7 Ways To Fight Iron Deficiency Anemia

Are you looking for ways to fight iron deficiency anemia? You are probably one of the many girls and young women affected by this disease. Its most common symptoms are the following:

• Fatigue
• Fragile hair and nails
• Pale face
• (In some cases) Bad mood

In this article, you will discover different natural ways to prevent and combat iron deficiency anemia without taking an iron supplement.

Iron deficiency anemia

As the name suggests, iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of this mineral. This deficiency can be based on several factors, including heavy menstruation in girls and young women, bleeding, an inadequate diet or poor absorption in the intestines.

Iron deficiency anemia can also be a temporary problem caused by an acute need for iron during adolescence, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The classic treatment consists of taking iron supplements. Unfortunately, they can have side effects such as gastritis, stomach problems or constipation, also contributing to the oxidation of the body.

In addition, if iron deficiency anemia is caused by malabsorption, supplements are not helpful.

Ways to combat iron deficiency anemia naturally

1. Water therapy

Hydrotherapy or water therapy at various temperatures can be effective in treating many health problems, including anemia. In this case, the water stimulates the circulation and, implicitly, the production of erythrocytes. It is important to note that people with anemia have a low tolerance to cold.

There are two ways to take a shower that help you:

• Hot water jet on legs and arms.
• Cold shower on the chest and back.

2. Schüssler salts for malabsorption

If you know that you suffer from iron deficiency anemia due to intestinal malabsorption, supplements with this mineral will not help you. The solution is to take a natural supplement that will improve your intestinal absorption. In this regard, you can use the following homeopathic remedy:

• Ferrum Phosphoricum or iron phosphate D6 (Schüssler salt): This natural medicine is not an iron supplement and has no side effects.

It is recommended to take this remedy for at least a month.

3. One salad a day

Many people believe that in order to increase their dietary iron intake, they need to eat more red meat. But an excess of animal protein can have negative effects on the liver and kidneys.

To combat iron deficiency anemia in a healthy way, it is advisable to add a salad to every meal. You can prepare several recipes using the following ingredients:

• Lettuce and other green leafy vegetables (arugula, watercress, etc.)
• Beet
• Carrot
• Pepper
• Cabbage fodder
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Brussels sprouts
• Nuts and seeds

4. Lemon

Iron is better absorbed in the body if consumed with vitamin C (ascorbic acid). You can take supplements with this vitamin every day or you can add a little fresh lemon juice in various dishes.

Other foods rich in vitamin C are:

• citrus
• Red fruits
• Acerola
• Pepper
• Papaya
• Kiwi
• Guava
• rosehip
• Parsley

5. Pay attention to dairy products

While vitamin C improves iron absorption, milk and dairy products have the opposite effect. Dairy products are alkaline and neutralize gastric acid, making it difficult to absorb iron. 

To combat iron deficiency anemia, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of dairy products or at least serve them separately, without combining them with other foods.

6. Adjusting the menstrual cycle

If you know that, in your case, iron deficiency is caused by heavy or irregular menstruation, take into account the above recommendations and also use a natural remedy to regulate the menstrual cycle. 

Some herbs that have the ability to reduce heavy menstrual flow are:

• Nettle
• Gentian
• The lamb
• Horsetail

7. Stay in the sun

One of the simplest, cheapest and most enjoyable ways to prevent and combat iron deficiency anemia is sun exposure. Of course, it is advisable to always use sunscreen and stay for short periods of time (maximum 10 minutes).

It is important to practice the habit of sitting in the sun as often as possible, because the lack of vitamin D is associated with iron deficiency anemia.