Iron Woman

No, I will not be partaking in the Iron Woman.  My chubbily physique isn't exactly conducive to anything triathlon related. 

I mentioned in a previous post I recently learned I am iron deficient.  Upon learning this I swung into some online searches surrounding this, as I was sure there was more to it than just simply eating more iron-rich foods, or popping an iron supplement.

Symptoms of iron deficiency (among others):
fatigue/feeling rundown
headache
poor concentration
poor immune system function (making your more susceptible to colds and flu)

Check. Check. Check. and Check.  Though the concentration thing is new, the others have been on going.

I've never tested low on iron before.  It has been over a year since I've had any sort of blood anything done, so I was a bit surprised when I came back as low as I did.

I've learned that once iron stores are depleted it can take a few weeks or up to a year for them to be restored, if not longer.  To help absorb iron better I apparently should consume more Vit-C rich foods with the iron rich foods.

I've already begun consuming more iron-rich foods:  oatmeal for breakfast, spinach salad with dinner, beans....tea and coffee apparently decrease iron absorption.  Oh, how I do love my tea and coffee.  Animal sources of iron are more easily absorbed.  When I think back it has been awhile since I've eaten any of the classic iron rich animal sources:  red meat.  I can't even remember the last time I had beef.  While spinach has more iron than a steak, the steak iron is more easily absorbed by the body.

So this iron deficiency of mine explains so much.  The headaches.  The constant fatigue.  My inability lately to focus on anything.  Sure there could be other explanations for these things, but it does seem to make sense.

Anyone else out there had to deal with low iron?  What did you find worked the best for you?