There is a lot of talk about protein and vitamins when the topic of fitness is brought up, but there needs to be some attention put on your iron intake as well. Iron is one of the minerals that will give you the energy to make it to your workouts and then complete them successfully.
If you have been feeling tired lately and need to drag yourself to your workouts it may be a problem with your iron stores. If the exercise ball at the gym seems heavier than usual, think about your iron intake. Have you been getting enough lately?
A lack of iron can affect your red blood cell count, which is responsible for sending oxygen throughout your body. Without enough oxygen you will feel tired and sluggish.
Does this mean that you should race to a bottle of iron supplements for a quick injection?
No. Iron supplements are not necessary if you are eating properly, unless there is an underlying condition that requires medical care. Iron supplements can actually be quite dangerous unless administered by a doctor. They also tend to be binding, which can lead to constipation. This is the last thing you’ll need if you are already feeling sluggish.
It is best to get your iron naturally. All red meats including beef and pork are good sources of iron. Liver and kidney are an excellent iron source as are oysters. Spinach, beans and lentils are other food sources that can help build up your iron supply.
If you have been eating a lot of iron rich foods and still feel tired you may still be having a problem absorbing all the iron you need. Iron that comes from plants instead of meat sources cannot be easily absorbed unless they are eaten with a food that contains Vitamin C.
Even if you have been eating a lot of red meats you may not have been absorbing the iron properly. There may be a problem if you have been enjoying a cup of coffee during or right after a meal. Caffeine can hinder iron absorption and should be consumed at least an hour before or after a meal.
It is estimated that 30% – 50% of the population in America has some type of iron deficiency. Most cases are mild, however, and may not be noticed for many years. If you are having a harder time lifting the exercise ball at the gym and fee