• H&R Moderators: VerbalTruist

Anemic

Blackstrap molasses would be a better supplement than a plain iron pill, as it is better balanced with other vitamins and minerals. That's the problem with today's supplementation. Someone mentions one deficient element and people rush out and buy a regimen of just that one element. In time, they throw a few other elements out of balance by flooding their system with just this one.

Plus it is delicious when used in the right places. Adding it to a soy protein powder drink, along with stevia, is great. It can also go well with cereal.
 
Blackstrap molasses would be a better supplement than a plain iron pill, as it is better balanced with other vitamins and minerals. That's the problem with today's supplementation. Someone mentions one deficient element and people rush out and buy a regimen of just that one element. In time, they throw a few other elements out of balance by flooding their system with just this one.

I was recently diagnosed with low iron and the doc recommended to begin taking iron supplements. I told him thanks but I will just begin taking a multivitamin regularly and be cognizant of my red meat intake. Its been several weeks and I've not noticed anything different. But I didnt notice anything wrong to begin with, it was just a result of a yearly blood test.

I do plan on adding the molasses into my diet though.
 
^ Make sure it's blackstrap molasses.

I was horribly anemic while eating red (and white) meat--Tried all sorts of supplements but nothing helped. Went vegetarian and the anemia vanished. "They" say non-heme ("plant") iron is less absorbable than heme ("animal") iron, but I say try incorporating more plant sources of iron into your diet and see how you feel. Loading up on the red meat may work for some, but for others it may do nothing but give you cancer. ;)
 
Actually, people who eat more red meat are also more likely to smoke and drink. The results of that study show only correlation and no causation. Sensationalist crap if you ask me.
 
^ The results of that study. There are numerous others, but I'll agree to disagree here since I don't feel like arguing. Take the advice about more plant-based iron sources or leave it.
 
^ Make sure it's blackstrap molasses.

I was horribly anemic while eating red (and white) meat--Tried all sorts of supplements but nothing helped. Went vegetarian and the anemia vanished. "They" say non-heme ("plant") iron is less absorbable than heme ("animal") iron, but I say try incorporating more plant sources of iron into your diet and see how you feel. Loading up on the red meat may work for some, but for others it may do nothing but give you cancer. ;)

Yes, I meant the blackstrap variety. ;)

Funny thing is I've made an effort to eat 1 salad a day (lunch or dinner) to help my veggie intake even before I was diagnosed. I love spinach so that made it easy to maintain this food intake for veggie based iron. A friend did some research that vigorous exercise and sweating can reduce iron levels as well (you sweat it out). I may have done a workout and fasted the evening before my blood test which may have contributed to the low iron result. Even still, I actually havent increased my red meat intake as much as I have tried to eat more veggies.
 
^ Exercise also increases the rate at which you use exercise, which increases the turnover of RBC, making your body have to make new ones since the old wear our quicker. While your body does recycle some iron in the process, it still needs some new. :)
 
Top