Nutrition and Hemophilia

Often, given the stress and various demands of living with a bleeding disorder, nutrition can fall down the long list of priorities. It shouldn’t. When you stop giving ample consideration to your diet, you’re more likely to eat on the run, consuming food that isn’t necessarily healthy. This can also make you prone to over-eating.

While a healthy diet should be a priority for everyone, there are also a few reasons those with hemophilia should pay special attention to adhering to one. Exercise and diet are the two keystones of a healthy lifestyle. But not everyone can always exercise when they want. If you’re struggling with a bleed, you may not be able to get the exercise you’d like to – making your diet all the more important. Extra weight can also strain your joints and muscles, something you definitely want to avoid.

There are a few tips that everyone can follow:

1. It’s always helpful to read labels and to be aware of portion sizes.
2. It’s also good to make a more concerted effort to cook. Often, students are rushed for time, and grab a bite to eat between classes or on their way to a social function. But fast food can add calories to your diet in a hurry, not to mention fat and salt intake. Cooking is a good way to improve your diet – and a good way to socialize too. Start planning meals in advance, so that you have something in mind. And, if you feel like you’re missing out when everyone goes out to eat, invite some friends over for a fun meal.

In an article about nutrition and hemophilia for the National Hemophilia Foundation in the United States, Jennifer LaFranco and Diane Delorm point out that there are additional factors to consider when it comes to nutrition and hemophilia. People with bleeding disorders need to maintain blood volume and blood cell production, which means being aware of nutrients such as iron, protein, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and folic acid. “A diet that incorporates all of the food groups should provide nutrients adequately,” they write.¹  Remember, fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, as well as being rich sources of fiber. The authors also point out that eating half of your grains from whole grain products can be an advantage. Oats, barley, whole wheat, flax seed, bran, brown rice, and pasta not only help to satiate the appetite, but lower cholesterol and can stabilize glucose levels.

What’s more, in June of 2011, the United States launched an updated food guide – MyPlate – which is a new-generation icon that emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups.

At the end of the day, as a person with hemophilia, it’s likely you’re already more cognizant of taking care of yourself than many other people your age. That’s good news – just remember to make sure it transfers to nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet is an important way to ensure you’re equipped to live a healthy, active lifestyle. 

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¹ Making Better Food Choices, HEMAWARE, Jennifer LaFranco and Diane Delorm, 2010. http://www.hemaware.org/story/making-better-food-choices