Three Things to Try for Iron Deficiency
It can be stressful for a teen during their menstrual cycle – worrying about managing symptoms like heavy bleeding. Navigating both physical and social/ emotional changes that occur during each cycle can be exhausting. It may feel uncomfortable to talk about, and as a result, many believe it’s just normal for their body. However, the symptoms young people experience, especially when they find themselves having to make lifestyle changes to accommodate their cycle, might be an indicator of something more serious – iron deficiency, anemia, or even issues in the gut.
Iron is an essential nutrient for our bodies. It helps the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body. Iron also plays a key role in energy metabolism (healthy weight), neurotransmitter production (mental health), the formation of collagen (anti-aging), and optimal immune system function (less sick days!). However, iron deficiency is a common problem, particularly among people of child bearing age (ASH). In fact, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide (Miller).
Iron deficiency can result from a variety of factors, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy and breastfeeding, poor diet, and lack of absorption in the gut as caused by certain medical conditions such as celiac disease (Freeman) and inflammatory bowel disease (Maheda).
There are a variety of treatment options for iron deficiency, depending on the cause and severity. At Neighborhood Naturopathic, we follow a specific protocol if iron deficiency is suspected – starting with blood work. Iron deficiency is not something that can be self-diagnosed. If a patient’s blood work shows low iron, here are a few options we might recommend:
- Iron-Rich Diet: The first line of defense against iron deficiency is to create a lifestyle of nutrition based on foods that are rich in iron, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and leafy green vegetables (Skolmowska). Additionally, foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, have been shown to help the body absorb iron more efficiently.
- Oral Iron Supplements: For more severe cases of iron deficiency, oral iron supplements may be recommended as a short-term solution based on recommendations from your primary care physician (Skolmowska).
- IV Supplementation: In cases where oral supplements are ineffective or not well tolerated, intravenous (IV) iron supplementation may be recommended. This treatment involves administering iron directly into the bloodstream, allowing for faster and more efficient absorption of the nutrient. Learn more about our IV Iron Treatment.
Iron deficiency is a common problem that can be addressed with proper nutrition and/ or supplementation. If you are experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. By taking steps to address iron deficiency, you can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
If you live in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area and are curious about a naturopathic approach to your health or have questions about supplements, or IV Nutrient Therapy that might support your overall wellness, click here to schedule or call (612) 259-8529.
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Works Cited
Freeman, Hugh James. “Iron deficiency anemia in celiac disease.” World journal of gastroenterology vol. 21,31 (2015): 9233-8. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i31.9233
“Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” Hematology.Org, www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/iron-deficiency#:~:text=Iron%20deficiency%20is%20very%20common,if%20menstrual%20periods%20are%20heavy. Accessed 2 May 2023.
Mahadea, Dagmara et al. “Iron Deficiency Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases-A Narrative Review.” Nutrients vol. 13,11 4008. 10 Nov. 2021, doi:10.3390/nu13114008
Miller, Jeffery L. “Iron deficiency anemia: a common and curable disease.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine vol. 3,7 a011866. 1 Jul. 2013, doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a011866
Skolmowska, Dominika et al. “Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions to Treat Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Nutrients vol. 14,13 2724. 30 Jun. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14132724