Article: Iron Deficiency After Hysterectomy

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Article: Iron Deficiency After Hysterectomy
I found out that I'm "iron deficient" and my doctor has prescribed iron pills. From what I've heard these things can be pretty hard on your stomach and constipating.

Anyone have suggestions for natural ways to help increase iron, either through diet, naturopathic or others?

Iron pills can be pretty rough on your stomach, especially if it’s sensitive. It can also cause constipation. Below are some foods high in iron that could help:

Poultry - chicken, duck, turkey, liver (especially dark meat)
Meats - beef, pork, lamb, liver, and other organ meats
Fish - shellfish, including clams, mussels, and oysters, sardines, anchovies
Leafy greens of the cabbage family, such as broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collards
Legumes, such as lima beans and green peas; dry beans and peas, such as pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and canned baked beans
Iron-enriched white bread, pasta, rice, and cereals
Yeast-leavened whole-wheat bread and rolls

You may be able to prevent iron-deficiency by following the recommended daily allowance which is women under the age of 50 need 18 mg of iron while women over 50 need 8 mg.

For better absorption of iron within the body:

Take iron with orange juice or vitamin C
Steam vegetables for meals
Iron pots are used for cooking

Iron is less absorbed within the body:

When taken with chocolate, coffee, tea or other high caffeinated food or drink
Milk and other high calcium food or drink
High fiber foods like nuts, whole grains, raw vegetables or bran

Be sure to check with your doctor about other alternatives to increase iron within your blood.