Good sources of iron?

[LaraMN]

What are some foods that are very high in iron, besides red meat and spinach (of which I'm not a fan)? I suspect I'm anemic, because I'm perpetually tired, and I keep getting bruises everywhere, and don't know where they came from (the palm of my hand, even:crazy: ). Are blueberries high in iron, or is that just my wishful thinking?:P

[NewWaveChick1981]

1. You might want to go to the doctor to make sure that's what's wrong.

But here you go:

http://www.healthcastle.com/iron.shtml

Iron Rich Foods for
Iron Deficiency Anemia

Written by: Gloria Tsang, RD
last updated: November 2004


For iron deficiency anemia in women, a diet with iron rich foods along with iron supplements is often recommended. Absorption of iron from food is influenced by multiple factors. One important factor being the form of the iron. Heme Iron, found in animal sources, is highly available for absorption. Non-heme iron on the other hand, found in vegetable sources, is less available. Iron rich foods of an iron rich diet are listed below:


Iron Rich Foods containing Heme Iron

Excellent Sources

Clams
Pork Liver
Oysters
Chicken Liver
Mussels
Beef Liver

Good Sources

Beef
Shrimp
Sardines
Turkey



Iron Rich Foods containing Non-Heme Iron

Excellent Sources

Enriched breakfast cereals
Cooked beans and lentils
Pumpkin seeds
Blackstrap Molasses

Good Sources

Canned beans
Baked potato with skin
Enriched pasta
Canned asparagus


Warning: Pregnant women should not eat liver because of its very high Vitamin A content. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.

The absorption of Non-heme iron can be improved when a source of heme iron is consumed in the same meal. In addition, the iron absorption-enhancing foods can also increase the absorption of non-heme iron. While some food items can enhance iron absorption, some can inhibit or interfere iron absorption. Avoid eating them with the iron-rich foods to maximize iron absorption.


Iron Absorption Enhancers
Meat/fish/poultry
Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit etc
Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
White wine

Iron Absorption Inhibitors
Red Wine, Coffee & Tea
Vegetables: Spinach, chard, beet greens, rhubarb and sweet potato
Whole grains and bran
Soy products

[LaraMN]

3. I have to go in for a physical in a few weeks, so I'll mention it, then.

Baked potatoes? Really?!
YESS!
:9

[NewWaveChick1981]

5. Yes, baked potatoes. Be sure to eat the skin, though.

:hi:

[LaraMN]

6. That's the best part!

When it's all crispy...
:9

[auntAgonist]

2. I would be concerned about

the bruising. Have your platelets checked.

For Iron rich foods, check here.

http://www.breastflap.com/iron_foods.htm


good luck :)

aA
:hug:

[LaraMN]

4. Thanks!

I'll do that when I have a check-up in a few weeks. In the meantime, I'm going to try to up my iron and see if that works.

[Avalux]

7. Please have some bloodwork done pronto for a definite diagnosis.

But until then, you can cook with cast iron - the food you cook in it absorbs the iron. If you decide to take an iron supplement, take it with food for better absorption and be warned it can cause constipation. :hi:

[reyd reid reed]

8. The bruising worries me a little...

This time of year, I'm always tired. If you want to increase your iron, try cooking in cast iron pots. Skillets and such. And maybe an iron supplement? Or a good multi-vitamin with iron. Watch for the supplements, though...they can cause constipation.

x(

[Lars39]

9. Cream of wheat

But get a checkup,LaraMN. :hug:

[Seabiscuit]

10. An iron mine.

[pdx_prog]

11. Do you cook with an iron skillet any?

It's a surprisingly good way to include iron in your diet although it's probably not as much as some of the old wives tales would lead you to believe.

[LaraMN]

12. I don't have one- but that's a good excuse to go buy one!

I think I will do that. I could use a new skillet, anyway. Thanks!

[ornotna]

13. Haggis

http://www.weightlossforall.com/iron-rich-food.htm

[LaraMN]

15. I think I'd rather be anemic.

:puke:

[ornotna]

16. No argument from me

[GalleryGod]

14. Wilson, Ram,Ping.

but only #'3 3-5-7-and sand wedge:rofl:

[deucemagnet]

17. Here's a trick I learned in a college nutrition course.

Put a small iron nail in a gallon of orange juice. Just put it in the fridge and use the juice as you normally would, letting the nail corrode in the container. Sounds yummy, doesn't it?

[Connonym]

18. Regular use of aspirin or ibuprofen can cause the bruising

but I agree with whomever said to have it checked out just to be safe!

[ashling]

19. Aplentiful source of iron is from all the

manufacturing plants that have been shut down when they were sent oversea. The steel skeletons of these plants would provide lots of iron.

:sarcasm:

[PVnRT]

20. Try northern Minnesota

Lots of iron mining there. Michigan, too.

[brook]

21. Dried apricots and figs...

and liver. I don't like liver at all, but a few x's a year, I get a yen for liverwurst sandwiches.
There are a few more things listed here along with advice about helping the body absorb iron properly. My mother and her 7 siblings used to be lined up and given blackstrap molasses every winter. She did not remember it fondly.

Bruising concerns me (as it does others here). Be sure it's top of your list to discuss with your doctor, hon - just to be on the safe side. :hug:

[dpbrown]

22. Um, taconite?

:rofl:

How close are you to the range, anyway?

[sbj405]

23. Some veg sources

http://www.vnv.org.au/Nutrients.htm#Iron