To all u B's out there  

My doctor's  office called me today to inform me that my iron levels  r   extremely low !!!!

The problem is that Iron pills severely constipate ...

I was wondering if there is another route that I can take ??

Starting tomorrow, I will start to take ACV/Organic blackstrap molasses.
Any other suggestion ??

Thank-u in advance.

Quoted from LISALEA

To all u B's out there  

My doctor's  office called me today to inform me that my iron levels  r   extremely low !!!!

The problem is that Iron pills severely constipate ...

I was wondering if there is another route that I can take ??

Starting tomorrow, I will start to take ACV/Organic blackstrap molasses.
Any other suggestion ??

Thank-u in advance.

I'm going to post the response I got from Victoria, when I asked her for help with this question you first asked me in pm.

Quoted from Victoria

Food is always the best source of any nutrient.  Here's a couple of sites that list iron rich foods, along with some discussion:
http://www.healthcastle.com/iron.shtml
http://www.bloodbook.com/iron-foods.html

Dr. D has suggested that if people actually need a supplement, the most gentle and easily absorbed is Floradix:
http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/r64771.asp

You can look at the iron rich foods and see which ones are beneficial for your type.

Hope this helps.

whats about 1-2x  35 mg's iron & from NaturalFactors.com
or 2x25mg's of iron chelated of N.F.

I take em and it würrgs amazingly


pst...pst...my iron was 9 at the scale so far I am also obligée  

Quoted from KimonoKat

I'm going to post the response I got from Victoria, when I asked her for help with this question you first asked me in pm.



You can look at the iron rich foods and see which ones are beneficial for your type.

Hope this helps.

I've taken a look and it does indeed help, THANKS ALOT

Quoted from ISA-MANUELA

whats about 1-2x  35 mg's iron & from NaturalFactors.com
or 2x25mg's of iron chelated of N.F.

I take em and it würrgs amazingly


pst...pst...my iron was 9 at the scale so far I am also obligée  

Really ???
Mine is at 12

Doesn't constipate u at all ???

What's ur ferratin leveal at now ??

I was looking at floradix actually, I wonder which would be best ??

What did u mean by:
so far I am also obligée   ??

Thanks alot !!

I've used Floradix and it doesn't constipate. Very mild and easy on the system.

Quoted from Lisa_O_Sec

I've used Floradix and it doesn't constipate. Very mild and easy on the system.

Oh that's so great to hear !!!

At what level of ferratin and hb did u start out with; if u don't mind me asking ??
How long before u felt better and got ur levels back up ??
... I thank-u very much

Anemia is sometimes due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

You may want to look at the level of these in your diet and consider whether it would be appropriate to use supplements for these.

Floradix does contain 7.5 micrograms of B12.

But other supplements often contain considerably higher
amounts. NAP for instance has 1000 micrograms in theirs http://www.dadamo.com/napharm/BTstore/BTSstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=NP008

There's a wonderful product called No Shot B12 that dissolves under the tongue.  It can be found with or without folic acid.  I buy the one with.

It's methylcobalamin, the superior variety of B12.

I believe that with a product like Floradix, less iron needs to be taken because it is so easily assimilated.  

Quoted from LISALEA

At what level of ferratin and hb did u start out with; if u don't mind me asking ??

What is your ferritin?
What do you mean by hb?

Quoted from LISALEA

Mine is at 12

What does the "12" represent?

Copper deficiency can also be involved in anemia problems.

I used floradix after my C-section and it worked really well- after 2-3 weeks I felt better.

I did up my meat as well - and remembered to get vitamin c rich products with ironrich food.

Parsley and seaweed perk me up.

no it doesn't constipate at all ....when U are drinking enough
next: it was meant: so I am also obliged to take some iron

I've to get re-checked soon; because if I do it on my own with my Vegatester-here I see only that's mas ou menos sevère...a bit more or less ......

Quoted from ironwood55

What is your ferritin?
What do you mean by hb?

What does the "12" represent?

Copper deficiency can also be involved in anemia problems.

My ferritin level is at 12
My hemoglobin level is at 114

Ferritin: http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/003490.htm
hb= Hemoglobin: http://sickle.bwh.harvard.edu/hemoglobin.html

Quoted from ISA-MANUELA

no it doesn't constipate at all ....when U are drinking enough
next: it was meant: so I am also obliged to take some iron

I've to get re-checked soon; because if I do it on my own with my Vegatester-here I see only that's mas ou menos sevère...a bit more or less ......

Thanks so much

Quoted from Arlene

Parsley and seaweed perk me up.

thanks

Quoted from Henriette_Bsec

I used floradix after my C-section and it worked really well- after 2-3 weeks I felt better.

I did up my meat as well - and remembered to get vitamin c rich products with ironrich food.

Yep u're right ... cause vitamin-C helps to better absorb the iron

I'm taking a tablespoon of molasses with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar everysingle day now, that should help

Quoted from Victoria

There's a wonderful product called No Shot B12 that dissolves under the tongue.  It can be found with or without folic acid.  I buy the one with.

It's methylcobalamin, the superior variety of B12.

I believe that with a product like Floradix, less iron needs to be taken because it is so easily assimilated.  

Thanks so much Victoria.
What do u think of the Molasses/Apple Cider Vinegar method??

Quoted from C_sharp

Anemia is sometimes due to deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

You may want to look at the level of these in your diet and consider whether it would be appropriate to use supplements for these.

Floradix does contain 7.5 micrograms of B12.

But other supplements often contain considerably higher
amounts. NAP for instance has 1000 micrograms in theirs http://www.dadamo.com/napharm/BTstore/BTSstore.pl?user_action=detail&catalogno=NP008

I appreciate the information, thanks

Ll is a fine chatterbox.....everbody gots his/her reply

Quoted from LISALEA

My ferritin level is at 12
My hemoglobin level is at 114

Do you have any other iron profile related numbers?
Iron, serum
TIBC
% Saturation (calculated from the previous 2 numbers, this is a significant number concerning iron status)

You don't want high ferritin. It is better to be at the lower end of the range.

Quoted from ironwood55

Do you have any other iron profile related numbers?
Iron, serum
TIBC
% Saturation (calculated from the previous 2 numbers, this is a significant number concerning iron status)

You don't want high ferritin. It is better to be at the lower end of the range.

Really ????

Why did my doctor tell me that I'm Anemic then ???? ??

Nope , those r the only number that I have ...  doctors never tell u anything just prescibe medication

What tests should I be asking for next time ??
Thank so much

I didn't say that you weren't anemic. I just was trying to indicate that there are additional tests to help you determine your iron status. Your anemia as previously indicated in other posts could be partly due to other causes.

Here is an anemia test package.

I suggest you continue to research and read to understand your situation, tests, diagnosis, and what to ask your doctor next time.

Quoted from ironwood55

I didn't say that you weren't anemic. I just was trying to indicate that there are additional tests to help you determine your iron status. Your anemia as previously indicated in other posts could be partly due to other causes.

Here is an anemia test package.

I suggest you continue to research and read to understand your situation, tests, diagnosis, and what to ask your doctor next time.

Thanks so much, I appreciate it immensly ...

I will definately look into.

Cast Iron cookware?
I don't know if the general concensus is with me on this but for years I've been under the impression that cast iron cookware is a simple constant source of this mineral in ones diet. Use it if you don't have enough to get it and don't if you have too much.
Iemnli

11-13 is considered to be the normal range for women, Lisalea. The WHO has nominated 9 as the officially anaemic number (about 4 years ago).

You haven't mentioned any symptoms of fatigue?
Keep in mind that some people do just fine at 9.

I think that you should ask your doc to explain a few things...the picture is a bit pixillated at our end. A bit like diving score numbers at the OLYMPICS...

NB. I'm chronically anaemic and find that iron citrate is stronger and seems to work faster than floradix for me- iron citrate is recommended by Dr D for Bs and ABs.

eh
good luck and don't worry

Quoted from ieatmeatnlikeit

Cast Iron cookware?
I don't know if the general concensus is with me on this but for years I've been under the impression that cast iron cookware is a simple constant source of this mineral in ones diet. Use it if you don't have enough to get it and don't if you have too much.
Iemnli

That's a great idea !!!
Thanks

Quoted from eh

NB. I'm chronically anaemic and find that iron citrate is stronger and seems to work faster than floradix for me- iron citrate is recommended by Dr D for Bs and ABs.

True but it mess me up !
so I rather have the floradix than constipation and nausea

Quoted from eh

11-13 is considered to be the normal range for women, Lisalea. The WHO has nominated 9 as the officially anaemic number (about 4 years ago).

You haven't mentioned any symptoms of fatigue?
Keep in mind that some people do just fine at 9.

I think that you should ask your doc to explain a few things...the picture is a bit pixillated at our end. A bit like diving score numbers at the OLYMPICS...

NB. I'm chronically anaemic and find that iron citrate is stronger and seems to work faster than floradix for me- iron citrate is recommended by Dr D for Bs and ABs.

eh
good luck and don't worry

11-13 is considered "the norm" for ferritin levels ?????????  

Wow ... that is NOT what my doctor has told me and another
thing is that I'm very tired all the time and my breathing very shallow

Lisalea, first thing I'd do is request copies of ALL bloodwork from my dr. You can post the results pertaining to your iron here, if you'd like. It'd give us more of an idea what you're up against.  I always get copies of my blood work. I trust no doctors to interpret them correctly. Been burned too many times on that one.

Quoted from pkarmeier

Lisalea, first thing I'd do is request copies of ALL bloodwork from my dr. You can post the results pertaining to your iron here, if you'd like. It'd give us more of an idea what you're up against.  I always get copies of my blood work. I trust no doctors to interpret them correctly. Been burned too many times on that one.

God bless u !!!
I've thought of it just about a million times however; if I ask him,
my feeling is that: he will NOT appreciate it and think I'm questioning his judgement, u never know ...  
Another thing is that he always rushes me and never offers any explanation ...
I don't  feel safe with him either ... but it's VERY difficult to find a new doctor and is is even legal to ask for all my blood work ??
I'm in Canada ... I would have to inform myself first before I go ahead and ask him just incase he flatly refuses me... I so appreciate ur message Thank-u  so much

Lisalea, no worries, some people get tired at 11 and others - like me - are full of beans at 11. I got down to 6 once and had to have a blood transfusion that topped me up to the official level... of anaemia! I was a 9 at last, yippee... Geez, being anaemic felt positively lively. But that could've just been the B blood I was given as there was no AB stuff lying around that day. By Geez, that B blood was like jungle juice, girl. You people are onto some good sh-t there, man...ahem.. as I was saying..

....Do collar your doc, however. It's no good being tired, dear. It's your blood!

Meanwhile, get your chops around some lamb and chow down. The iron citrate may help you but as Henriette says, it too may contribute to some tummy upset etc.

madge eh

Quoted from LISALEA

I've thought of it just about a million times however; if I ask him,
my feeling is that: he will NOT appreciate it and think I'm questioning his judgement, u never know ...   and is is even legal to ask for all my blood work ??I'm in Canada  

and he prob will feel this way. don't let it stop you from asking, if it's okay in Canada. BTW, I just hopped over to the Little Fishes board and put out a new thread re: same.   Post is called "Calling all Canadians".  I think we'll soon have an answer.  

Quoted from LISALEA

Another thing is that he always rushes me and never offers any explanation ... I don't  feel safe with him either ... but it's VERY difficult to find a new doctor.

All the more reason to try and find a new doctor. I really despise doctors like this.

I just hopped over to the Little Fishes board and put out a new thread re: same.   Post is called "Calling all Canadians".  I think we'll soon have an answer.  



Thank-u





All the more reason to try and find a new doctor. I really despise doctors like this.



me too sigh ...  

Quoted from eh

Lisalea, no worries, some people get tired at 11 and others - like me - are full of beans at 11. I got down to 6 once and had to have a blood transfusion that topped me up to the official level... of anaemia! I was a 9 at last, yippee... Geez, being anaemic felt positively lively. But that could've just been the B blood I was given as there was no AB stuff lying around that day. By Geez, that B blood was like jungle juice, girl. You people are onto some good sh-t there, man...ahem.. as I was saying..

....Do collar your doc, however. It's no good being tired, dear. It's your blood!

Meanwhile, get your chops around some lamb and chow down. The iron citrate may help you but as Henriette says, it too may contribute to some tummy upset etc.

madge eh

I enjoyed ur message very much, Thanks alot dear !!!!!!!!!!
u r so LIVELY  

Quoted from ieatmeatnlikeit

Cast Iron cookware?I don't know if the general concensus is with me on this but for years I've been under the impression that cast iron cookware is a simple constant source of this mineral in ones diet. Use it if you don't have enough to get it and don't if you have too much.Iemnli

My NP took my mom off using her iron skillet because her iron was sooo high. She's been using it all her life and taking no supplements. I guess there actually could be some other reason, but he started there.

Quoted from pkarmeier

My NP took my mom off using her iron skillet because her iron was sooo high. She's been using it all her life and taking no supplements. I guess there actually could be some other reason, but he started there.

Oh my god

Lisalea, if you haven't yet, check out the thread I started to find out if you can legally get your blood test results in Canada. Looks like you should be able to!!  Yippeeee!!  Let me repeat, I NEVER trust a dr to give me the real truth about what my blood work says.  They just truly have no idea. Sad but true.    My NP is great, my chiro is as well. For most things, I'd trust either one of them first.

Quoted from pkarmeier

Lisalea, if you haven't yet, check out the thread I started to find out if you can legally get your blood test results in Canada. Looks like you should be able to!!  Yippeeee!!  Let me repeat, I NEVER trust a dr to give me the real truth about what my blood work says.  They just truly have no idea. Sad but true.    My NP is great, my chiro is as well. For most things, I'd trust either one of them first.

I thank u whole heartedly for ur help


I NEVER trust a dr to give me the real truth about what my blood work says.


I agree 100% sadly