Around 20% of Kiwi women are thought to be anaemic or suffering from iron deficiency. You may have low levels of iron in your blood if you:
Get dizzy easily
Feel weak and tired
Have unusually pale skin
Suffer from headaches
Experience numbness or coldness in your hands or feet
Have a low body temperature.
Anaemia can be due to many factors, including heavy periods, chronic illness such as Crohn’s or coeliac disease, or a deficiency of iron, folate or vitamin B12. Some substances can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron if they are eaten with iron-rich foods. These include:
Dairy and other calcium- rich foods
Calcium supplements
Antacids
Tea
Coffee
Red meat is one of the best sources of iron. Bread, beans, nuts and spinach also contain iron, but it is harder for your body to absorb.
Take a look at the health benefits of potassium here.
Image: bauersyndication.com.au
