SICKLE CELL AND NUTRIENTS

Due to not having sufficient blood as a Sickle Cell sufferer, it is important to make sure that we eat food that have these six basic nutrients and take supplements if necessary:

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can be grouped into two categories: simple and complex.  Simple carbohydrates are sugars whereas complex carbohydrates consist of starch and dietary fibre. Carbohydrate  is the energy that is used first to fuel muscles and the brain.  Soluble fibre (fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, brown rice, and oat, barley and rice brans) lowers blood cholesterol and helps to control blood sugar levels.  Insoluble fibre are (wheat and corn bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, vegetables, fruit skins, nuts) doesn’t provide any calories.  It helps to alleviate digestive disorders like constipation and may help prevent colon cancer.  Sources of carbohydrates include grain products such as breads, cereals, pasta, and rice as well as fruits and vegetables.

2. Protein

Protein from food is broken down into amino acids by the digestive system. These amino acids are then used for building and repairing muscles, red blood cells, hair and other tissues, and for making hormones.  Adequate protein intake is also important for a healthy immune system.  Because protein is a source of calories (4 kcal per gram), it will be used for energy if not enough carbohydrate is available due to skipped meals, heavy exercise, etc.  Main sources of protein are animal products like meat, fish, poultry, milk, cheese and eggs and vegetable sources like legumes (beans, lentils, dried peas, nuts) and seeds.

3. Fat

The fat in food includes a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fat.  Animal-based foods such as meats and milk products are higher in saturated fat whereas most vegetable oils are higher in unsaturated fat.  Compared to carbohydrate and protein, each gram of fat provides more than twice the amount of calories (9 kcal per gram).  Nevertheless, dietary fat does play an important role in a healthy diet.  Fat maintains skin and hair, cushions vital organs, provides insulation, and is necessary for the production and absorption of certain vitamins and hormones.  

4. Vitamins

Vitamins help to regulate chemical reactions in the body.  There are 13 vitamins, including vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and K.  Because most vitamins cannot be made in the body, we must obtain them through the diet.  Many people say that they feel more energetic after consuming vitamins, but vitamins are not a source of energy (calories).  Vitamins are best consumed through a varied diet and taking supplements if necessary.

5. Minerals

Minerals are components of foods that are involved in many body functions. For example, calcium and magnesium are important for bone structure, and iron is needed for our red blood cells to transport oxygen.  Like vitamins, minerals are not a source of energy and are best obtained through a varied diet and supplements if necessary.

6. Water

Water is a vital nutrient for good health.  Most of our body weight (60-70%) is made up of water.  Water helps to control our body temperature, carries nutrients and waste products from our cells, and is needed for our cells to function.  It is recommended that adults drink 8 glasses of fluid daily (or more in hot weather or during physical activity).  This fluid does not have to be water alone.  It can also be obtained from juice, milk, soup, and foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.  Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, cola) don’t count because caffeine is a diuretic, making us lose water.  A great plus for water in comparison to the other fluids is that it hydrates our body without extra calories.

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