When the body has used the iron up, it is unable to produce hemoglobin. This is called iron deficiency anemia. A doctor can diagnose anemia using a blood test to measure serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.
Risk factors for iron deficiency include:. The body stores any unused iron for future use. When too much iron accumulates in the body, it is known as iron overload. Too much iron can cause:. Some people have hemochromatosis , a genetic condition where the body absorbs more iron than usual. When this happens, the iron can build up to toxic levels.
Hemochromatosis is dangerous if left untreated. People with hemochromatosis should avoid taking iron and vitamin C supplements. To reduce the risk of developing an iron overload, adults should not consume than 45 mg of iron a day, which is the upper intake level, according to the NIH.
Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach is touted as a detox and weight loss strategy, but there is no evidence to support this.
Learn more. New research finds that a high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of fatty acid found in plants, may decrease overall mortality risk. Nectarines are high in vitamin C and may reduce blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve skin health.
Capsicum is the genus to which all chili peppers and bell peppers belong. Combining nonheme veggies with heme-containing meat, poultry and fish also improves nonheme absorption.
On the flip side, do not include milk, dairy products, coffee or tea with your meal because they inhibit nonheme absorption. Sandi Busch received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, then pursued training in nursing and nutrition. She taught families to plan and prepare special diets, worked as a therapeutic support specialist, and now writes about her favorite topics — nutrition, food, families and parenting — for hospitals and trade magazines.
By Sandi Busch Updated December 14, Related Articles. Rice, wheat, oats, nuts, fruits, vegetables, beans, and fortified processed foods are typical sources of non-heme iron. Heme iron is typically absorbed at a higher rate than non-heme iron, which means that the body more easily absorbs iron from animal products than iron derived from plant foods. Therefore, vegetarians may need to consume twice as much dietary iron as meat-eaters to absorb an adequate amount of iron each day. There are many good sources of non-heme iron.
Dark leafy greens and dried beans are among the best vegetarian sources of iron. InsideTracker has a vegetarian option and will recommend a variety of veggie foods that can fulfill your iron needs. In addition, several types of foods can reduce the amount of non-heme iron that the body absorbs.
For example, the tannins in coffee and tea , dairy products, fiber, eggs, and some types of chocolate can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron. The good news is that vitamin C helps to markedly increase the absorption of non-heme iron. For instance, drinking a glass of orange juice with your dinner can increase non-heme iron absorption up to six-fold! You can also consider taking an iron supplement, but if you do, be sure to take it with a food or beverage that is high in vitamin C such as orange juice!
InsideTracker blood analysis can tell you if you need to increase your consumption of dietary iron, so get yourself checked today! Get in touch by phone or email contactus insidetracker. Submit to an iron binding capacity test. This test will measure the maximum amount of iron your blood can store. This will give your doctor an idea of whether your liver and other organs are functioning properly. Determine if you have any serious medical conditions. After talking with you and running blood tests, your doctor will determine when you have medical conditions that have either caused low ferritin levels or may affect your ability to raise them.
Conditions that could impact your ferritin levels or treatment include but are not limited to: Anemia Cancer Kidney disease Hepatitis Gastric ulcers Enzyme disorders. Part 2. Take oral iron supplements. If you have a mild or moderate deficiency, your doctor will instruct you to buy iron supplements at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Typically, oral iron supplements will take several weeks to raise iron and ferritin levels.
Avoid taking your iron supplement with milk, caffeine, antacids, or calcium supplements, which can reduce the iron absorption. Receive vitamin injections and intravenous treatments. You may receive an injection of iron directly into your bloodstream or get an injection of B12 since this vitamin can help with iron absorption. In severe cases, your doctor may order a blood transfusion in order to restore iron levels quickly. Iron injections may have side effects similar to oral supplements.
Rely on prescription supplements and medications. There are a variety of medications designed to increase iron and ferritin levels in the human body. If you have a condition that inhibits your ability to absorb or store iron, your doctor may prescribe one. Part 3. Eat more meat. Meat, specifically red meat, is perhaps the best source of iron you can eat. This is not only because meat is iron-rich, but because your body can more easily absorb iron from meat.
Consume plant products that have iron. Next to meat, there are a variety of plant products that are rich in iron. Consuming these plant products will help you to increase the ferritin levels in your blood. Consider limiting foods and minerals that make it hard for your body to absorb iron. Certain foods and minerals may make it more difficult for your body to digest and absorb iron.
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