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Eat well
to stay well

On this page:
A balanced diet
Eating for health
Enjoying your food
The nutrients you need
Getting dietary advice
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Having a balanced diet

Everyone can benefit from a balanced diet that gives them all the nutrients they need.1 Of course, finding that balance is about working out what’s right for you. Getting the nutrients you need each day can affect your health and how you feel.2,3 So it’s worth thinking about whether your diet is giving you what you need.

You should get advice on your diet from your healthcare team that’s tailored to your specific needs. But there are some common things that you can consider when it comes to choosing what to eat.

Balancing the nutrients you need

You are unique and how you feel is affected both by your beta thalassaemia and the treatments you need to help you stay well.2

Eating well doesn’t have to mean eating things you don’t like. Food is about more than just health – it can be about pleasure, fun and spending time with loved ones.4 When following dietary advice, you’ll be recommended different foods that can give you the nutrients you need. Try to find foods you like to eat among what’s recommended, because then you can eat for both health and enjoyment!4

Both alcohol and smoking can increase your risk of complications such as osteoporosis (a condition that weakens the bones) and can add to the problems caused by iron overload.2 So if you’re living with beta thalassaemia, you can also look after your health by avoiding smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink.

Ask your healthcare team about nutritional advice for your condition

There can be a lot to think about when it comes to the food you eat. And when you’re in a rush, you may end up picking up food that is simple and convenient rather than what’s best for your health. But simple changes to what you eat can make a big difference to how well you feel.

Your healthcare team can advise you on meal plans that can help you achieve a balanced diet. By working with a dietician – someone who specialises in food and nutrition (not just for weight loss) – you can get individual advice based on your needs. This is important, because what works for one person may not work for another – they can help you find meals that work for you.

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    References
    1. Cena H, Calder PC. Defining a healthy diet: evidence for the role of contemporary dietary patterns in health and disease. Nutrients. 2020;12:334. doi: 10.3390/nu12020334.
    2. Cappellini MD, Farmakis D, Porter J, Taher A. 2021 Guidelines for the management of transfusion dependent thalassaemia (TDT). 4th Edition. IDF, 2021.
    3. Wahl DR, Villinger K, Konig LM, Ziesemer K, Schupp HT, Renner B. Healthy food choices are happy food choices: Evidence from a real life sample using smartphone based assessments. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):17069.
    4. Bédard A, Lamarche PO, Grégoire LM et al. Can eating pleasure be a lever for healthy eating? A systematic scoping review of eating pleasure and its links with dietary behaviors and health. PLoS One. 2020;15(12):e0244292. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244292.