How to Improve Your Iron Levels

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If there is one thing in the body that is involved in multiple physiological processes, it is iron. Iron helps to evolve the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the body so when your iron levels are low, you can develop iron deficiency anemia. It’s one of the most common new fridge nutritional deficiencies in the world, and it affects over 30% of people worldwide.

Knowing how to raise your iron levels is so important if you don’t want to feel constantly tired and sluggish. Without enough red blood cells, oxygen cannot get to the right places in the body, so you need to do what you can to raise your iron levels and keep them at a normal level between your blood tests so that you know that your body is healthy. Let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can raise your iron levels naturally.

What’s your food intake?

Did you know that there are some foods out there that can block the ability of your digestive system to absorb iron? This decrease in absorption means that no matter how much iron you eat, your body is not going to get all of it.

What you can do is look at the foods that affect absorption and stay away from them. There are certain green vegetables such as spinach, which combine with iron in your intestine, and this can interfere with absorption. Dairy products and whole grains, T, coffee, and even chocolate can do it, too.

Start taking supplements.

One of the best ways that you can boost your iron levels is by taking supplements. There are liquids and pills available at Platinum Naturals, but you should always keep in mind that you need to take them for a few months to have any difference in your iron levels at all.

Building up the iron stores in the body does take some time, but you can work with your doctor on blood testing to make sure that you can see the build-up. Supplements should only be taken under the advice of a health professional because without the right advice you could end up taking the wrong ones.

Consider heme-iron foods.

Food sources such as seafood, meat, and fish are heme-iron food sources. These sources of iron can help you to increase those iron stores and ensure that your body is functioning the way that it should. Opting for dark Turkey meat or Chuck beef, chicken livers and oysters means that you are going to be pumping up those iron levels from the ground upward.

What if you are vegetarian?

You may not be indulging in Chuck beef or chicken livers if you prefer to live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, but you still need to be able to raise those iron levels quickly. Leafy green vegetables and lagoons, like beans, lentils, and pumpkin seeds are great choices.

Check out iron-fortified foods.

There are foods now that are fortified with iron, and while they are processed and can have lots more sugar and salt, they can help you to raise your iron levels appropriately.

Up your vitamin C levels.

Including vitamin C in your diet is a smart way to boost your body’s absorption of iron. Having or issues with your breakfast or having it alongside an iron-rich meal of leafy greens and dark meats will help you to change the way your iron levels appear on a blood test.

Speak to your doctor if you are concerned.

Some doctors may order a blood transfusion if your iron levels are not moving. If the iron deficiency you are experiencing is severe, you may require a transfusion and if you are actively bleeding or you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or weakness, transfusions can help.

Of course, they don’t completely correct an iron deficiency, they just replace the deficient blood cells. It’s a temporary fix but it’s one that can help if you are feeding the side effects.

Check for underlying causes.

People don’t generally tend to just be anemic. There is usually a reason for it. For women who are pregnant, low iron levels are very common, and women who have heavy periods are also going to experience it. Athletes who have a high exercise profile tend to also have a high risk of iron deficiency because exercising can increase the amount of iron the body needs.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.