Anemic with stomach issues...

TubbsMcGee
TubbsMcGee Posts: 1,058 Member
edited September 26 in Food and Nutrition
My doctor just called me to discuss my blood work. As it turns out, my iron levels are STILL insanely low. I've been trying to monitor it, but it seems my body isn't absorbing it as well as it should.

I have some digestion issues-- my stomach/gallbladder can't handle red meat, cow's milk/lots of dairy, or iron supplements.

As well, I'm not a fan of processed foods, so this is tricky.

Does anyone have any suggestions???

Replies

  • mapinkerton
    mapinkerton Posts: 147
    You should discuss with your doctor!
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I would definitely get some ideas from your doctor and/or a nutritionist.

    I do know that spinach has a lot of iron in it, if your stomach can handle that and possibly other raw vegetables?

    I wouldn't go with it as "gospel" without discussing with your doctor, but you might want to check out some info here:

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/top-10-iron-rich-foods
  • spritie
    spritie Posts: 167
    you should defiantly discuss this with your doctor, but do you do things like
    *cooking on iron
    *eating lots of high iron vegetables (usually the green leafy ones)
    *combining foods to increase the iron absorption
    *having foods which are fortified with iron, you can get some juices which has minimal processing.

    Also avoiding foods such as high fibre foods and tannin around high iron meals?

    Also for more ideas maybe suss some vegan/vegetarian websites because there is a lot off information around this, which would work in with your dietary concerns.
  • ShellyMacchi
    ShellyMacchi Posts: 975 Member
    i have the issue of very low iron... and just not able to get enough through my diet..but also the iron supplements all tended to cause upset stomach and constipation for me :(

    a fellow mfp member suggested i try plant based iron supplements.. i was able to find one called 'gentle iron' (you can see more about it in the supplements section of my food diary) and it is the first iron supplement i have tried that does NOT upset my stomach or cause me any other issues.

    How effective it will be for my iron levels i won't know until my next blood tests...but i have my fingers crossed!
  • RobertaG
    RobertaG Posts: 205 Member
    beans are great sources of iron, dried fruit (especially prunes), I heard that eating foods that are high in Vitamin C help with the absorption of iron
  • DancingYogini
    DancingYogini Posts: 377
    Have you tried Floradix? It is a liquid form (tastes awful), but it is easily absorbed without digestive issues. I took it when I was borderline anemic, and it helped. Low iron makes you feel like crap, I know. Also loved the idea of cooking in cast iron! Making sure you are combining Vitamin C rich foods and iron rich foods (beans and tomatoes, etc...). Kale, blackstrap molasses, beans, spinach...Good luck, I know how tired/grumpy you must feel :heart:
  • DancingYogini
    DancingYogini Posts: 377
    Oh and Quinoa is full of iron (and so much more). Sautee some kale in olive oil and garlic, toss in some tomatoes, or just squeeze some lemon juice in there, and serve over the grain!!
  • TubbsMcGee
    TubbsMcGee Posts: 1,058 Member
    Thanks for the tips, everyone! :flowerforyou:

    And sorry, I should have mentioned that OF COURSE I discussed this with my doctor.

    I've been tracking my daily iron intake for years, and I usually get more than 100% every day. I'm not sure if I'm just having problems absorbing it, or what....
    i have the issue of very low iron... and just not able to get enough through my diet..but also the iron supplements all tended to cause upset stomach and constipation for me :(

    a fellow mfp member suggested i try plant based iron supplements.. i was able to find one called 'gentle iron' (you can see more about it in the supplements section of my food diary) and it is the first iron supplement i have tried that does NOT upset my stomach or cause me any other issues.

    How effective it will be for my iron levels i won't know until my next blood tests...but i have my fingers crossed!


    I've tried every supplement out there, including Gentle Iron, and it actually sent me to the hospital. After having taken it for only 3 days, once a day, it had managed to eat a hole in my stomach lining. Not the most pleasant experience...and I can't have liquid medicines (including Advil Liqui-gels) as they do the very same.

    I guess I'm just basically looking for some high iron/vitamin C recipes...? That quinoa dish sounds pretty tasty!!!
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