Good news? I got a mostly clean bill of health from the doctor’s office. I’ve been fretting about it for weeks! Bad news? I heard something that I haven’t heard in many years – You have low iron levels. What? Low iron? I am usually quite good with ensuring I get adequate minerals and vitamins in my diet. Our bodies need iron for good blood production.
But it explains why I have been feeling low and a little out of whack lately. My doctor gave me the name of a low dosage iron supplement. We agreed that I would try it for a month while I gave closer attention to my diet. I don’t like taking any sort of drugs (even the fun stuff) but I’ve been feeling so ugh lately that I will do it just this once until my levels are back up.
I stuffed extra spinach in my Vitamix for my morning smoothie. Spinach is a great source of iron but you do have to eat a lot of it. There are a lot of good meat alternatives that boast great iron content like tofu, cooked lentils, beans and hummus. All of which I love! At my next trip to the supermarket, I will be armed with a grocery list full of iron-rich food!
I picked up the supplements and some orange juice after work. When I was younger in Ottawa, I used to give blood a lot more often than I do now. A few times I was turned away because of my iron levels. A nurse told me that I should combine Vitamin C with my veg iron sources to help my body absorb the iron better. I’ve always remembered that little trick.
Yup so that’s going to be my focus over the next little while – paying better attention to my diet. The doctor said it will take a few months to restore my iron levels to where they should be. I forgot to ask how long it will take before I start feeling better. I hope the supplements start kicking in soon!
I am also going to start my training up again for next 50K. I am looking for a training plan so if you have any suggestions, please send my way!
Have you ever suffered from iron deficiency? What’s your favourite iron-rich food?
Spinch in all the things!!
At my last blood test, I was surprised that I had perfect iron levels, I thought for sure they would be low. I guess I'm doing something right! Good luck getting your levels back up.
lol yes I agree. All spinach all the time 🙂 Just wish it was cheaper this time of year or I had a greenhouse. Thanks 🙂
I got an awesome veg source Iron Supplement at Planet Organic in Edmonton. I will text you a pic. It works, and won't mess with your bowels like palifer will…
Amber… on my goodness. Is this the first time you commented on my blog? lol Thanks 🙂