sickle cell are at a greater risk of infection and have a greater need for vitamins and minerals to aid their higher rate of cell production. It is for this reason that a balanced diet and extra nutrients are important.
Individuals living with sickle cell must pay particular attention to their nutritional habits. Proper nutrition is vital for people living with sickle cell disease. It can help to grow and develop a healthy rate, strengthen the immune system, enhance overall health, and give the energy needed to tackle every day. It can also help manage some of the chronic complications associated with sickle cell such as kidney problems, impaired liver function, gallstones, ulcers, and other health issues. Although eating a well-balanced diet will not cure sickle cell it will promote better health, fewer complications, and an overall better quality of life. Some potential benefits of foods on the immune system for people living with sickle cell include:
- Nutrient-Rich Foods – Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help support immune function. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and beta-carotene, which play key roles in the immune system.
- Hydration – staying hydrated is crucial for individuals living with Sickle cell to prevent complications such as pain crises and organ damage. Adequate hydration supports the immune function by helping to maintain proper blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which are essential for transporting immune cells throughout the body.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts; have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and support immune function in individuals living with sickle cell.
- Protein-rich foods – protein is necessary for building and repairing tissues, including the cells of the immune system. Incorporating sources of lean proteins such as poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and low-fat dairy products can help support the immune function and overall health of individuals living with sickle cell.
- Iron-rich foods – Iron deficiency is common in individuals living with sickle cell due to chronic haemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to anaemia and weaken the immune system. Consuming iron-rich foods such as lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereal, and dark leafy greens can help prevent iron deficiency and support the immune function.
- Folate and vitamin B12 – folate and vitamin B12 are important for the production of red blood cells and white blood cells, which are vital components of the immune system. Foods rich in folate include leafy greens citrus fruits beans, lentils, and fortified grains. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
- Probiotic-rich foods – Probiotics, found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, support gut health and may help modulate immune function by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is particularly important for individuals living with sickle cell, as gut imbalance has been linked to inflammation and immune dysfunction.
- Antioxidant Defence – Selenium helps protect immune cells from damage and supports their proper function. Selenium plays a role in regulating inflammatory processes in the body. Research has shown that Selenium supplementation can enhance the immune response against certain viral infections. Adding Brazil nuts, tuna, halibut, sardines, shrimp, beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, eggs, milk, and yogurt to your diet will support your daily intake of selenium.
- Regulation of stress response – chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. Magnesium plays a role in regulating the body’s stress response. By promoting a healthy stress response, magnesium indirectly supports immune function. Combining foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, fish, avocado, dairy products, bananas, and dark chocolates in your diet will support your daily intake of the essential mineral, called magnesium.
- Regulating immune cell function – Vitamin D modulates inflammation, supports antimicrobial activity, maintains barrier functions, such as the eyes and mucus membranes, and regulates auto-immune responses. To have adequate vitamin D levels, eat the likes of citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, kiwi, guava, strawberries, papaya, bell peppers, mangoes, etc.
111.Support of the immune cell function – Zinc reduces oxidative stress, modulating inflammation. Preserving the barrier function, exerting antiviral activity, and regulating gene expression. Ensuring an adequate intake of zinc, through diet or supplementation, is important for optimal immune health and resistance to infections. Most foods mentioned above also have a good Zinc content.
Overall, awareness of the above helps in having an immune-boosting diet for individuals with sickle cell disease. Consuming a varied and nutrient-rich diet can help support immune function and improve overall health outcomes. Individuals living with sickle cell need to work with healthcare professionals, including registered dieticians or nutritionists. Individuals living with sickle cell can then have a personalized nutritional care plan that meets their needs and addresses any specific dietary concerns and all deficiencies associated with sickle cell disease.
Until next time…
If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle cell, do so, via email: [email protected]. And do check out my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/ My book on Sickle Cell – HOW TO LIVE WITH SICKLE CELL and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com.
