Since logging on CC, I've found that my iron consumption is very low--usually only 20% or so of our DRV. Others have said that a lack of iron in your diet may lead to exhaustion, which is something I've dealt with for a long time--I ALWAYS feel tired. I never feel well rested.

Does anyone have suggestions of foods that are high in iron?

spinach I think! and red meat, but there's not much else good about red meat...

 I have really low iron too and my body doesn't absorb it all that well, so my doctor recommeded taking an iron supplement (on top of my daily vitamin with iron).  The supplement I take is 200% DRV and it says to take 2 a day...I take one every few days, and it really helps :-)  I get them at target.  I'm not sure what 400% DRV a day would do to me but I don't care to find out.

oatmeal is a great source of iron....depending on what kind you eat, it has 40-60% of your DV.  (i'm lazy, so i buy the single-serving flavored packages rather than cooking it from scratch)

Thank you, guys! I'll try and add some oatmeal and spinach, and I think I might look into getting a supplement, too. I'm just so (pardon the pun) TIRED of being TIRED all the time!

Lean red meat is a good source of iron and protein and other stuff. 

 

Broccoli is also a great source of iron.  Beans and lentils are excellent.  Spinach has a lot of iron, but it also has oxalates which are iron inhibitors.  If you're worried about iron, cook spinach well or try another source.  Kale and mustard greens might be better that way.

Iron is also in nuts (almonds are especially good), molasses, and tofu.

Eating any iron-rich food with something high in vitamin C (think peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, citrus fruits) also helps iron absorption.

Have a look at this useful link on 'How To Be An Iron Lady'....  There's a long list of foods to choose from plus a table at the end showing the relative iron content of various items.  Red meat is a very good source, for example.  If you choose leaner cuts it's absolutely healthy.

If  improving your diet doesn't help, however, then do make an appointment to see your doctor.  Chronic fatigue can be symptomatic of several conditions and if you have clinical anaemia rather than simply low iron stores you may need medical treatment.

You might go get a complete blood workup. Have them check all of your vitamin levels and your thyroid. You can also take a multivitamin which gives you most of the iron you need for a day. But getting it from natural sources is much better. Here are some iron rich foods.

Spinach, broccoli, collard greens, cabbage, some cereal, oatmeal, brown rice, tofu, tuna, salmon, beans, (very good for you) high in protein also, sweet potatoes (yum), nuts, sunflower seeds, turkey, chicken, eggs, egg beaters, some whole wheat/whole grain bread, lean red meat, peas, tomatoes.

 

 

Thanks all! I'm going to try taking a multivitamin every day to make sure that I'm getting all my vitamins/minerals, and I plan on going to the doctor for a blood workup before I go back to school at the end of August. I should get one anyway--I haven't had one in over two years, I think, and it was definitely before I started losing weight.