Iron is a nutrient essential for your health. Your body uses iron to produce hemoglobin, a component in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a sometimes-chronic condition that is characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and irritability. Discuss iron deficiency remedies with your doctor before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Diet
Boosting the amount of iron you consume is a first-line treatment for iron deficiency and related anemia. Iron-rich foods, as well as foods high in vitamin C, which helps you absorb iron more effectively, can help get your levels back to normal. Include beef, chicken, tuna and shrimp in your diet to increase your iron intake. Vegetarians and vegans who are deficient in iron can turn to blackstrap molasses, raisins, beans and lentils, tofu and cashew nuts, as well as vitamin C-rich broccoli, strawberries and citrus fruits. Ask your doctor about taking iron and vitamin C supplements.
Control Bleeding
Heavy or unnecessary bleeding can cause you to lose iron. Stopping the bleeding is a remedy for anemia and can increase your iron levels. Gastrointestinal sources of bleeding include ulcers and polyps; abnormally heavy menstrual periods can also lead to iron deficiency. You doctor may prescribe medications to manage ulcers and oral contraceptives to control heavy periods. You may need surgery to remove bleeding polyps in your digestive tract.
IV Therapy
The intravenous administration of iron may be an appropriate remedy for iron deficiency if your anemia is severe and oral iron supplements are ineffective. Intravenous iron therapy involves injecting the mineral directly into your muscles or veins, rather than allowing it to absorb into your body during digestion. IV iron therapy requires professional medical attention in a hospital setting -- you cannot do this yourself.
Transfusions
Blood transfusions are a remedy for iron deficiency anemia when the condition is severe and you are unresponsive to other treatments. The blood you receive during a transfusion gives you the red blood cells and iron you need to function without extreme fatigue and other symptoms associated with severe anemia.
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