Getting enough iron is critical for your long-term health. People who don’t get enough can face problems like iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to problems like severe fatigue and dizziness. However, you should consult with your doctor if you experience something like extreme fatigue since it can have numerous causes.
If you know that you aren’t getting enough iron because your doctor told you so, then your challenge becomes how to get more iron. The good news is that you can take several steps to avoid iron deficiency. Keep reading for five tips to help you with that goal.
1. More Meats
One of the most common sources of iron for most people is meat. Lean red meat is a potent source of iron, but it’s not the only option. Other meat options include poultry, canned tuna, and even sardines.
If you really like seafood, clams and oysters can also help you get a bit more iron in your diet.
2. Non-Meat Foods
Another way you can access the benefits of iron is with iron-rich vegetables. Dark leafy greens like spinach, swiss chard, and kale are good sources. You can also get some iron through beans and peas.
The venerable potato is another good source, at least if you eat the skins. A few other common options include dark chocolate, quinoa, broccoli, and oats
3. Cast Iron
Before the days of non-stick coatings and ceramic pans, cast iron pots and pans were a staple in most kitchens. There’s a half-decent chance you may even have one that you inherited from an older relative.
Cooking and especially simmering your food in cast iron cookware lets the food absorb a bit of iron, which you then consume.
4. Supplements
You can find iron supplements available in many grocery stores and health stores, such as iron tablets by Vitabiotics. Supplements don’t get the same oversight that medications do in the US. That means you’ll want the best iron supplements you can find.
If you take supplements, keep a close eye on your total iron intake. While getting enough iron matters, too much iron can cause problems.
5. Check Labels
Food labels are your friend in terms of getting enough iron. Many fortified foods like bread and cereals can offer you a surprising extra dose of iron in your diet. You can even look for brands of common items you buy that offer higher levels of iron.
How to Get More Iron: Plan
The simplest approach to how to get more iron is planning. For the most part, that means meal planning. You can spread your iron consumption across the day.
If you build a meal plan with iron in mind, it will help ensure that you get the things you really need when you go grocery shopping. If you go the supplement route, make it part of your routine. That helps ensure you take the supplements are stable intervals.
Looking for more healthy living tips and ideas? Check out our Health section for more helpful posts and articles.
