dVH/RALH: Upcoming hysterectomy: Nutrition / anemic

You ladies are all so smart! Wondering your best nutrition tips to build my blood. I'm not a real meat eater - Dr suggested Total cereal - any other great ideas?? TY

It sounds like you're not opposed to meat, just not a big meat eater? I don't eat much red meat, taste preference. Poultry and seafood (shellfish, tuna) can also give you an iron boost. Dark leafy greens like spinach & kale, peas, broccoli. Strawberries, prunes, dried apricots, figs... and bean products including tofu and tempeh. Here's one page list from the American Red Cross: Iron-Rich Foods.

I'm vegetarian. In 2003 I went to my doc with fatigue and lethargy. He ordered some blood tests and I turned out to be anemic. After trying various ways to add more iron to my diet without eating meat or fish, I finally gave up on the dietary approach and started taking ferrous sulfate instead (at my doctor's suggestion). Some women tolerate this well, some don't. I do, and it's relatively cheap, so for me it works.

If ferrous sulfate doesn't work for you, some women find ferrous gluconate, fumarate or citrate easier to digest.

Ferrous sulfate helped me during my anemia. The doctor have me guidance for how much to take. Iron supplements can be hard on the tummy. I had to try out a few different brands before I found one that I could take daily with no problems.

Also what helps is eating Vitamin C rich food, or drinking orange juice, with your iron rich meal. Vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron.

Thanks Ladies!!

Please check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet:

Medications/vitamins/supplements Before Surgery.

Some natural herbs and vitamins can have unforeseen side effects, so double check just to be sure.

Take care and drink tons of water now.

thank you all! I was taking an iron supplement, dr approved, but I keep forgetting to take it.... trying to eat lots of spinach & watermelon - good tip about the orange juice! I will keep reading labels & I will get stronger -

	Quote:
Originally Posted by loonwatcher thank you all! I was taking an iron supplement, dr approved, but I keep forgetting to take it.... trying to eat lots of spinach & watermelon - good tip about the orange juice! I will keep reading labels & I will get stronger -

Great attitude continue to get stronger

We are all here for you.

Thanks everyone - despite my efforts, my hemoglobin was 9.8 this morning at my pre-op. Strange, since I haven't bled for 30 days....... Dr isn't too worried - and if I need blood, I'll just get some trying to relax, eat healthy & prepare my nest. Thank you all!!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by loonwatcher Thanks everyone - despite my efforts, my hemoglobin was 9.8 this morning at my pre-op. Strange, since I haven't bled for 30 days....... Dr isn't too worried - and if I need blood, I'll just get some trying to relax, eat healthy & prepare my nest. Thank you all!!

Update ** The morning of surgery, my HGB was 11.6 - low, but better after surgery it was 8.3 but I didn't need a transfusion At my 6 week appointment it was .............

12.9 !!!!!! I have never seen that number! Healthy eating (a lot of Total cereal) does work!