The Top 5 Foods and Drinks Rich With Iron
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Iron deficiency results in many health issues. Some symptoms you may feel include fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, impaired cognitive function, and developmental issues. Luckily, some foods and drinks are rich in iron, which will help maintain healthy iron levels over time. Keep reading to learn more about the top five foods and drinks rich with iron.
Why do you need iron?
Iron plays a key role in delivering oxygen to all your cells, keeping you energized for hours. It also helps keep your red blood cells healthy. If you don’t get enough iron in your diet, you can become anemic. Anemia is when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This causes fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. Anemia is common in women during pregnancy or after giving birth because they lose so much iron through their monthly period (called menorrhagia). Other common causes of anemia include intestinal disorders that interfere with nutrient absorption (such as celiac disease), heavy menstrual periods, or chronic bleeding from ulcers or tumors.
Foods Containing Iron
The primary source of iron is generally iron rich food. Iron comes in two different forms: heme and non-heme. Heme iron, which makes up almost half of our total body iron, is found in animal products such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Non-heme iron can be found in plant sources such as whole grains, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, and other leafy greens. Below is an iron containing foods list:
- Shellfish
- Spinach
- Liver
- Legumes
- Red meat
There are plenty of foods high in iron available from many different sources. Even if you have a special diet, you should still be able to find foods and drinks high in iron.
Drinks High In Iron
Iron is not just in foods; it can also be found in iron rich drinks. Some people find drinks with iron more beneficial because of their high absorption rate. In case you’re wondering what drinks are high in iron. here are some of the best drinks that contain iron:
- Prune juice
- Beetroot juice
- Pea protein shakes
- Spinach smoothies
- Pumpkin juice
Whether you prefer foods or drinks to maintain your iron levels, it is best to get them from natural sources. You can also consider taking an iron supplement if you have trouble maintaining a healthy diet. If you are concerned about your iron intake, consult a medical professional for advice on managing it.
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Iron is used to create hemoglobin, a molecule that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that can occur when there’s not enough iron to make healthy levels of hemoglobin. If you have this condition it’s imperative to consult with a doctor so he can recommend some drinks high in iron for anemia to counter the unwanted symptoms. Iron deficiency symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To maintain your health, it’s important to maintain healthy iron levels by eating foods with iron, such as beef or salmon.
It’s difficult to connect some of these symptoms to iron deficiencies because of how “normal” they may seem. For example, many people feel tired or fatigued after a long day at work, but that fatigue could be caused by anemia. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to someone about what might be causing them.
If you’ve been identified with an iron deficiency and still struggle to maintain healthy iron levels through your iron drinks and iron fortified foods, it may be time to look for supplements.
When diet isn’t enough
To ensure you’re not at risk for nutrient deficiencies, it’s a good idea to periodically get an IV containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. An IV of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is sometimes called a vitamin drip. The IV pushes liquid nutrition directly into your bloodstream without having to chew food. This is particularly useful for patients who have difficulty eating due to injuries or illness or for people whose bodies aren’t absorbing nutrients as they should. Getting an IV of water-soluble vitamins regularly has been shown to help maintain healthy levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and other nutrients over time.
Iron infusions are more effective since you can get a high concentration of iron in a small amount of time. This is particularly useful for patients who have been diagnosed with anemia or other conditions where they need higher levels of iron quickly. If you’re at risk for iron deficiency, speak with a medical professional about getting an IV of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids regularly.
Iron infusions aren’t just helpful if you’re at risk for nutrient deficiencies—they can also help boost your energy levels by giving your body a quick infusion of energy-boosting nutrients. If you feel like your diet isn’t providing enough energy to keep up with life’s demands, consider getting an IV infusion of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids regularly.
At-Home Iron Infusion With Drip Hydration
Iron IV therapy is an efficient and convenient way to increase your iron levels quickly and effectively. With Drip Hydration's at-home treatment option, our team will come to your location to administer the IV, whether that be your home or office. You will be able to relax and carry on with your daily activities, while we take care of the rest.
Contact Drip Hydration today and schedule your appointment, our experienced team is here to help you achieve optimal iron levels and improve your overall health.
Book Iron IVIron IV Infusion - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iron infusion?
Iron IV Infusion is a therapy where an enriched saline bag with iron and other vitamins is intravenously administered.
Why would a patient need an iron infusion?
Patients typically need an iron infusion to correct low blood iron levels, although infusions may also be given in advance of a medical procedure. There are many potential reasons a patient might have low blood iron, including illness, certain medical conditions, side effects from other treatments, inability to absorb adequate iron from diet or supplements, and more.
What happens during an iron infusion?
A nurse will arrive at your location at your appointment time with the necessary equipment for your infusion. They will then administer a test dose via a needle and catheter to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the infusion.
After your test dose, your infusion will begin. This process typically takes several hours. Following your infusion, you can resume activities as normal unless otherwise instructed.
How to prepare for an iron infusion
The most significant preparation required for an iron infusion is to ensure you set aside enough time for treatment. Unlike some procedures, there is no need to fast prior to this procedure.
- Iron infusions may take 3 or 4 hours, so bring a book, a game, music or podcasts, a computer, or sit near your TV so you can stay occupied during treatment.
- Eat breakfast, stay hydrated, and take your medication as normal unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may also want to consider having a blanket on hand if you get cold easily.