Feeling sorry for myself.
-Shilpa
People comment on my over 100 pound weight loss and attribute it to my WILLpower, but it is my WANTpower: I WANT to be thin and healthy more than anything else!
By changing your diet to include more high-iron foods and avoiding substances that reduce iron absorption, you can improve your iron level and therefore improve your hemoglobin.
There are two types of iron — heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which is found in meat, fish and poultry, is much better absorbed than the non-heme iron, which is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, dried beans, nuts and grain products. When you eat the two together the non-heme iron is better absorbed. Foods high in vitamin C, like tomatoes, citrus fruits and red, yellow and orange peppers, can also help with the absorption of non-heme iron.
Avoiding iron busters, which are foods or substances that may reduce the absorption of iron by your body when consumed at the same time, is also important in boosting your iron level.
Iron boosters
- ready-to-eat cereals
- beans
- spinach
- beef
- shrimp
- tomatoes
- oysters
- broccoli
- rice
- peas
- potatoes
- watermelon
Iron busters
- caffeinated beverages
- chocolate
- an excess of high fiber foods
- some medications like antacids or phosphate salts
- high calcium foods
If you were temporarily deferred from donating blood because of your iron level, you are not alone. The majority of people who are deferred from donating blood are deferred for this reason. Iron levels can fluctuate daily, so we encourage you to follow the tips above to boost your hemoglobin and schedule another appointment soon.
-Shilpa
People comment on my over 100 pound weight loss and attribute it to my WILLpower, but it is my WANTpower: I WANT to be thin and healthy more than anything else!
You'll be able to donate again one of these days...but its better not to give when everything isn't right with your blood.
Kathy
'One shoe can change your life'...Cinderella
