Low iron??

[Angel]

I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on "low iron". I gave blood today (3rd time ....I am so proud of myself...) but they thought I would not be able to because I had really low iron??? I remember the last couple of times I gave they said I had great blood, actually they didn't really say I had great blood but they said I had a really good iron count "it fell fast". Ok...now my question, I don't think I have really changed anything in my diet or excercise but how can it change so drastically? I have been really tired lately they said that could be because of that also.
So any advice or wisdom would be great...I am going to eat more green leafy veggies....

[Kerri]

Hello, I am one of those who is chronically anaemic, but I think my iron level is just naturally right below the health cut off. Everytime I give blood, I fail the first test, but pass the second one. One of the symptoms of low iron is extreme fatigue, which I don't really notice so I am not too worried about it. Another symptom is frequent bruising. If I find a lot of strange bruises, I try to eat more of those "leafy green vegtables." Sometimes my body will just demand steak. Lean red meats is the absolute best way to get iron, so listen to your body when you crave it. You can always take iron pills, but they make me really sick. I do take a multi-vitamin which has 16% of the daily reccomended dose of iron. Luckily, since I am not longer in college, my diet is a lot better so I don't have as many problems. Good luck!

[Laura]

Not to get personal, but have your periods changed any? I have fibroid tumors and used to have nasty periods. I have been put on the pill and they are much lighter and I have a lot more energy. (I am assuming because I may no longer be anemic). Just a thought. Laura

[LGBurns]

Your periods don't even have to have changed. If you just had your period (or were in the middle of it), that might change your iron count. All that blood loss, y'know.

[kwormann]

SLow FE is a good iron replacement, but be aware, you may become constipated! Start out slow. It wil make you feel fuller and with more energy.

KIm

[Angel]

Thanks for all the great advice. I never thought about the "Red Meat". I really don't eat any, it is very rare that I do maybe once every month, and on the personal subject last week I finished my period. Maybe that could be why. I just wish I had more energy, I could normally in the middle of the day just lay down and take a nap. Not that I have the option to do that but I just feel so drained.
Thanks again everyone for the advice http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Angel]

Kim what is Slow FE??


Originally posted by kwormann:
SLow FE is a good iron replacement, but be aware, you may become constipated! Start out slow. It wil make you feel fuller and with more energy.

KIm

[hhcowgirl]

Fe is the abbreviation for the element iron on the periodic table of elements.

[traci]

I was anaemic for many years. I worked out 5 days a week and ate very low fat. The doctor told me by exercising so much and not taking in enough calories, my body could never store iron (among other nutrients). I was also vegetarian at the time, and personally think that had a lot to do with it. I started eating 2 portions of red meat a week, fish occasionally, and taking in more calories. My body became balanced and 5 years later I am fine. Make sure you are getting enough food, too little "low fat" can be harmful.