I have a problem with absorbing iron it seems. Although I eat a lot of food rich in iron, naturally, I often get very run down and when tested am told I lack iron and have to take iron supplements for a few months. Then I am ok for a while, then it happens again, and so on. Is there anything I can do naturally to prevent this happening over and over again.
One of the problems I have with vitamin C is that it one of its roles is to make iron more bioavailable. But I'm a guy, and have no way to get rid of iron unless I donate blood. Too much iron makes me constipated.
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A higher bioavailability of the dietary iron can be achieved by increasing the content of food components enhancing iron absorption (ascorbic acid, meat/fish) or by decreasing the content of inhibitors (e.g., phytates, tannins).
If you are a pre-menopausal woman you may have to supplement with iron continuously to make sure you get enough.
I can't count how many women do that, take it then stop taking it then say I'm really tired I wonder why, oh must be iron, then take it again, then stop taking it when they feel okay, then feel tired again, etc.
Vit C does increase iron absorption and tea prevents it. Also, depending on the greens; greens such as spinach have oxalic acid which binds iron and prevents it from being absorbed.
I hope you arn't taking iron pills like ferrous glutonate or whatever...
These types of pills can cause a lot of problems, especially constipation.
When I was doing midwifery we saw a lot of anemia as it is common to pregnant women. We gave them Nature Sunshines' IX formula and saw remarkable results usually in two weeks without the side effects of iron pills. Women who had been on a ton of allopathic iron and came to us anemic responded beautifully.
If you are premenapausual and bleeding a lot then you need to consult with a doc that does bio-identical hormone replacement. The flooding that occurs during this period of life for some women is really the problem that needs to be addressed.
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I hope you arn't taking iron pills like ferrous glutonate or whatever...
These types of pills can cause a lot of problems, especially constipation.
When I was doing midwifery we saw a lot of anemia as it is common to pregnant women. We gave them Nature Sunshines' IX formula and saw remarkable results usually in two weeks without the side effects of iron pills. Women who had been on a ton of allopathic iron and came to us anemic responded beautifully.
If you are premenapausual and bleeding a lot then you need to consult with a doc that does bio-identical hormone replacement. The flooding that occurs during this period of life for some women is really the problem that needs to be addressed.
What problems do the pills cause, besides constipation?
Good to know that the herbs in that formula by Nature's Sunshine caused iron levels to come up!
Gluconate is fine, just take it with vitamin C and no tea or green leafy veggies (especially spinach). As for iron levels, a little low is much better than a little high.
I once read that people who have a problem with iron should consider cooking with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons as it will help with absorption. The vitamin C contents that has already been mentioned is probably the reason using citrus fruits while looking will help.
I would also make sure you are eating every single days foods high in iron, which I found this list. So I would have egg yoke every morning and maybe a spinach salad every day as well.
Ferrous gluconate can not only cause constipation, but nausea,loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
Constipaiton is no little affair. It prevents good absorption of nutrients, disrupts the intestional flora, and can be damaging to the intestines. I woulnd't touch the ferrous gluconate or sulfate supplements with a ten foot poll!
Not only these side effects, but it does not bring up serum iron levels rapidly enough in my estimation... and then they get constipation to boot. and I have seen people on double and triple dosages and still their iron levels were not good...but then easily rectified with herbs because they are assimilated easily and help the body in a multitude of ways. Iron has lots to do with the liver,, and most of the iron delivering herbs are known liver herbs for toning and detoxifying.. herbs are soooo much better for you.
They gave my father iron sulfate a few yrs ago. Funny thing, I live in an outer burb of pittsbugh and there is a hiogh leukemia rate in the area, but there are also blood disorder rates that are high also. I bet it is contamination.
How about cooking with cast iron? I love to do grilled cheese and a few other things in cast iron. 100,000s use to, long ago, cook exclusively with cast iron.
all very interesting, thanks. I am way past the menopause! so it is nothing to do with monthlies or that.... but I do need to increase my vitamin c which will help with that
Here's a question, what about drinking green tea with lemons? I've read too many times that you shouldn't drink tea with your meals due to iron absorption. You can read many things about citrus fruit and helping with a lot of absorption.
My dad has been drinking his green tea every morning with key limes, because he keeps telling me about all the benefits of adding lemons or limes to your tea. Now I'm wondering if you drink green tea with key limes would it then be safe to drink it with a meal?
I also read that the tea and iron issue is really only an issue for people who have an iron deficiency and for most people drinking plain green tea with your meal isn't an issue.
thanks for reply and MERRY CHRISTMAS - yes am taking cheap synthetic iron tablets from doctor - I am in the UK - am now going to take high doses of vitamin c to help with absorbing iron.... I drink a lot of ordinary tea, like we have in UK, but very weak and never drink when eating.. have also ordered garlic capsules
Tannins interfere with protein digestion. It binds to proteins, amino acids, and alkaloids. I know that many people like to drink ice tea and sometimes hot tea with their meals. Not good. Not even after a meal. Perhaps the moderate amount of tea diluted in water for ice tea is not enough to be concerned about. But why take the chance, it you have digestive sensitivities. After all, some plants contain tannins too.
Tannins can also interfere with minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B. It is just advisable to drink coffee and tea away from meals.
Tea is a great benefit to health in many levels. It is especially good for the kidneys. I'm certainly not saying to avoid tea or coffee. Just don't over do it with meals.
Absorbing iron
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