How to Handle Low Haemoglobin During Cancer Treatment

If you or a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy, you're likely familiar with its many side effects. Among the most common, yet often draining, is anaemia, or low haemoglobin. This condition isn't exclusive to chemotherapy; it can also result from radiation, cancers affecting bone marrow (like leukaemia), surgery, or nutritional deficiencies. Understanding it is the first step toward managing it effectively.

When your body produces fewer red blood cells, anaemia results. These cells are essential because they transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When their numbers decline, your tissues and organs don't receive enough oxygen, which can cause a variety of symptoms that affect your day-to-day activities.

Recognising the Signs

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Shortness of breath, even during simple activities like walking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin, nail beds, and gums
• Swelling in the hands or feet

Dietary Strategies to Support Your Health

Nutrition plays a critical supportive role in managing low haemoglobin, even though you should always heed your doctor's primary medical advice. By emphasising the consumption of iron-rich foods such as lean meats, legumes, leafy greens, and fortified whole grains, you can assist your body in replenishing its essential supply of red blood cells.

Excellent dietary sources 

• Whole Grains, including quinoa, oats, and brown rice.
• Legumes, including kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
• Broccoli, kale, and spinach have been cooked.
• Proteins include tofu, fish, eggs, and organic chicken.
• Almonds, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds are among the nuts and seeds.
• Fruits include watermelon, pomegranates, and dried fruits like raisins and apricots.

Pro Tip: Toincrease iron absorption, combine meals high in iron with a vitamin C source, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, or kiwis. 

Anaemia can also result from vitamin B12 and folic acid shortages, so it's crucial to make sure you're getting enough of these. Consume foods like leafy greens, almonds, liver, eggs, and nutritional yeast.

When to Seek Medical Intervention

If your haemoglobin levels drop drastically, dietary changes alone are not enough. Your oncologist may recommend iron supplements, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), or, in severe cases, a blood transfusion to quickly restore healthy levels. Always let your doctor know if you have any new symptoms. You can better control anaemia and save your energy for recovery by cooperating and utilising these dietary techniques.