Ironing out the fatigue
WHAT
Iron is an essential nutrient that we absolutely need to be healthy. It is found in every cells of our body and is used for a variety of important functions, including transporting oxygen, producing energy, and protecting us from damage. For all these reasons, it is important to keep track of our iron levels on a regular basis to assess if our body has sufficient iron to function well (Note: while insufficient iron is an obvious issue, excessive iron is problematic too – so as with everything, it’s all about balance!).
WHY
Low iron levels can have dramatic impacts on our quality of life, and present as physical or mental fatigue, brain fog, low mood, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, etc. As you can notice, these symptoms are similar to those associated with some mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety or depression). Women in reproductive years are particularly at risk of low iron levels (because of their periods), but other factors can also put us at risk: a diet low in iron foods, poor digestion, or chronic bleeding (e.g. intestinal bleeding).
HOW
The healthiest way to cover your needs is to eat foods high in iron on a regular basis. Animal foods are the best sources, but legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) and green leafy vegetables are also good alternatives. Avoid having tea with your meals as tea reduces the absorption of iron from your food. If you are feeling abnormally tired, visit your doctor or a qualified naturopath to get your iron levels checked. If your levels are low, you might benefit greatly from a good quality iron supplement as prescribed by your practitioner.
