How To Increase Iron Levels Quickly?
Do you often feel drained of energy or suffer from fatigue and lack concentration? Are your nails brittle and your hair lifeless? If so, you’re likely low in iron.
Iron is an essential mineral needed for hemoglobin and myoglobin formation. It helps transport oxygen around the body and is involved in energy production, cognitive function, healthy skin, hair, nails, and the immune system.
Unfortunately, low iron levels are pretty standard in men and women of all ages. It could be because of diet, lifestyle, or even hereditary factors. The good news is you can increase your iron levels quickly with a few simple steps.
This blog post will explore how to increase iron levels quickly to reduce the anemic symptoms.
The fastest way to raise iron levels
Does the pale skin and lightheadedness make you ask: how to increase iron levels quickly? If so, the fastest way to do this is through intravenous iron injections. This method is usually used to treat patients who are severely anemic or suffer from certain medical conditions.
However, you must be sure that you’re getting the correct type of iron injections, as some may cause allergic reactions. Ask your doctor to help you make the best choice.
Alternatively, you can also take iron orally in the form of supplements. It is a much cheaper option. Taking the supplement with vitamin C will help to improve absorption and may increase iron levels within a few days. Iron tablets, capsules, and liquid drops are also available. Taking them regularly can help to reinstate healthy iron levels quickly.
Dietary sources of iron
Another way how to increase iron levels quickly is by making dietary changes. Eating foods rich in iron can help to restore healthy levels quickly. Here is a list of all the foods packed with iron:
Red Meat, poultry, and fish: These foods are rich in heme iron, which is absorbed more easily by the body. You can introduce these as main meals a few times a week.
Legumes, nuts, and seeds: Add more lentils, chickpeas, beans, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds to your meals. These are rich in non-heme iron.
Dark leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are all great sources of iron. You can mix them into smoothies or salads.
Dried fruits: Add figs, prunes, and raisins to your oatmeal or cereal.
Iron-fortified cereals: Check the labels of your breakfast cereal to ensure it’s fortified with iron. You can also add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to boost the iron content.
Tofu: It is another excellent source of non-heme iron, which can be added to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. Be sure to purchase a brand that is fortified with iron.
Iron absorption enhancers and inhibitors
There are two types of iron:
- Heme – from animal sources and is easily absorbed by the body
- Non-heme – from plant sources, which is more difficult for the body to absorb
Certain substances can help to enhance iron absorption, while others inhibit it. Anyone wondering how to increase iron levels quickly must try to include more enhancers and avoid inhibitors.
Enhancers: Vitamin C and citric acid increase non-heme iron absorption. You can get them from food sources such as oranges, limes, lemons, and tomatoes. Use them in salads or make juice.
Inhibitors: Tea and coffee contain high amounts of polyphenols, which inhibit iron absorption. Soy protein is another common inhibitor of iron. Therefore, try to limit your intake of these foods and beverages as much as possible.
Choose healthier drinks
Nature provides us with drinks filled with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron. Try to switch your soda, energy drinks, and tea to different types of smoothies and juices. Beet, carrot, spinach, and celery are all great sources of natural iron.
Other sources include:
- Apple juice
- Orange juice
- Kiwi juice
- Strawberry juice
- Beef broth
- Pea protein smoothies
- Natural cocoa smoothies
However, it’s essential to note that only the new versions of these drinks can give you the needed iron.
Cook in a cast-iron skillet
Foods cooked in cast-iron skillets absorb some of the iron from the pan. It is especially true for acidic foods such as tomatoes, which are excellent sources of iron. Make sure to season your skillet before using it regularly to get all the benefits.
People also ask
Besides the primary concern of “how to increase iron levels quickly,” people ask a few other questions. Each of these can directly impact your overall well-being, so pay attention.
When is the right time to see a doctor?
Persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and paleness can indicate iron deficiency anemia. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek the advice of a doctor. They may do some tests to determine how low your iron levels are and how to increase them quickly.
How to increase iron levels quickly with exercise?
Physical activity helps your body to absorb iron better. Regular exercise can also boost the production of red blood cells and thus improve circulation.
Who is at the highest risk for low iron levels?
Women of childbearing age are at the highest risk of developing low iron levels. Pregnant women also need an adequate iron intake, as do vegetarians and vegans.
Conclusion
None of us should wait for a diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia before inquiring how to increase iron levels quickly. Iron is essential to a healthy diet, and you should include as many sources as possible in your routine. When it comes to how to increase iron levels quickly, certain foods and drinks can help, such as those high in vitamin C, cooked in a cast-iron skillet, or fresh juices. Always talk to your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier.