Energy Tip #57: Are you iron deficient?
Enough iron in your system can leave you feeling on top of the world, but on the other hand, too little can make you feel fatigued, sluggish, and irritable.
Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells and your red blood cells are in charge of transporting oxygen throughout your body. The consequence of not having sufficient oxygen in your body is constant fatigue. This fatigue or exhaustion can affect everything from your ability to fight infections to your brain function.
Signs you’re iron deficient:
- You’re constantly exhausted
- Weakness
- You’re pale
- You get out of breath easily
- You feel anxious
- You feel irritable
- You’re losing hair
- A strange appetite for ice or clay – weird, right!
How you can up your iron intake:
Upping your iron intake can be as simple as eating more iron rich foods but be careful of consuming too much as you could damage your internal organs and up your risk of diabetes. See this WebMD article on recommended daily allowances of iron for a guide of how much iron you need to consume according to your age and gender.
Iron rich foods:
- Red meat
- Pork
- Poultry
- Seafood
- Beans
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
- Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
- Peas
Vitamin C Rich Foods
Pairing iron rich foods with foods high in vitamin C will enhance your absorption. These are our favourite vitamin C rich foods:
- Broccoli
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Leafy greens
- Melons
- Oranges
- Peppers
- Strawberries
- Tangerines
- Tomatoes
An iron deficiency could be a sign of a much bigger health problem, so if you suspect you’re low on iron, it’s best to visit your doctor for an expert opinion.