Healthy Diet

 

You have fewer red blood cells than someone without sickle cell disease, so your body uses more energy for daily activities.

This is why you and others with sickle cell disease may be shorter and thinner than other people your age. Good nutrition is very important to promote health and prevent complications from sickle cell disease. Eat a well-balanced diet every day that includes:

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5 ounces of protein

Protein comes from meat, chicken, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs and processed soy foods.

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2 to 3 servings of vegetables

Vegetables can be cooked or eaten raw. They can be fresh, frozen, or canned. 100%, low-sodium vegetable juice is also a good choice.

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2 to 3 servings of fruit

Fruit can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. 100% fruit juice is also a good choice.

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3 ounces of grains

Grains include wheat, oat, rice, cornmeal, and barley. Foods made from grain include bread, tortillas, pasta, oatmeal, and breakfast cereals. Foods made with whole grain are the best choice.

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3 cups of dairy

Good choices include milk, yogurt, cheese, and milk-based desserts like pudding. Calcium-fortied milk substitutes like almond milk or soymilk are also good choices.

 

If you need to gain weight

A person with sickle cell disease may need to gain weight. Here are some ways to add calories:

  • Add snacks or eat more small meals throughout the day

  • Use whole milk instead of lower fat milk (2% or skim)

  • Add powdered milk to soups, casseroles, and hot cereal

  • Add gravies and sauces to your meals

  • Add high-protein foods like nuts to salads and desserts

  • Choose high-calorie snacks like nut butter, raisins, or trail mix.

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There are also supplements you can take if you are losing weight or aren’t able to gain weight by increasing calories on your own. Your provider can suggest one for you.

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Obesity

  • In 2016, 2 in 3 Americans were considered to be overweight or obese. As care improves and individuals with sickle cell disease live longer, the chance of becoming overweight also increases.

  • Being overweight can increase your risk of having a stroke. The risk of getting diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer is also higher if you are overweight.

If you need to lose weight

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Avoid foods that are high in sugar

These foods don’t offer any nutritional benefit and are called “empty calories.” Examples include soda, potato chips, and candy bars.

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Watch your portion size

Eating from a smaller plate will help you eat less. When eating out, split the entrée with a friend or ask for a to-go box when your meal arrives and save half of your meal for later.

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Avoid overeating

When serving meals at home, avoid eating buffet style with platters of food on the table. Put the correct serving size on your plate before sitting down to eat.

Don’t eat from the package.

Place a serving size in a separate container and put the package away before you eat.

If you get hungry between meals, eat a healthy snack. Extreme hunger at meal time may cause you to overeat.

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Drinking Enough Water

One of the easiest things that you can do to help prevent complications from sickle cell disease is to drink water.

Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day (a total of 64 ounces each day). You will need to drink even more water when:

◦ It is hot outside

◦ You are exercising

◦ You are traveling

◦ You are having a pain episode.

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Carry a water bottle with you so that you can drink throughout the day.

Avoid drinks with caffeine (soda, coffee) and alcohol. These drinks make the kidneys pull more water into the urine and can cause dehydration. It’s important to stay alert for signs of dehydration, especially when you are sick.

Signs of dehydration include:
◦ Feeling thirsty or having a dry mouth

◦ Making less urine than usual

◦ Making darker urine than usual.

 
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SECTION OVERVIEW

 

  • Good nutrition is very important to promote health and prevent complications from sickle cell disease.

  • If you need to lose or gain weight, your provider can help you.

  • Drink enough water every day so that you don’t get dehydrated.