Healthy Iron Foods That Prevent Anemia

Healthy Iron Foods That Prevent Anemia

Anemia is a condition that occurs due to inadequate intake of healthy iron foods thus causing low hemoglobin level in the blood. Iron deficiency can occur to anyone and most affected people are women due to heavy menstrual periods, increased demand of iron in pregnancy and excess bleeding in child birth. Low iron levels in infants can also cause anemia. A high worm infestation in adolescents is another cause of anemia. Other causes of anemia include peptic ulcers and cancers of the colon and stomach. People with anemia always feel weakness, tiredness and dizziness.

There are however healthy iron foods that you can consider to prevent anemia. These include liver, beef, veal and lamb. These are well absorbed by the body. Vegetables are also a good source of iron especially the dark green ones like spinach. Others include dried peaches apricots, raisins, beans, peas, blackstrap molasses, iron-rich breakfast cereals, and whole grains. Fruit juices from lemons and oranges help in absorption of iron from foods. Others include tangerines and grape fruit.

Healthy iron supplements are recommended in the management of anemia. Iron supplements come in many forms which include ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate. Although these are all iron forms, it is advisable to communicate with your doctor on the right iron supplements. Note that too much iron intake may turn out to be toxic in the body. You should avoid taking too much tea and coffee as they prevent iron absorption in the blood. These can however be taken after meals. Other things that prevent iron absorption include antacids and calcium supplements. Water and vitamin C is also essential to help in digestion and assimilation of non-haem iron well. Finally, note that healthy iron foods should be taken from a very tender age. Babies on formula milk should be fed on iron-fortified formula.