Tired of being anemic. Ba dum dum!

eclare87

So I'm anemic. My mom and my sis are too. I can't give blood, I've tried a few times. I don't eat any red meat or pork. I do eat spinach. A lot. Like three big bags a week, at least. I eat eggs, chicken and fish usually daily. Beans and nuts usually every other day at least. So why am I not getting there?? What can I do to get it without supplements?

Has anyone else tackled this problem before?

I'm especially frustrated today because I have angular cheilitis on my mouth. This probably happens to me 3 or 4 times a year. Oh, and I bruise like a peach and I take forever to heal. So frustrating because I feel like I eat really healthy (and over 1200 calories), so why is iron so hard to get my daily value of?

AmyRhubarb

Cream of Wheat cereal is high in iron, unless you'd consider it a supplement since it's fortified rather than naturally occurring in the cereal as far as I know...

But maybe you could eat that for breakfast 3 or 4 times per week?

I'm not anemic, but my count is often too low when I donate blood (started after I began regular exercise), but if I eat Cream of Wheat 3 or 4 times in the days leading up to a donation, my levels are well over their requirements for donors.

wild_wild_life

Take a supplement. It's really not something to mess around with. You need to clear it with your Dr. though since its possible to take too much.

Do you track iron?

xxnellie146xx

Are you anemic or is your iron just low? When you're anemic your iron reserves in your body (as my dr described it) are depleted. Realistically you would need to take iron supplement until your levels are back to normal and then discontinue and make sure you are eating iron in your diet.

I found out in May that I was anemic and was put on iron supplements. My levels are getting back to normal and I should be able to stop the iron at the end of the month.

mensasu

http://www.livestrong.com/article/32302-foods-enhance-iron-absorption/

LaurenAOK

Out of curiosity, why are you against supplements? I had very low iron after going vegetarian, so I started taking a women's multivitamin every day. I definitely feel less tired all the time since starting it.

AmyFett

I'm prone to anemia too. I think anemia and thyroid issues go hand-in-hand, and that's my problem. I have an under-active thyroid. Have they checked yours? Honestly, I take a multivitamin and that seems to be enough. I hate taking additional iron, but sometimes when I'm anemic, I take those to snap back. It sucks, it's always on my head that I'm becoming anemic again if I feel weak or tired or whatever. I don't like red meat either and I do eat spinach.

I think you should AT LEAST take a multivitamin.

yourenotmine

How old are you? Young girls have higher iron needs than adult women (except vegans). Are you tracking your iron on here, and finding that you're hitting at least the 100% mark? You can try increasing your intake of vitamin C (because it helps with Fe absorption) and keeping dairy (or high calcium foods) separate from meals that contain iron (because it may impede absorption). Having said that, it sounds like you need to ask a dr about it, because you could have some other issue (such as an absorption problem).

MinMin97

So I'm anemic. My mom and my sis are too. I can't give blood, I've tried a few times. I don't eat any red meat or pork. I do eat spinach. A lot. Like three big bags a week, at least. I eat eggs, chicken and fish usually daily. Beans and nuts usually every other day at least. So why am I not getting there?? What can I do to get it without supplements?

Has anyone else tackled this problem before?

I'm especially frustrated today because I have angular cheilitis on my mouth. This probably happens to me 3 or 4 times a year. Oh, and I bruise like a peach and I take forever to heal. So frustrating because I feel like I eat really healthy (and over 1200 calories), so why is iron so hard to get my daily value of?

Sorry! That sounds frustrating....I just HATE it if I'm tired all the time.
Have not had anemia very much, but got over it quick when I did.
But even though you said you don't want supplements, I assume you mean iron tabs.
So I want to suggest an herb which is supposed to be the sure thing for anemia....it's dandilion leaf.
Yep, that yellow flower growing in your grass.
But don't use that,lol buy the herb in capsules!
And it won't give you the "lovely" side effects you'd get from iron supps.
Best wishes!

UpEarly

I had problems with anemia when I was a vegetarian. I tried everything - iron-rich foods paired with vitamin C to help the iron absorb. I tried supplements (both oral and injected). Nothing worked - I was constantly out-of-breath, fatigued, lightheaded, bruised, etc.

After lots of doctor visits, it was determined that I just don't absorb iron from non-heme sources. I went back to eating meat. In the end, it was just the easiest solution.

ldholcombe

I HAVE TACKLED THIS ONE!!!

Okay so this is what I do. I take an iron pill + a vitamin c (MAKE SURE ITS ONLY IRON AND ONLY VITAMIN C)

I take another vitamin too for calcium but you can not take any other vitamins containing calcium with iron. Nor can you drink milk or eat dairy an hour before or an hour after.... After the hour passes you are in the clear. Its that simple.

eclare87

Thanks for the ideas. I have heard having vitamin C can help. Does it count if put some lemon or lime juice in my water whenever I eat meals? Because I usually already do that.

I don't want to take the supplements because I think it's better to eat your vitamins naturally whenever possible. Also I'm afraid of the iron supplements messing up my digestion-- I've heard they do that. Anyone have experience with that?

Chipmunk222

Like others have said.... make sure you are getting enough vitamin C

ReyneDrop

You might also want to check your B-12 levels. My mom has pernicious anemia, which is basically her body doesn't absorb the B-12 very well, causing the red blood cell count to be lower- and I've found that when I'm feeling particularly weak and tired, it's not just from low iron count. Just another thing to check up on. B-12 is really hard to get if you don't eat meats, because it doesn't occur in vegetation.

RuthSweetTooth

Any young menstruating woman will get anemic without taking a multivitamin with iron.

Check out nutritiondata.com, and search by nutrient, this is an easy way to get more of a certain nutrient.

Lack of iron is not the only thing that will make you anemic. Lack of B vitamins will do that too. So, get yourself a one-a-day with iron.

Also, Post grapenuts or Total cereal are great sources of both B vitamins and iron. Have strawberries on your cereal, or kiwi, for vitamin C, which will increase absorption. Nothing yummier than a bowl of yogurt, strawberries or kiwi, and grapenuts!!!! Mmm!

Eat red meat, unless you need to avoid it for some reason. Spaghetti sauce with tomatoes and beef, good choice.

eclare87

Most days I'm over 100 percent RDA for Vitamin C. So I doubt that's it, especially considering all the lime and lemon juice I put in my water. I just need more tips for eating iron from people who've overcome this.

Cream of wheat is something I'll need to check out. I do eat Cheerios every now and then but they're so bland, I hate to waste my carb allowance on that!

EDIT: I don't eat red meat. I don't like it, no way I'm going to eat it. No point in suggesting it. I like poultry, fish, eggs though and eat those kinds of foods at least 2x a day.

Also if I have iron-fortified cereal and eat it with milk or yogurt, would that then cancel out the iron?

wild_wild_life

Thanks for the ideas. I have heard having vitamin C can help. Does it count if put some lemon or lime juice in my water whenever I eat meals? Because I usually already do that.

I don't want to take the supplements because I think it's better to eat your vitamins naturally whenever possible. Also I'm afraid of the iron supplements messing up my digestion-- I've heard they do that. Anyone have experience with that?

I take "Slow Fe" brand, it is slow release, and I have not had any side effects. I am not anemic but was having a weird ice craving, heard it might mean iron deficiency (supposedly due to inflammation in the mouth), and had my ferritin tested and it was low. Started taking 45mg/day and the symptoms went away.

There are other reasons for anemia besides low iron of course -- do you know if your iron is low?

Now I track iron and if I am below 150% I take 1/4 or 1/2 45mg tablet, just enough to bring it up. I am shooting for 150% since I am vegetarian and the RDA is higher for vegetarians since non heme iron isn't absorbed as well.

If you're not working with a Dr. on this it sounds like a visit is in order just to make sure you are iron deficient, what your levels are and how much you need to bring your stores back up.

Amberonamission

A cup of Cheerios gets me halfway there. I'll say that since I have paid attention to my Iron and Vit C my energy has shot through the roof. I sleep much less and feel so much better.

Edit: sorry, I didn't read all the way through the thread.

eclare87

Since people keep asking how I know I'm anemic-- I'm not completely sure what my iron levels are at this moment. I tried to give blood this summer and couldn't. They told me I was anemic. I've been told this before when trying to give blood other times too. My sis eats raisins so she can give blood but I don't want all that sugar unless it's chocolate, lol.

Currently I do have angular cheilitis, like I stated before. I think these are all good indicators to eat more iron without me needing to see a doctor. But no, I don't know for sure if right at this moment I'm anemic or not. I've been called it before and would like to avoid it and symptoms of it like I have now. Thanks for your tips.

kjw1031

Since people keep asking how I know I'm anemic-- I'm not completely sure what my iron levels are at this moment. I tried to give blood this summer and couldn't. They told me I was anemic. I've been told this before when trying to give blood other times too. My sis eats raisins so she can give blood but I don't want all that sugar unless it's chocolate, lol.

Currently I do have angular cheilitis, like I stated before. I think these are all good indicators to eat more iron without me needing to see a doctor. But no, I don't know for sure if right at this moment I'm anemic or not. I've been called it before and would like to avoid it and symptoms of it like I have now. Thanks for your tips.

Please take charge of your health.

There are many reasons to be anemic. Iron deficiency is only one of them.

You need to ask your doctor what the cause of your anemia is. If your iron level is low, you'll need to take iron. It's not a "supplement". It's a necessity. If your B12 level is low, you'll need to take B12. It's not a "supplement". It's a necessity.

Again - - - please take charge of your health. Ask questions and take action.

rivka_m

While I think most people agree that it's best to get your nutrients from food (even those of us that take supplements anyway), but apparently it's not working in your case. There's nothing wrong with supplementation when needed.

I'd second (third? fourth?) a visit to a doc, since anemia can be caused by something else. When I was anemic I took Slow FE and it worked well, no side effects. But it took a while to feel 100% normal again - about 3/4 months. And I'd had a blood transfusion to boot. So don't expect immediate results.

JSL - I had that weird ice craving too. It was intense!

pdworkman

Um, no. it is not usual for any young menstruating woman to get anemic if not taking an iron supplement.

Any young menstruating woman will get anemic without taking a multivitamin with iron.

Check out nutritiondata.com, and search by nutrient, this is an easy way to get more of a certain nutrient.

Lack of iron is not the only thing that will make you anemic. Lack of B vitamins will do that too. So, get yourself a one-a-day with iron.

Also, Post grapenuts or Total cereal are great sources of both B vitamins and iron. Have strawberries on your cereal, or kiwi, for vitamin C, which will increase absorption. Nothing yummier than a bowl of yogurt, strawberries or kiwi, and grapenuts!!!! Mmm!

Eat red meat, unless you need to avoid it for some reason. Spaghetti sauce with tomatoes and beef, good choice.

LaurenAOK

Please take charge of your health.

There are many reasons to be anemic. Iron deficiency is only one of them.

You need to ask your doctor what the cause of your anemia is. If your iron level is low, you'll need to take iron. It's not a "supplement". It's a necessity. If your B12 level is low, you'll need to take B12. It's not a "supplement". It's a necessity.

Again - - - please take charge of your health. Ask questions and take action.

^I agree with this completely!

ldholcombe

Thanks for the ideas. I have heard having vitamin C can help. Does it count if put some lemon or lime juice in my water whenever I eat meals? Because I usually already do that.

I don't want to take the supplements because I think it's better to eat your vitamins naturally whenever possible. Also I'm afraid of the iron supplements messing up my digestion-- I've heard they do that. Anyone have experience with that?

Well eating the vitamins you need obiviously is not working. You are just going to be doing the same thing you all ready were. So I don't get why you bothered asking for help if your not going to take the advice given to you.

mandersatx

Try sublingual b-complex. If you don't have the right b vitamins, you can eat all the spinach, ect you want and not process the iron in it. And go to the doctor and have a blood workup done. Knowing exactly where your vitamin levels are will help you and the doctor figure out what you need to take to improve the situation.

Good luck.

pdworkman

Get B12 levels checked.
Get checked for celiac disease.
Exchange at least a portion of the spinach for other dark greens. Spinach contains oxalates, which block the absorption of iron.
Cook in cast iron.
Combine vitamin C and iron rich foods.
Don't take calcium or other minerals at the same time as iron.

I was actually anemic until I went vegetarian; meat is certainly not the cure for everyone!

robbienjill

I've been having low iron too. Dr. Told me to take Flintstone's COMPLETE. It has 100%. The multivitamins made me sick but these are not so bad.

knowwhentoshutup

Google other iron rich foods, like seafood, tomatoes, and other iron fortified foods, like pasta or cereal.

I donate plasma, and in addition to the vitamin C, as others mentioned, I eat Total Cereal. One serving has 100% of the daily value. I like to eat a half serving on yogurt.

eclare87

Thanks for the ideas! I know I can see a doctor but I wanted to know if any one else struggles with this and what they've done or if there is a simple solution that I'm not seeing-- other than taking a pill.

Again, for those of you that eat iron-fortified cereals, is it not canceled out when you eat it with milk or yogurt? Just curious how that works.

loubeth22

I have Hemochromatiosis. Basically I absorb a crap load of iron from my food (near 3x normal amount) but I cannot use it. Just floats around blocking up all the important bits like my liver and heart. So I understand not wanting to use suppliments as it tends to make my particular problem worst. I am a high iron anemic.

There are times that I do become properly anemic when all I do eat is spinach and white meat etc for months and then the only solution is to take in a hit of iron. I can't take much or risk damaging organs I'd rather be healthy.
1)I eat a steak - I know you don't want to do this, thats your choice
2)take a few iron pills over the course of a week until I steady out
3)ignore it to the point my doctor has to step in with an iron injection

You aren't going to up your iron levels easily with just spinach and beans. You need to get ahead of your low iron and then you can maintain with spinach and beans. I just went over 8 months before having to eat a steak, and that was just because I wanted to. My baby sister (18yrs) is the same and as far as I'm aware the only red meat she gets is the mince in spagetti once every 3 months or so and she has yet to need to change anything about her diet. Thats because I was diagnosed first and we were able to watch out for her before she hit puberty.

Do yourself a favour. Go see your doctor and work out how much iron you actually need or go buy an iron suppliment/multi with iron and take it for a week. You'll feel so much better and will be able to continue your current diet without changing your intake.

FireTigerSoul

From what I've read, it sounds like you've diagnosed yourself as chronically anemic based on a few experiences with a blood bank. Please correct me if I'm wrong. A doctor should diagnose you as anemic, you can't just decide that you have a chronic problem based on a few symptoms and information from a blood bank.

I've been anemic my whole life, and I've had three different hematologists. There are many different types of anemia, and they're all treated with different things (iron upplements, diet, vitamin supplements, etc.). In my situation, no amount of iron relieves the anemia, and all three hematologists agreed that I was just chronically anemic, and taking any kind of supplement/changing diet was useless. It's just something I live with daily and there's nothing I can do about it. The only thing that's helped (and doctor recommended) was to take BC pills straight through and only menstruate once or twice a year to prevent blood loss (and therefore an even lower amount of iron in my system).

You need to see a doctor, preferably a hematologist. They will order tests and put you on different supplements (and test a couple of weeks after starting these supplements) to see what works for you.

Please don't seek the advice of others on a public forum. What worked for their anemia may not work for you. Or you may find out that you don't have chronic anemia...it could have been a coincidence that the few times you went to the blood bank your iron levels were low. Either way, see a doctor.