Anemic

Is anyone else anemic?? I just got my labs back and my iron stores were at 8 (for those who don't know, my dr explained that 15 is where people are started to be considered anemic... I am obviously under that)

Are there any great tips to getting my iron up (I hate the "side effects" of iron capsules, and would like to take as low of a dosage as possible) and getting some energy?? I feel so dead tired all the time.

Tue. Jan 29, 1:17pm

iron gluconate is the best absorbed iron supplement. Several months I had to have little over 4 units of blood added back into my body and my doctor put me on 325 mg of iron gluconate. I also eat dark green vegatables, lots of water and fiber. I have never had any of the side effects people have spoken to me about constipation, smell etc..

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 1:25 PM

I hate to state the obvious, but why not just google "high iron foods" and eat some of those? Like red meat and leafy greens.

Other deficiencies can cause anemia too - B12 and folate. Keep an eye on those too.

Also, you need Vitamin C to process iron, so make sure you're getting plenty of that. Check for vitamins that counteract your body's ability to absorb iron, and keep those foods separate.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 1:29 PM

OP here

I have googled it.... I actually just came back from doing so. Honestl, I was looking for real life experiences with having anemia while dieting. I truly apologize for not stating my intentions better.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 1:32 PM

I had anemia, and the doc had me take supplements called feraphosphates, or something like that. It was basically an iron supplement. I had to take it with food, but I didn't have as bad of side effects as I had with other iron supplements.

A couple months later, I was no longer anemic. For me, it was b/c I was sick. For lots of people who discover they are anemic, after awhile, it goes away. It's usually triggered by something. Could be not eating enough, etc. For me, it was a bad kidney infection.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 2:48 PM

I have had very serious iron deficiency problems in the past... The first question would be what is the cause of the deficiency? Once you are aware of that, it is much easier to take care of. If its your period, rest and take it really easy on those days, and take an iron supplement (drink lots of water, eat lots of veggies and fibre with it), and eat iron rich foods every chance you can get. If there is another cause, or if you have extremely heavy periods, your doctor should address that and take care of the original problem. Then it should improve.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 1:51 AM

I read recently that there are now time-release iron supplements, which release just a bit of iron at a time, over the course of the day. This allows more people to take iron, b/c a little bit at a time is less likely to upset your stomach than the all-at-once pills.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 5:17 PM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge