Short Answer: Wine is bad for anemia. Because it has alcohol and tannins and they can reduce iron absorption and red blood cell production.
Anemia is a condition that affects your blood.
In anemia, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your tissues.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and irregular heartbeat.
One of the key factors in managing anemia is diet.
What you consume can affect your iron levels, which can impact your anemia symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage anemia, you should consume iron-rich foods like meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and green leafy vegetables and avoid iron-poor foods like dairy products, tea, coffee, and alcohol.
Now, wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits.
People usually drink wine for pleasure, socialization, or health benefits.
Wine is bad for anemia because it contains alcohol and tannins.
Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of iron from food and supplements, and also increase the risk of bleeding and liver damage.
Tannins are compounds found in grape skins and seeds that can bind with iron and reduce its bioavailability.
Both alcohol and tannins are more abundant in red wine than in white wine, so red wine is worse for anemia than white wine.
However, both types of wine should be avoided or limited by people with anemia.
One glass of wine (5 oz) can give you about 120 calories, 13% of your daily alcohol limit, and negligible amounts of iron and other nutrients.
Alcohol can negatively affect anemia by reducing the production and function of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Tannins can negatively affect anemia by inhibiting the absorption and utilization of iron.
Furthermore, wine is a depressant and a diuretic and both are bad for anemia.
Because, a depressant can lower your blood pressure and heart rate, which can worsen your anemia symptoms.
A diuretic can increase your urine output and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
That’s why I suggest you limit your wine intake to prevent further complications.
Stick to one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men to minimize the side effects.
Also, you shouldn’t drink wine if you have iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, or bleeding disorders to prevent worsening your condition.
Because alcohol and tannins can aggravate these types of anemia.
You can buy wine in your local liquor store or online.
Always choose wine that is low in alcohol and tannins, such as white wine, rosé wine, or sparkling wine.
Because these wines have less negative effects on anemia than red wine.
You can store them in a cool, dark place away from heat and light sources.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing anemia effectively.
I always recommend my anemia patients to follow an anemia-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.