iron deficiency

Our bodies have no internal mechanism to regulate the elimination of iron. It’s essential that your iron levels are balanced because both an iron deficiency and excess iron can be devastating.

An iron deficiency

An iron deficiency is a very common problem. People diagnosed with a deficiency of iron are told to take elemental iron—which is not the best form of iron for absorption.

Taking elemental iron can cause symptoms of an iron deficiency to last, and it won’t take care of the root problem.

It’s best to get your iron from your diet instead of a supplement. If you have to take a supplement, make sure it contains dehydrated beef liver or spleen extract.

Skin

An iron deficiency can affect your skin and lead to sallow skin, which can cause:

  • Paleness
  • Yellowing
  • Dullness
  • An uneven skin tone
  • Blemishes

Nails

An iron deficiency can affect your nails, causing:

  • Brittleness
  • Spooning

Hair

An iron deficiency can affect your hair, causing:

  • A loss of texture
  • Brittleness
  • Toughness
  • Pattern hair loss
  • Thinning

Top causes of an iron deficiency

  1. Not consuming enough iron
  2. A lack of hydrochloric acid
  3. Gut inflammation
  4. Consuming foods high in phytic acid
  5. Consuming too much bran
  6. Consuming too much copper (learn more about benefits of copper)
  7. Lead present in your body
  8. Blood loss
  9. Gastric bypass surgery
  10. Alcohol consumption
  11. Parasites
  12. Sugar blocks the absorption of iron

How to boost iron

  1. Consume red meat. For those who can’t eat meat another great way of getting more iron is organic whole wheat quinoa. 1/4 cup contains 11 percent. Cut some tomatoes, cucumber, sweet onion. Makes for a great salad cold from the fridge
  2. Take betaine hydrochloride (5 to 7 before a meal)
  3. Stop eating foods that block iron
  4. Stop eating foods that create inflammation
  5. Consume Vitamin C