Struggling with Low Iron Levels? Discover Natural Ways to Boost Your Levels and Regain Your Energy
Did you know that iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies affecting women worldwide?
Here's why: women are particularly vulnerable to developing iron deficiency due to monthly blood loss during menstruation.
If you experience prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding or a short menstrual cycle with more frequent periods, your risk of low iron levels increases significantly.
During pregnancy, the demand for iron rises even further. This is because your blood volume can increase by up to 50% to support you and your growing baby-or babies. Without enough iron, fatigue, weakness, and other health challenges can become a daily struggle.
That's why it's essential to prioritize iron-rich foods in our diet or consider natural supplements like our Iron Support Supplement to maintain healthy iron levels and support your overall well-being.
Keep reading to discover practical tips and solutions!
Why is iron important?
Iron is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. It's primarily used by the body to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to our muscles, organs, and thoughout the body.
Additionally, iron is essential for the production of hormones, making it a cornerstone of overall health.
For women, the daily recommended intake of iron is 18mg, increasing to 27mg during pregnancy to support the heightened demands of both mother and baby.
After menopause, when menstruation ceases, this requirement decreases to about 8mg per day.
What happens when the body doesn't have enough iron?
Over the years, working with numerous women, I've observed a wide range of signs and symptoms associated with iron deficiency.These include:
- Low energy and fatigue
- A rapid heartbeat
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- A sore or swollen tongue
- Headaches and dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Poor appetite
- Unusual craving for ice, paper or clay (a condition known as pica)
- Frequent infections
If you're experiencing a combination of these symptoms, its essential ti asssess your iron levels and take steps to replenish them through diet or supplements. Proper iron levels are key to supporting your energy, vitality, and overall well-being.
What causes iron deficiency or anemia?
There are several factors that contribute to this condition. Poor nutrition and restrictive diets such as vegetarian and vegan diets, can lead to insufficient iron intake, especially if not carefully planned.
Impaired gut health, which affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, is another significant cause, often linked to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Increased iron requirements during pregnancy can also leave women more vulnerable to deficiency, as the body needs extra iron to support both the mother and growing baby. Blood loss is another major factor, whether from menstruation--particularly heavy or prolonged bleeding--or internal bleeding, which may go unnoticed but can severly depletes iron levels over time.
Addressing these underlying causes is key to preventing and managing iron deficiency effectively.
How can I naturally support my iron levels?
Iron is an essential nutrient you can only get from food, and it available in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron.
- Heme iron, which is most easily absorbed by the body, is found in animal-based foods like red meat, fish, and poultry. Your body can absorb up to 30% of this type of iron, making it the most efficient source.
- Non-heme iron, on the other hand, comes from plant-based sources like vegetables, fruit, nuts and legumes. This type of iron is less readily absorbed, with only 2-10% being utilized by the body.
Foods that can boost you iron levels:
Incorporating the following iron-rich foods into your diet can help maintain healthy levels:
Animal sources (rich in heme iron):
- Red meat
- Organ meats (e.g., liver)
- Lamb
- Chicken
Plant-based sources (non-heme iron):
- Tofu
- Beans and lentils
- Dark leafy grean (e.g. dandelion greens, collard greens, spinach)
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
Maximize Absoprtion
Combining heme and non-heme iron sources in your meals can improve overall absorption. Additionally, consuming foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene-such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, or carrots-further enhances the body's ability to abosrb iron while providing extra health benefits.
By balancing a variety of iron-rich foods and pairing them with absortion-boosting nutrients, you can naturally support and optimize your iron levels .
Herbs that assist in increasing your iron levels:
Incorparating herbs rich in iron into your routine is a natural and effective way to improve your iron levels. Some of the most beneficial options include:
- Sarsaparilla root
- Chlorella algae
- Yellow dock
- Burdock root
One of the most effective options in my apothecary is the Iron Support Supplement, which is uniquely formulated with both heme and non-heme (animal sourced) and non-heme (herbal) iron. This dual approach enhances absorption and makes it a highly effective choice for maintaining healthy iron levels.
I recommend women take these iron-supporting nutrients during their menstrual cycle, throughout pregnancy, and as needed throughout the month to address low iron levels.
If you're pregnant pairing Iron Support with the Prenatal & Beyond supplement is especially beneficial. This combination is carefully designed to meet the increased iron demands of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding, ensuring comprehensive support for both you and baby.
I hope this information was both informing and empowering!
Iron deficiency can lead to unpleasant symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, such as fatigue, weakness, exhaustion, brain fog, headaches, light-headedness, and difficulty concentrating. If this sounds familiar, it's time to prioritize iron-rich foods and herbs to support your overall well-being.
If you're unsure whether your iron levels a low, a simple blood test can confirm if you have iron-deficiency or anemia. If diagnosed, the good news is that iron deficiency is manageable. By incorporating more of the iron-rich foods I mentioned earlier and supplementing with the Iron Support supplement, you can restore your iron level and regain you energy and vitality.
Taking charge of your health starts with nourishing your body -- let's make iron a priority!
Love and Health,
Shavonne