Iron deficiency is a common health problem in the United States. Iron deficiency affects your body’s ability to produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells to carry oxygen.
You can be iron deficient if you don’t consume enough iron-rich foods, such as lean meats and dark green leafy vegetables. If you are pregnant and taking iron supplements, your doctor will also check for anemia and low hemoglobin levels in your blood. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of anemia, it is still possible to be iron deficient.
Anemia is a condition in which your red blood cells do not have enough healthy red blood cells. It can be caused by an excessive loss of iron, or a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, or other nutrients that are needed for the formation and repair of red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. The condition affects about one-third of women during pregnancy and after menopause. Iron deficiency anemia is most common in women who are pregnant, postpartum, or who breastfeed. Women may also develop it as they age due to decreased body iron stores at menopause or decreased intake of dietary iron through diet changes related to menstruation or pregnancy.
Symptoms of iron deficiency include
- Fatigue,
- weakness,
- Cold hands and feet, Dizziness,
- Loss of appetite, Constipation,
- Pale skin,
- Brittle nails,
- Difficulty with concentration.
- Memory loss.
Add Your Heading Text Here Iron is an essential nutrient for the body that is necessary for normal cell function and energy production. It also helps carry oxygen in the blood and helps with the formation of red blood cells.
Although most foods contain iron, it can be difficult for some people to get enough through their diet alone. This is especially true for vegetarians and vegans who do not eat animal products, as these foods typically have the highest amounts of iron per serving.
However, there are several non-meat options that are excellent sources of iron as well. You should consult with a physician before making any dietary changes if you have any concerns about your health or if you have anemia or low hemoglobin levels caused by an underlying medical condition such as liver disease or vitamin B12 deficiency.
Iron Rich Foods:
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Chicken Liver
- Yogurt
- Beef Liver with Broth
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Seaweed
- Watercress
- Asparagus
Iron is a crucial mineral for human health and overall wellness, which makes it important for you to consider incorporating some of the above foods into your diet.
The most common sources of iron are red meat, poultry, fish, and green leafy vegetables. However, some people may have trouble absorbing iron from these foods because they contain phytates or other compounds that can make it difficult for your body to absorb the iron.
What factors decrease iron absorption?
Sometimes, our bodies can find it difficult to absorb iron. It’s important to note that even if you eat a healthy diet and take supplements, your body may still have difficulty absorbing it. This is because of medical conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
While many people are aware of the importance of iron in their diet, they may not know that certain surgical procedures can also negatively affect the ability of your body to absorb iron.
For example, gastric bypass surgery and colectomy are two surgeries that can cause a disruption to your gastrointestinal health and impede your body’s ability to absorb iron.
Capsules of calcium are not just for osteoporosis prevention, but also for building strong bones.
Calcium is an essential mineral that helps with stronger bones and teeth. It also plays a role in nerve and muscle function, as well as hormone regulation. In fact, it is the only known substance to inhibit the body’s absorption of iron—but it should be incorporated into your diet because it is an important part of your daily intake.
What can you do to increase your body’s iron absorption?
It is true that a proper diet with food high in iron is the first and most important step to increasing your iron levels. Yet there are ways to help your body increase its iron intake from your diet. One of the most effective methods to boost iron absorption is by consuming more Vitamin C.
Vitamin C has been shown to increase the absorption of iron by up to 20% when taken in conjunction with vitamin B12. This can be done by taking 500 mg of Vitamin C daily with 250 mcg (micrograms) of B12.
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that can be caused by low levels of red blood cells, low hemoglobin levels, and also poor nutrition. It can be treated with supplements containing vitamin C, folic acid, and other nutrients that are essential for healthy red blood cell production and function.
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from food and stores it in a different form that can be used more efficiently by the body. A Vitamin C Infusion is an optimal way to boost your levels of Vitamin C since it provides 100% bioavailability—the number of nutrients absorbed by the body.
A Vitamin C Infusion is a delicious way to get more vitamins into your body and improve your overall health. With this supplement in your diet, you’ll be able to fight off colds and flu, boost energy levels, lower cholesterol levels, reduce pain caused by arthritis or joint inflammation, and even improve brain function.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cancer as well as other chronic diseases like dementia and heart disease. It also assists in maintaining normal blood pressure levels and helps protect against bone loss during menopause.
If you’re looking for a simple way to increase your intake of this essential nutrient while getting rid of some extra pounds too then adding Vitamin C Infusions into your diet might just be the solution!
Can iron levels be harmful?
Iron overload occurs when too much iron accumulates in the body. This can occur when you take too many iron supplements or eat too much red meat. The body stores any unused iron for future use, and if it’s not used, it can accumulate and cause serious health problems.
If you’re thinking about taking an iron supplement, be sure to talk with your doctor first to determine if it’s a good idea for you. Iron supplements vary in their effectiveness, but most have side effects that may outweigh any benefits they provide.
Iron overload symptoms can include:
- Flatulence
- Anemia
- Low blood count
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Depression
If you have been prescribed iron, vitamin C, or other vitamins, it is important to know whether or not you have a genetic condition known as hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis causes the body to absorb more iron than usual and people with this condition should avoid taking these supplements.
If you are unsure about your iron levels, DreamWork Wellness Centers offers a Whole Body Lab Panel which tests for Serum Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity.
It is always important to talk to your doctor before changing your diet or incorporating new supplements and vitamin infusions into your lifestyle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.