Feel The Power
Iron is an important nutrient that helps your body stay strong and full of energy. It helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your muscles. Without enough iron, you may feel tired and weak. With low iron can come anemia. To help, there's REBLOZYL (luspatercept-aamt), a prescription medication used to treat certain types of anemia. It works by helping the body produce more red blood cells.
9 Iron-Rich Foods for Your Diet
1. Red Meat
Red meat, like beef and lamb, is a top source of iron. A small piece of cooked beef has about 2.7 mg of iron. It’s called heme iron, which your body can absorb easily.
2. Lentils
Lentils are packed with iron. One cup of cooked lentils gives you about 6.6 mg of iron. Lentils are also high in fiber, helping you feel full longer.
3. Tofu
Tofu is a plant-based food that’s rich in iron. Half a cup of tofu contains around 3 mg of iron. It’s a great addition to stir-fries, soups or salads, especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian.
4. Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that’s full of iron. One cup of cooked spinach provides about 6 mg of iron. It also has vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron better.
5. Turkey
Turkey, especially the dark meat, has a good amount of iron. A small serving of dark turkey meat has about 2.3 mg of iron. It’s also a lean protein, making it a healthy choice.
6. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a simple snack that is rich in iron. Just 1 ounce of seeds contains about 2.5 mg of iron. You can sprinkle them on salads or add them to your breakfast smoothie.
7. Oysters
Oysters are not only delicious but also packed with iron. A 3-ounce serving of cooked oysters provides 7 mg of iron. Oysters also give you other important nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fats.
8. Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, offer around 2.4 mg of iron per half cup. You can toss them in salads, add them to soups or make hummus for a tasty iron-rich dip.
9. Quinoa
Quinoa is a grain that's high in iron. A cup of cooked quinoa gives you about 2.8 mg of iron. It’s also gluten-free, making it great for people who can’t eat gluten.
Treatment Options for Low Iron
If you’re not getting enough iron from your diet, here are some treatment options:
- Iron supplements: These come in pills or liquids. They can help raise your iron levels if your doctor recommends them.
- Vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Taking vitamin C along with iron-rich foods or supplements can be helpful.
- Dietary changes: Eat more iron-rich foods and pair them with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or strawberries to help with absorption.
- Iron infusions: In severe cases, your doctor might give you iron through an IV. This is called an iron infusion and helps boost your iron quickly.
REBLOZYL
REBLOZYL (luspatercept-aamt) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of anemia, specifically in people with specific blood disorders. It works by helping the body produce more red blood cells, which can reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions in some patients.
REBLOZYL is primarily used for:
- Anemia in Beta Thalassemia: A genetic disorder where the body produces less hemoglobin than normal. REBLOZYL helps boost red blood cell production, reducing the need for frequent blood transfusions.
- Anemia in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A group of disorders caused by poorly functioning bone marrow, which leads to insufficient red blood cells. REBLOZYL is used in patients with MDS who require regular transfusions but don't respond well to treatments like erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).
By adding these foods to your diet and following your doctor's advice, you can keep your iron levels healthy and feel your best!
Read on to learn about EoE foods to avoid.