Low Iron Count?

Question

I am low in Iron and feel very lethargic at times throughout the day, especially in the late afternoon.
Is their anything natural i can take to give me a boost, especially because I have really dark bags under my eyes.
I am also a vegetarian so I lose out on the iron that alot of meat eaters get just through their diet.
Does anyone know of anything that would work but that doesnt cost a fortune?

Answer 1

vitamins

Answer 2

If your doctor told you that you have a low iron count, were you prescribed vitamins?

Don't take iron supplements until the doc says it's okay. Iron overdose can be harmful. The doc needs to find the reason for your anemia, which can be related or unrelated to nutrition. You might be lacking in other vitamins. They can run a more specific test to find the cause.

Meanwhile, you can try to eat more iron-fortified cereal, leafy greens, nuts, bread, and other good sources of iron that are relatively inexpensive.

If you are prescribed iron, you can get cheap bottles at Wal-Mart. You'll have to experiment because iron tablets can upset your stomach.

Answer 3

Talk to your doctor about it, making sure that he or she understands that you are a vegetarian.

Iron is found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and enriched breads and cereals. Other foods that contain iron include almonds, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, dates, kelp, kidney and lima beans, lentils, millet, parsley, peaches, pears, dried prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice, wheat bran, sesame seeds and soy beans. Those individuals who cook with cast iron pots can also obtain iron from the pots.

To get the most out of your iron foods, consume concentrated sources of calcium from cow's milk or calcium or zinc supplements at a different time from high iron foods.

Vitamin C greatly enhances iron absorption. For example: brown rice and tofu served with vitamin C foods such as tomato sauce and broccoli can double or triple your iron absorption.

For a high iron breakfast, try soaking one third cup of seven grain cereal in one half cup of soymilk overnight (throw in a few nuts, dry fruits and seeds). Next morning, add one half cup water, cook five minutes for a wonderful creamy cereal.

The recommended daily intakes (RDI) of iron for adult men and women is 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively. If you are not iron deficient then you do not need to supplement. However if you are iron deficient then supplement only with ferrous iron or an iron chelate since they are absorbed by 1-1/2 to 15 times better than ferric iron.

Not only will excessive iron intake result in a decreased ability to fight infections, but it can also increase the risk of cardiovascular heart disease and/or cancer. This can occur when iron acts as a pro-oxidant rather than as an anti-oxidant.

If these things don't work for you, it might be time to reconsider your diet and allow some meat. I know that there are many reasons to be a vegetarian, I was one for about 10 years and I still don't eat a lot of meat, but it's also important to be healthy.

Answer 4

Have you had a red blood cell count done recently? It's a quick bloodtest. I was anemic for YEARS before I even knew. It showed up when I went in for lab work right before a brest reduction. The doc said NO surgery allowed because I was so anemic. Anemia causes low oxygen levels. You cannot be put under if you are low on oxygen. DEADLY!! I had a hysterectomy last year...the heavy bleeding was THAT bad!! I have had the most energetic year of my life since becoming anemic. Get a blood test!!! That's the first step.

Answer 5

Spinach has a ton of iron as does Total Cereal. Iron pills aren't very expensive either (usually listed as ferus sulfate). also vitamin C helps iron absorption so drink lots of OJ.


P.S. You can buy iron pills at any grocery store.. you don't need an Rx for a supplement.. but be absolutely certain you actually need it.

Answer 6

Eat alot of green food. And take iron pills

Answer 7

my mom had this, and it is called anemia. go to a doctor.. they'll give you iron pills and you'll feel all better in a few weeks..

feel better!
xo heather