Iron deficiency during stress | Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency during stress

Stress is not only a psychological phenomenon, but also shows many accompanying physical symptoms. Although this does not directly cause iron deficiency, stress does lead to an increased oxygen demand of the body and thus to symptoms similar to those of mild iron deficiency. In the case of permanent stress, digestion can also be restricted and thus the absorption of iron in the intestine can be reduced. In addition to these direct physical causes, however, stress also leads to a poorer diet for many people and the iron content of their food is reduced.

Iron deficiency after surgery

In many cases, operations mean a loss of blood for the body. Iron is absolutely necessary for blood formation, so that after operations the iron requirement can be higher. After blood loss, the body uses the body’s own iron reserves for increased hemoglobin formation and must replenish these reserves.

In most cases, this iron deficiency can be quickly remedied by diet alone. After operations with high blood loss, including births, iron substitution may be necessary using herbal blood or tablets. After operations with high blood loss, including childbirth, iron substitution with herbal blood or tablets may be necessary.

Ferrous food

Iron deficiency can often be prevented or treated by a balanced diet alone. Various foods contain particularly high levels of iron, although the supposed Iron King Spinach contains an average amount of iron. In addition to a sufficient intake of iron, care should also be taken to ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C, if taken at the same time as iron-containing foods, can improve the absorption of iron in the intestines.

However, a reduced absorption in the intestine can also be caused by various foods.

• Animal products contain a particularly large amount of iron. Here, beef liver and pork liver top the list.
• Egg yolk also has a high iron content.
• Vegetarian foods can also contain a lot of iron. These include especially white beans, chanterelles and lentils, as well as wheat bran.
• Coffee, black tea, milk, red wine and white flour reduce the absorption of iron and should therefore be avoided in cases of iron deficiency. Especially in the case of additional drug therapy with iron tablets, these foods should be omitted or at least not consumed at the same time as the tablets.