My iron levels are fluctuating within
the low range and I feel fine (low end may be my normal). I feel like I eat foods with lots of iron with
the exception of red meat and liver.
What do you suggest to boost iron?
There are LOTS
of whole foods that contain iron, like chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, nutritional
yeast (I sprinkle this on air popped popcorn), and dried fruits like apricots
and raisins.
Iron in food is
absorbed better when eaten with foods containing Vitamin C. So at the same meal try eating iron rich
foods with Vitamin C containing foods, like citrus, broccoli, and bell
peppers. Also avoid coffee and tea at
the same meal since it can inhibit iron absorption.
Plant-based vs. Animal-based vs. Supplements
You may have heard
that iron from animal sources is superior to iron from plants. This is based on the fact that our bodies can
absorb the animal-based iron more readily than plant-based iron.
This is true
… and it’s NOT a good thing.
To start
with, our bodies have NO way to rid itself of excess iron.
Our colons
are designed to regulate whether or not iron is absorbed or not absorbed into
our bodies. If you body needs more iron,
more iron is absorbed through your colon wall.
If you body doesn’t need iron, you colon doesn’t allow your body to
absorb it and the iron continues along the colon and passes out of your body
naturally.
However, the colon
cannot regulate animal-based iron or iron supplements. Your body absorbs ALL of the iron you consume
via animal based-food and supplements.
This can be dangerous since too much iron is not good for your
body. Too much can damage your liver and
heart and lead to diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
Only people
whose doctor has confirmed a diagnosis of iron deficiency or anemia should
consider an iron supplement. And even
then I suggest talking with your doctor about treating it with diet alone
before using supplements.