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Thread: Anemia

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    Featured Member space_cowgirl's Avatar
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    Default Anemia

    Hiya Ladies,
    I'm wondering if anyone diagnosed with anemia has ideas about good resources for getting more info. My doctor has been woefully vague, and even though my hemoglobin level is considered moderate to severely low, she basically just threw iron pills at me and told me to return in a month. I'd love to be able to correct this via diet, if at all possible.

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    God/dess whirlerz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    Well, you need iron, I know it's found in red meat. Also figs. I'm not a lot of help here, but I've been borderline anemic for years.


    MANY MEN WANTED TO LAY ME DOWN, BUT FEW WANTED TO LIFT ME UP

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    Senior Member SydneyBrooke's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    I'm also anemic, and my dr gave me iron pills too. It takes a while for you to notice any effects from them. I know it doesn't help much, but I haven't really found anything great to make me feel better yet, so I'm interested in hearing what every one else has to say.

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    God/dess simone87's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    take your iron pills with a glass of orange juice, it absorbs into your system better with the help of more acidic drinks or food. don't take too much iron of course, that can be very dangerous. just consistently take your iron vitamins, see if that works..keep your diet balanced and healthy

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    Senior Member snakesandmonkeys's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    If you have cast iron pans you can cook acidic things in them (like tomatoe sauce) for a good dietary source of iron.

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    Default Re: Anemia

    spinach has a lot of iron in it. if you throw a ton of spinach in a blender with some fruit and your liquid of choice, you cant taste it at all....itll just make your smoothie look green.

    definately take the iron pills but try to incorporate iron in your diet too. red meat and broccoli are good sources. it helped for me.

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    Default Re: Anemia

    spirulina supplement its a great super food,It has half a days amount of iron in a serving.you can get it whole foods or Vitacost.I love vitacost way cheaper then in stores and its the same product.

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    God/dess Nikki_Fox's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    eggs and like she said above greens brocolli spinach - and spirulina greens - I use Barlean's greens -

    PURIFY – ALKALINIZE – CLEANSE
    Barlean’s Greens are revered for supporting the purification and cleansing of vital organs, body tissues and blood supply.
    Deep, dark berries are known for their potent and powerful antioxidant qualities and provide a terrific berry flavor.
    • Nutrient Dense – Deep, Emerald Green Color
    • Delicious, 100% Natural Berry Flavor
    • Absolute Best Tasting Greens Superfood
    • Soy Free

    Each serving of Barlean’s Greens provides an optimal proprietary blend of the most vitalizing plant-based ingredients:
    • Green Food Concentrates:
    Land Greens:
    Organic Barley Leaf, Organic Wheat Leaf, Organic Oat Leaf, Spinach, Parsley
    Sea Greens:
    Spirulina, Chlorella, Chlorophyl
    Sea Vegetable Blend:
    Ecklonia, Sea Whistle, Laminaria, Macrocystis, Alaria
    • Vitamins & Minerals
    • Phytonutrient & Fiber Concentrates
    Cold Milled Organic Flax Meal, Lignans, Rice Bran
    • Herbal Tonics
    • Herbal Antioxidants
    • Nutrient Concentrates - See more at: http://www.pureformulas.com/berry-gr....h8usfwr4.dpuf



    i have mixed it with weight watchers or hmr powder shakes and added frozen berries

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    Featured Member space_cowgirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    Wonderful ideas, thanks everyone!

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    Featured Member Starling's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    If you have iron-deficiency anemia, organ meats are rich in iron, liver and kidneys have the highest amounts. Spinach is good too.

    Take iron on an empty stomach if you can tolerate it. Take it with a glass of orange juice, vitamin C helps with iron absorption. Don't take it with dairy like milk, dairy decreases absorption.

    Taking iron supplements can cause your poops to become a darker color. This is normal.

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    Senior Member Moon Sprite's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    I am also anemic. I have something called a beta thalasemia trait that is genetic. I have to take iron supplements everyday but I find that liquid iron is more tolerable. The iron tablets give me severe headaches an id upset stomach. I take it with orange juice or sometimes I just squeeze a lime and drink it with the tablet. Citrus helps with the absorption of iron but not grapefruit it diminishes the effect of medicine. Lots of green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale also help and beets. I juice beet and kale every morning. I also try to eat steak about 3 times a week although I do not like it. My lowest level was 6 after a surgical procedure and now with vitamins,iron and vegetables it is 12.5
    "Don't cry when the sun is gone because the tears won't let you see the stars." Violeta Parra

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    Default Re: Anemia

    It takes MONTHS to build up a low iron supply. So take your pills consistently and don't try to load up with pills too quickly.

    Agreed that you should supplement with natural sources. Lean meats, beans, spinach, etc. Eat them with a Vitamin C source - strawberries, orange juice, etc. And take your pill on a full stomach, of course.

    How did you become anemic? I became anemic back when I was a raw foodist (I wasn't being responsible about consuming enough iron sources) and also when I had a copper IUD, so I feel ya. It was an incredible feeling. I had never experienced a vitamin deficiency before. I mean, I would nod off in the middle of a crowded lecture hall...which is crazy for a hyper-responsible perfectionist. And afternoon naps became the norm before I realized what was wrong with me.

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    Veteran Member BANHammerGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Anemia

    ergh, iron supplements on an empty stomach make me want to ralph.

    I did read about navy beans last night having a good source of iron though. Plus super fiber rich food.

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