Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem in women.  You need to eat a diet with iron-rich foods and supplement your diet with iron supplements as recommended by your doctor. 

The absorption of the iron is based on several factors including the kind of iron.  Heme iron comes from animal sources and is easily absorbed into the body.  Non-heme iron comes from vegetable sources and is not as easily absorbed.  Non-heme iron absorption can be improved if you eat heme iron at the same sitting. 

Heme iron foods include beef, beef liver, chicken liver, clams, mussels, oysters, pork liver, sardines, shrimp, and turkey.

Non-heme iron foods include canned asparagus, beans, cereals, lentils, blackstrap molasses, enriched pasta, baked potato with skin, pumpkin seeds,

Avoid eating bran, chard, coffee, rhubarb, soy products, spinach, sweet potatoes, tea, whole grains, and red wine, because the reduce the absorption of iron.

Some foods actually enhance the absorption of iron.  They include Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, fish, meat, potato, peppers (red and green), poultry, oranges, orange juice, strawberries, tomato, tomato juice, and white wine.

NOTE:  Pregnant women should NOT eat liver due to the high levels of vitamin A which can be harmful to the baby.