Iron deficiency can lead to a wardrobe full of crumpled clothes. — Benny Bellamacina
If you watched any medical show on TV, you’ve probably heard about iron deficiency anemia.
This condition occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron, which is necessary to make hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and transports oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and/or irregular heartbeat.
Iron deficiency can cause heart failure
Many studies show that iron deficiency can have detrimental effects on heart health.
When you are suffering from an anemic, your heart has to pump more blood to compensate for oxygen insufficiency. It might result in a swollen heart or cardiac failure.
If you think you have these symptoms consistently, you must see a doctor, as it can be easily treated with medication or diet changes.
If your doctor says you have iron deficiency anemia, one of the first things they’ll likely recommend is changing your diet to include more foods high in iron.
Here are five of the best foods to eat if you have iron deficiency anemia.
Red Meat
I don’t eat red meat often, but having a good steak weekly is not harmful.
Moderation is the secret of survival. — Manly Hall
By the way, I cook the best (tasty) lamb curry almost every Friday, which helps me get a little bit of zinc and B12.
We all know that one of the best sources of iron is red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb.
Red meats are not only high in iron but also a good source of protein and other nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin B12.
By consuming red meats at least once a week, you will be able to fulfill your iron requirements and stay off anemia.
Poultry
Poultry is another good source of iron, such as chicken and turkey. Iron is found in dark and white poultry meat, but dark meat contains more.
Poultry is also a good source of protein and other nutrients, such as niacin and selenium.
You can include poultry in your diet by eating chicken or turkey breast, thighs, or drumsticks.
Tip: Try to stay away from deep-fried stuff.
Seafood
Seafood makes you live 10 years more. — Kevin Steele
Seafood, such as oysters, clams, mussels, and crab, is also high in iron.
We all know that seafood is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your heart health.
You can include seafood in your diet by eating fish or shellfish 2–3 times a week.
When buying seafood, make sure to choose wild-caught over farm-raised, as wild-caught fish are typically higher in nutrients.
Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils are great sources of iron. These plant-based foods are also high in fiber, which benefits your digestive health.
You can include beans and lentils in your diet by eating them as a side dish or adding them to soups, salads, or stews.
Some of the best types of beans and lentils to eat are black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Popeye was right about spinach: dark green, leafy vegetables are the healthiest food on the planet. As whole foods go, they offer the most nutrition per calorie. — Michael Greger
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, are also good sources of iron.
These vegetables are also high in vitamins A, K, and other nutrients.
You can include dark green leafy vegetables in your diet by eating them as a side dish, adding them to soups or salads, or juicing them. I love to make a spinach smoothie almost every other morning.
The bottom line
These are just a few of the best foods you can eat if you have iron deficiency anemia.
Therefore, if you think you might have this condition, be sure to see a doctor and make dietary changes as recommended.
My roommate consumed this vegan iron supplement with vitamin C almost daily for breakfast. Here is the Amazon link if you would like to take a look (affiliate).
Thank you for reading; follow me and clap a couple of times.
