Iron Booster Soup Recipe - The Importance of Iron

The Importance of Iron - Plus Iron Booster Soup Recipe

By Michèle Wolff B.H.Sc Naturopathy, Dip. Colonics and Author

Iron is of vital importance during stages of growth such as pregnancy, teenage years and for children six months to four years of age. If adequate iron is not available during these times, it may result in suboptimal growth and development

What is the problem with having suboptimal iron levels?

If you have low iron levels and it is left unmanaged, you may develop iron-deficiency anaemia. This impairs red blood cell development and reduces the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body. You may notice the symptoms of fatigue, weakness, pallor and shortness of breath as a result of low iron levels. In addition, low iron levels affect the body in other ways, impairing the function of many enzymes in the body affecting cellular energy production, hormone production and detoxification pathways. Iron is also of vital importance during stages of growth such as pregnancy, teenage years and for children six months to four years of age. If adequate iron is not available during these times, it may result in suboptimal growth and development

Key Lifestyle Factors that Affect Iron Level

There are several factors that interfere or alter iron absorption and requirements:
Antacids and proton-pump inhibitors are commonly used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. These medications reduce gastric acidity and the production of gastric acid, this significantly reduces iron absorption
Aspirin and other medications may bind to iron and reduce its absorption.
High levels of physical activity, such as that undertaken by athletes causes increased iron loss from the body via sweat, urine and faeces. Those that undertake high intensity physical activity should have their iron status evaluated

Could I Have Low Iron?
Do you feel tired or fatigued?
Do you feel weak?
Do your skin, nails or gums look pale or feel cold?
Do you get short of breath or breathe rapidly?
Do you get dizzy or lightheaded?
Is it difficult to concentrate?
Does your pulse race?
Do you have heart palpitations?
Is your menstrual cycle irregular?
Do you have numbness or coldness in your hands or feet?
Do you suffer with Restless Legs Syndrome?
Are you irritable?
Do you feel sad or depressed?
Do you suffer from recurring infections or colds?
Is your haemoglobin less than130-170 g/L for adult males and 120-150 g/L for adult females?
Have you ever been diagnosed with anaemia?

If you answered yes to five or more of these questions, you may have an underlying iron deficiency. You can discuss this with your practitioner and they can further evaluate your iron status.

Iron Booster Soup Recipe

Ingredients: Quantities to be determined by taste
Celery
Mushrooms
Parsley stalks
Garnish with fresh parsley leaves
Beetroot

Method:
Blend all ingredients.

Optional garnishing for nutritional value with fresh cilantro or alfalfa sprouts and sprinkle with nigella seeds or sesame seeds. Add turmeric for an anti-inflammatory effect. Add a tsp. of whole flaxseeds for a soothing effect.