There are a few ways we may develop anemia.
Some diseases have that as a side effect.
Childbirth and heavy menstruation are also possible reasons for a low iron count.
Believe it or not, some foods will also contribute to the problem by blocking absorption rates.
If you notice the symptoms, which include pale skin, pale nail beds and a rundown feeling, it is time for a trip to the doctor.
It is extremely important that you have a doctor diagnose this illness for several reasons.
One is that overdosing on iron can be deadly.
Starting supplementation on your own is not a good idea.
There's good news, though.
Simple changes in your diet may be able to improve your iron count significantly.
Knowing which to eat and which to aren't helpful may help you avoid having to take supplemental iron.
Vegetables: Many vegetables have a naturally high count.
Beans, greens, broccoli and pumpkin are a few that could be useful in this department.
Other vegetables may not be so high in the mineral, but can boost absorption rates.
Oranges, strawberries, tomatoes and greens are a few of these.
Just as there are vegetables that enhance absorption, there are foods that block it.
While spinach is high in iron, it can be a blocker.
Tea, coffee, chard and even red wine also fit into this category.
Oddly enough, white wine is an enhancer.
Meats: Organ meats, especially the liver, are loaded with this mineral.
Some seafood has the highest numbers, especially clams.
Beef, pork, chicken and turkey have it to a lesser degree.
For the turkey, the dark meat is the best, as it is higher than the white meat.
You may have noticed something about these foods.
Many of them are not recommended to people with heart disease.
This can be a problem if you are the female spouse of a heart patient.
As you are likely eating the same foods he is, your counts will naturally be lower.
The main reason I bring this up is that women who are going through perimenopause often have periods that can last two weeks or more.
That amount of blood loss is often a cause by itself.
Add the changes to your diet, and you may be in some serious trouble.
This is an issue that you should discuss with your doctor if you see your situation as being similar to that above.
You may also want to consult a nutritionist to develop a diet plan that will suit both you and your spouse.
That way, you can prevent serious health problems naturally.