How can I boost my iron levels?

[carolyorkie2010]

Just got my latest blood test results and the HB (Iron) levels have fallen again! I'm doing my best, eating green leafy veg, having a cuppa half an hour after a meal instead of with a meal etc; please don't suggest I eat liver because I couldn't - yuk!! I have Crohn's disease and can't tolerate alot of foods, but don't usually have this problem with the HB. Any suggestions gratefully received, before they decide I need iron tablets which don't agree with me. Thank you

[ilove2patch]

Berst of luck with it Carol. Daughter's blood got so low she needed a transfusion at one point.

[**towery**]

what other meds do you take,  are any of them  stopping iron absorbtion  or leeching?

maybe try a chat to  your pharmicist see if they can see any problems

[ilove2patch]

It's the Chrones that stops the absorption of Iron & many other nutrients.

[we*love*austria*]

Hi carolyorky, I was once told I had a low iron count as well some time ago, and I came across 'Spatone' in the chemist. Rather than trying to tell you about it take a look at this http://www.nelsonsnaturalworld.com/en-gb/uk/our-brands/spatone/   Wishing you well

[**bustysinclaire**]

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@carolyorkie2010 wrote:

Just got my latest blood test results and the HB (Iron) levels have fallen again! I'm doing my best, eating green leafy veg, having a cuppa half an hour after a meal instead of with a meal etc; please don't suggest I eat liver because I couldn't - yuk!! I have Crohn's disease and can't tolerate alot of foods, but don't usually have this problem with the HB. Any suggestions gratefully received, before they decide I need iron tablets which don't agree with me. Thank you

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Molasses, is very rich in Iron, you can add it to cooking if you can't take it as is. I can eat straight off the spoon. I use this when my Iron levels go down.

http://www.meridianfoods.co.uk/Other-Ranges/index.asp?Dietry=Vegetarian&details=64

As I am a JW and don't take blood transfusions this is a good way of boosting iron levels ready for operations/surgery.

You can buy large jars of it from Holland and Barret.

Guiness also is good for boosting your iron levels, a few years ago Dr's would reccomend pregnant women take it to help boost iron levels.

[bankhaunter]

When I used to donate blood my iron was always too low for the simple test so I had to hang around for a more precise test that would take longer but at least I would pass it.

Eventually I solved the problem by taking iron tablets for a couple of days beforehand, it was satisfying to see the little sample sink like a brick in the test solution.

[leoleoleo123]

Floradix from the health food shop is a good source of iron.

also iron in eggs, but dont have them  with a cup of tea , take with orange juice, aids absorbtion of iron

[rose2008-2008]

I only know Red Meat or Iron Rich Vegetables. Is not Spinach supposed to be very good?. Get some down you carol. Dark Vegetables. Hope they get to the right level soon Carol!!. ((())) ((())).

[dazypichu]

Foodwise....dark green leafy veg, pumpkin seeds, figs, dates, beans, lentils, millet, dried apricots. A good spoonful of molasses every day, very rich in iron.

Supplement wise....Spatone and Floradix have been mentioned, though on a personal level, I think the Floradix is nicer, the Spatone leaves an after-taste. Solgar do a Gentle Iron supplement which is gentle on the stomach and doesn't cause constipation like the doctor's iron tablets can.

[bankhaunter]

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@leoleoleo123 wrote:

Floradix from the health food shop is a good source of iron.

also iron in eggs, but dont have them  with a cup of tea , take with orange juice, aids absorbtion of iron

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My grandfather used to break an egg in a cup of tea then just drink it down.

You mean it wasn't doing him any good?

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

All of the Floradix products are excellent I have found.  

I'm currently taking an iron tablet 3 or so times a week.  Seems to be a good balance for me.  

It is very easy to buy frozen spinach and it is just as healthy as fresh I believe.  It comes in convenient chunks and I just throw it into pastas, sauces or savoury bakes.  Just enjoying spinach and cauliflower cheese for my lunch actually!  

Gave up red meat a while back so need to keep the iron levels topped up!  

[ilove2patch]

People are still suggesting seeds & beans. If you have Chrones they are very bad for you.

[bankhaunter]

It is very easy to buy frozen spinach and it is just as healthy as fresh I believe.  It comes in convenient chunks and I just throw it into pastas, sauces or savoury bakes.  Just enjoying spinach and cauliflower cheese for my lunch actually! 

Do you only add it to things which are already 'wet' such as things in a sauce?

I love spinach but find the frozen type difficult to use as it holds so much water but it is certainly very convenient.

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

Bank,  don't buy frozen 'chopped' spinach as it is like green sawdust albeit soggy sawdust!!  

Try and buy frozen 'leaf' spinach which has far better texture.  Wait**se sell it and I am looking out for it in other places and will update when I find it.  

If you want to cook it on its own as a veg put it in a glass dish in the microwave with a knob of butter, cover with clingfilm and microwave.  Very quick and easy.  Kind of cooks in its own steam as its frozen so no need to add water.  

Frozen veg is fantastic quality and saves wastage/spoiling.  Most frozen veg is a lot cheaper than fresh.  I make soups with it all the time too 

Im waiting for Asda to restock their frozen Asparagus lol which they took out of their freezers over Xmas for some reason.  

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

Oooh I just checked online and most of the major supermarkets are now selling frozen 'leaf' spinach.  Prices vary between £1.25 and £1.50 for a 1 kilo bag.

Oooh I am quite excited about this find 

[bankhaunter]

Thanks I will look out for it.

I usually steam leaf spinach in the microwave, having to watch my saturated fat intake, the butter has to be a rare treat unfortunately.

It was the micowave steamer that helped me really appreciate green vegetables, different sorts of cabbages really do have different tastes and textures of their own.

[carolyorkie2010]

Oh that's good to know, Alison, thank you. I have a problem with fresh spinach, due to the stalks, but am ok woth tinned etc. But will definitely get some frozen leaf spinach. Also bought some chicken thighs as opposed to breasts, and bought a jar of Molasses, yet to try it. Thank you for the tips and advice everyone. Please keep the suggestions coming if you can but I cant have seeds, pips, high fibre etc as Maggie has pointed out. It's a catch 22 situation when you have Crohns, I'm afraid.

[alisonsvintagechicboutique]

A microwave steamer sounds good Bank I will have to get one of those.  

I've also started to bake/roast a lot more veggies in the oven.  Just wanting to try and find methods to retain more of their goodness and keep them flavoursome as boiling seems to just deplete some taste as well as texture.  

If you are permitted a little Halloumi cheese it is just fantastic baked in amongst the veg.  

Mussels are high in iron so Im making the most of the remaining season (till April).  Mussels are the best thing about Winter lol!!