Hello Sickle Cell Famz!

I've been getting alot of emails at sicklecelldiva@gmail.com and my blog www.sicklecelldiva.com....asking me what do I eat and how do I handle my day to day living with sickle cell. Well I've decided to give you some basic information that will hopefully help you and make your sickle cell living more comfortable.

((Eating))
I avoid as much processed foods as possible. I do however eat "Lean Cuisines" because they are low in sodium and they are quick, healthy, and sometimes filling. Baked fish and chicken are on my menu as well. Along with fresh vegatables that I chop up and and fry in olive oil, Mrs.Dash, and Cayanne Pepper. Over cooking foods destroys the structure of foods and nutrutional value. Eating foods closest to the way they occur in nature (excluding meat) is the best for people with sickle cell. I try to eat 6 small meals threw out the day. Since my gall bladder is gone eating big meals are difficult and cause stress for my digestion and the blood system.
((Drinking))
Drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day- less for young children. When you drink juice, tea, or coffee the body treats those as food . Warm water or room tempature is better. Now there are different types of water I suggest everyone that reads this gets on the interenet and research. Alkaline water is know to be best...please do your research and see for your self how it makes you feel. When I cant get to Alkaline water I drink only two brands, Fiji water and Trader Joe's water "Electrolyte Enhanced" water. I feel alot better after drinking each of these.

When I have a crisis I hate to eat!! It taks too much energy....So get a high speed blender and throw some spinich and a few pears in it...taste wonderful!! there are all kinds of combinations. Check out www.greensmoothie.com.

((Clothing))
I always wear and extra set of clothing under my regular clothes all winter and some of the summer. Its a trick to regulate your body tempature. Right now I am wearing a Helix Poly Scoop Shirt under my very loose joggin suit
(have 10 suits in every color) Dont like anything that is tight and makes my blood move slow. I get most of my sportswear and thermal control wear at www.sunnysports.com. Thermal wear is a sickle cell person's best friend.

I shop for fresh vegetables weekly and I try to buy organic. This is not always easy but if you can stay away from canned and processed foods is the best. I also stay away from the pretty smelling soaps and fancy labels. If I dont get natural soaps and beauty products from Trader Joe's I will get them from www.dherbs.com
Well I hope this helps all of you and plz stay warm & healthy ~