Understanding Iron and Anemia: Nutritional Tips from Happy Belly Health
Hi there,
Shanti here, functional medicine coach and owner of Happy Belly Health. This week’s menu at Luke’s Local has me drooling—roasted pork with blood orange sounds delicious! Beyond the taste, this meal is a fantastic choice for anyone prone to anemia or low iron levels. Let’s explore why.
What is Anemia?
- Common Condition: Anemia is widespread, and before jumping into iron supplements (which can cause imbalances and discomfort, like constipation), it’s worth focusing on enhancing iron absorption from food.
- Causes of Anemia:
- Blood loss
- Poor absorption due to low stomach acid
- Deficiency in B12 and/or Folate, which helps red blood cells fit into capillaries for good circulation
The Role of Iron in Your Body
- Oxygen Transportation: Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body via blood. When anemic, your body is essentially starved of oxygen, leading to exhaustion.
Types of Iron
- Heme Iron: Found in animal proteins like shellfish, chicken, beef, etc. It’s more easily absorbed by the body.
- Non-Heme Iron: Found in plants like spinach and beans. While it’s less easily absorbed, many vegetarians can maintain healthy iron levels through a plant-based diet.
Boosting Iron Absorption
- Vitamin C: Both types of iron require vitamin C for absorption. Citrus fruits, like blood oranges, are high in vitamin C, making them a perfect pairing with iron-rich foods.
- Culinary Tips: Add a squeeze of lemon to spinach or lime to your steak for a flavor boost and better iron absorption.
Iron Absorption Considerations
- Iron vs. Calcium: Iron competes with calcium for absorption. If you’re struggling with low iron, try not to pair high-iron foods with dairy, nuts, or seeds.
Are you curious? Let’s chat. We would love to hear from you.
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The folks at Luke’s Local have partnered with us to create Happy Belly Health-approved meals. They are all about helping busy people eat well, just like we are. Order exactly what you want today (groceries, flowers, chef-prepared, and HBH-approved meals), and they’ll deliver it tomorrow.
No membership or delivery charges! Use the code: HAPPYBELLYHEALTH10 for a discount. (By the way, we don’t receive any kickbacks for your orders, we just like supporting good local businesses that care about your health.)
