No, this isn't some declaration of intent to pursue an Ironman goal.No, instead it is me whining.
I tried to give blood today.
And I was denied.
My iron levels are too low.
Of course a cute boy showed up the same time as me who asked about malaria countries, which by default makes them more interesting than your average Iowan, who probably considered Canada exotic. I figured we would bond over our post-donation cookies while talking about the exciting places we have visited that warrant being worried about malaria.
Oh well.
Anyone have any suggestions? (about the iron)
Even though I now eat meat on occasion, I am never going to be a regular carnivore, so that option is out.
14 comments:
Eek. I have had this problem in the past, but my recent love of all things fish has sort of worked this one out. I think spinach helps, but don't quote me on that.
Now, if you wanna talk Skittles and Mike n Ikes, I'm your gal. How's your sugar levels?
I take a ferrous gluconate supplement, but it really is something that might bear discussing with your gp.
I've had the same problem! though there were no cute boys on the scene.
I made my Iron comeback by eating lots of (1) leafy greens (i.e. spinach) and (2) liquorice. Ironically, after I achieve astounding iron levels, I was blocked from donating because went to England.
Sigh, too bad I think licorice is gross! I have been trying to eat the leafy greens more, but sometimes I am just not in the mood!
Don't they have pills for that? Of course a nice rare rib-eye might do the trick every now and then too. Also, stay away from candia or canadia-like objects...they are well known to scuck the iron right out of ya!
I have to say it. Iowans are not more sheltered than anywhere else in the country and canada is not exotic.
I was right on the cusp of not being able to donate because of low iron last week and they told me to take Flintstones vitamins. Must be high in iron?
Canada, not exotic? :)
I say stick with the half irons and you will be fine.
Danielle, get yourself a cast iron frying pan cook in it - eggs, friend rice, etc. You'll need your iron in the high altitude. :-)
Paul
steak
Ha! You say it's your iron, but I think it's your exotic lifestyle. You been to the Channel Islands lately? How about that tattoo? Were you in the service in the 80s? How about ..., oh never mind about that one. Any relatives named Jacob Crutzfeld? Lessee, you probably don't use Propicia. I know, you've been to Africa, haven't you!
I'm the most boring person alive, never been nowhere and haven't done anything fun, b/c they still take my blood. And I don't know a single woman who doesn't have low iron somehow, or at least that's what they all tell me.
I was rejected like that myself about 6 years ago. Went to the doc who gave me a prescription of ferrous iron pills. I didn't like them so I quit. Never tried to donate again, I hate rejection. Last year when I started running I was again diagnosed anemic so this time I am taking the ferrous. The original dose of 2 x 200 mg daily raised my iron from below recommended to the high end of recommended in 2 months. I cut back to one a day and am doing fine so far. Next appointment will be in March or April, we will see. By the way I grew up farming in NW Iowa and SW Minnesota. I have always had red meat on my dinner plate. I was also in the service during the 80's, but not sure what that implies, but Europe was awesome back then.
Leafy greens - lots of iron! Also, my friend who is a dietitian tells me to take a prenatal multivitamin since I'm a vegetarian because it has more iron in it.
Late to the advice party, but easiest way if you're avoiding meat is with a fortified bran cereal. The iron in spinach is not absorbed/accessible to the body, so that's a myth. Beans and dried fruit are good sources too. Avoid taking iron with calcium or dairy. Iron supplements make you constipated, btw.
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