Iron matters

Just a quick word on iron today. We hear a lot about making sure we have plenty of iron but many people are not aware of how dangerous it can be to become anaemic/have low iron levels. Here is a link to the NHS Iron Deficiency page for more details on this.

Iron deficiency can be a result of heavy periods in women but it can be a symptom of several health issues that can be very serious, so make sure you check with your doctor if you are feeling the symptoms mentioned on the page.

As you can see, feeling very tired all the time is a common symptom. If you find that you feel tired all the time, even though your sleeping well, and look paler than usual, ask your doctor to check your iron levels.

A doctor will give you iron tablets but we can do other things in the hope to prevent requiring iron tablets.

Some foods are naturally rich in iron but these foods need to be taken along with foods rich in Vitmin C which aids in the absorption of iron. There is no point in incresing your red meat or spinach if you don't get enough Vitamin C.

Iron: Alas, red meat is the best source. If you are vegetarian, spinach, dried apricots, nuts, raisins, seeds, olives and any other leafy greens (any green vegetables) are also packed with iron.

Vitamin C: Fruit is the best source - cranberries and pretty much any other berry, pomegranates, kiwi fruit, oranges, carrots (and actually any orange fruit/veg are rich sources), peppers.

You don't have to suddenly buy all of this but introducing one from each of these groups into your daily diet will help to prevent iron deficiency.

Having a piece of fruit every day (and varying it is good), and at least 4 vegetables is an essential part of any diet. Doctors don't simply say that because they like to, it is essential for the basic running of a healthy body.

Don't like spinach?

A little butter in a pan (or olive oil if vegan), add washed and dried spinach, allow to wilt, sprinkle liberally with nutmeg and mix in, before serving. This is wonderful (and works with broccoli too) and takes away that tangy/metallic hint spinach can give off.

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The Stone in the Sword is book 1

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