Dealing with Low Iron Levels? Learn How To Support Your Iron Levels Naturally
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies that women experience as a whole, especially during our menstrual cycle and childbearing years.
Why are women vulnerable?
Women are vulnerable to iron deficiency because we menstruate and loss blood monthly. And, if you're a woman experiencing prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, or a short menstrual cycle with a frequent period (less than 21 days between next period) you're at a much higher risk of developing low iron levels.
This is true for pregnant women too!
Iron deficiency anemia is actually common in pregnant women due to the fact that when we are pregnant, the volume of blood in our body can increase by as much as 50 percent in order to support us and our growing baby(or babies).
Which is why it's important for us while menstruating and pregnant to be intentional about replenishing and supporting our iron levels. We need to make sure to get enough iron-rich foods in our daily diets or through natural supplements.
Keep reading to learn how.
What are signs and symptoms of low iron levels?
Some common signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Tiredness and low energy
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Poor appetite
- Craving and chewing ice, paper or clay
- And even frequent infections
What causes iron deficiency or anemia?
Common causes of iron deficiency is poor nutrition and restrictive diets like vegetarian and veganism, impaired gut health that affect your body's ability to properly absorb nutrients, inflammatory bowel disease, increased mineral requirements during pregnancy, blood loss while menstruating and through heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and internal bleeding.
How can I support my iron levels naturally?
There are natural ways to increase your iron levels and assist in healing the symptoms of anemia. Low iron levels can make your every day life feel exhausting and make the body weak. Having an iron-friendly diet is the first step to correcting your condition.
Foods that assist in increasing iron levels are:
- Red meat
- Chicken
- Fish, shellfish
- Organ meats
- Tofu
- Beans and lentils
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Dandelion greens
- Collards
- Blood building and iron supporting herbs
You can use herbs to increase and maintain your iron levels naturally. Here are some of my most effective products in the apothecary to support your iron levels and help build your blood.
If you're pregnant I recommend my
I formulate these specifically to help with your body's increased iron demands for pregancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding.
These herbs will help your symptoms improve. Replenishing the iron in your body is super important while you are menstruating so I recommend taking these herbs especially during your bleed time.
Add more Vitamin C to your diet
Make sure you are getting a lot of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body assimilate and absorb iron. Foods high in vitamins C are bell peppers, kiwis, oranges, lemon, limes and herbs such as parsley and thyme.
In Summary...
Iron is vital to maintaining good energy levels, organ function, and oxygen levels. Make sure you are getting enough iron and supporting vitamins and minerals to prevent fatigue and strengthen your blood.
If your iron levels are low this is why you feel tired, weak, exhausted, brain fog, dizziness, headaches and have trouble concentrating because enough iron isn't available to sustain your energy requirements and you lack oxygen in blood. Whatever the cause, iron deficiency can result in unpleasant symptoms that can affect your quality of life. These include poor health, poor concentration and poor work, family and social productivity.
A simple blood test will confirm whether you have iron-deficiency or anemia. If your doctor or health care provider confirms you have iron deficiency you can treat it fairly easily by increasing your intake of iron from your diet and by supplementing with Iron Support Extract or Iron Support Capsules.
Love and health,
Shavonne