i need more iron

I have iron deficiency anemia and i'm a vegetarian, and it seems like no matter what I can never get the normal recommended amount of iron, let alone the amount that an anemic person needs. I take vitamins but I need to get some more iron in my food. What can i eat besides rasins?

i need more as well and im not even a vegetarian, ideas? anyone?

Original Post by healthyhtide:

i need more as well and im not even a vegetarian, ideas? anyone?

 Red Meat.

Dried beans and dark green leafy vegetables are especially good sources of iron. Iron absorption is increased markedly by eating foods containing vitamin C (such as broccoli) along with foods containing iron. 

Soybeans, cooked 1 cup 8.8 Blackstrap molasses 2 Tbsp 7.2 Lentils, cooked 1 cup 6.6 Spinach, cooked 1 cup 6.4 Quinoa, cooked 1 cup 6.3 Tofu 4 ounces 6.0 Bagel, enriched 3 ounces 5.2 Tempeh 1 cup 4.8 Lima beans, cooked 1 cup 4.4 Swiss chard, cooked 1 cup 4.0 Black beans, cooked 1 cup 3.6 Pinto beans, cooked 1 cup 3.5 Turnip greens, cooked 1 cup 3.2 Chickpeas, cooked 1 cup 3.2 Potato 1 large 3.2 Kidney beans, cooked 1 cup 3.0 Prune juice 8 ounces 3.0 Beet greens, cooked 1 cup 2.7 Tahini 2 Tbsp 2.7 Veggie hot dog 1 hot dog 2.7 Peas, cooked 1 cup 2.5 Black-eyed peas, cooked 1 cup 2.3 Cashews 1/4 cup 2.1

Try this recipe http://www.calorie-count.com/recipe/80022.htm l, it is two servings, and about half the iron you would need.  Add tofu or cup of spinach for more protein at few calories.

Spinach, beans, OATS. Oats have a lot of iron.

I was anemic when I pregnant 2 years ago...have you tried an iron supplement?  I can't remember the name of the one I took, but you can ask a pharmacist...

Malt-O-Meal gives you half your iron for breakfast yum.

You should also try cooking your food in cast iron.  Pots and pans are pretty cheap new, but you can find tons of bargains at flea markets or thrift stores.  The only down side is that they are not as brainless to maintain as "non-stick," but they will last a life time when taken care of.

cereal is a good source of iron

Sesame seeds
Only some cereals too
and if you haev them with calcium it negates some of its effectivness

Just to add.... If you increase your intake of iron-rich foods or start taking a supplement, match it with an increase in Vitamin C-rich foods at the same time e.g. orange juice, kiwifruit.  Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron from your food.  Caffeine inhibits absorption.

If you have been diagnosed by a doctor as anemic, you can get a prescription for heavy duty iron supplements.  When using these, be sure to ask your doctor how long you need to take them for, because once your body stores up enough iron, takes iron in excess can be harmful.  Do not use either prescription or over the counter iron supplements for an extended period of time without discussing it with a doctor!

I was anemic a few years ago and had to take the prescription for a few months.  Now I eat a spinach salad almost every night.