If you have been diagnosed as iron anemic or deficient, improve your status as soon as possible to alleviate the fatigue and weakness you have likely been feeling. However, it may take months to get your iron levels to a healthy point while taking iron pills, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This time can seem all the longer if your stomach disagrees with your treatment.
Stomach Troubles
It is common for iron supplements to irritate the stomach. Some people feel nauseous while taking iron pills and may even vomit occasionally. Others experience stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation. It is also common for your stools to become a dark green or black. While this is normal, according to MayoClinic.com, consult a doctor if you notice that your stools have become sticky or blood-streaked. Your doctor should also be notified of sharp stomach pains.
Reducing Upset
If done correctly, it is possible to take traditional iron supplements with limited or no digestive problems. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Women's Health website, you should start by taking only half of the recommended dose and increasing the dose slowly. This allows your body to adapt to the supplement. Also, take your daily dose in two segments to spread out the stress on your stomach. If you find that you still experience stomach problems, ask your doctor for a different brand of iron. You may find that a brand is easier for you to digest than another is.
Additional Solutions
Treating an iron deficiency is not always as easy as increasing your intake of iron. You should also look to improve your iron absorption. According to the Iron Disorders Institute, 100 mg of vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid, helps your body absorb iron more than four times the rate as iron alone. Beta-carotene, sugar, hydrochloric acid supplements and nicotine products, such as smoking-cessation gum, can also improve your body's absorption of iron. Furthermore, these iron aids are generally easy on the stomach and may help limit the length of your treatment.
Food Sources of Iron
If you have not been tested for an iron deficiency but suspect you may be deficient, opt for dietary changes over supplements. Iron supplements, taken by healthy people, may result in toxicity, which can cause heart failure and organ damage, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Moreover, dietary sources of iron are generally easier on the stomach, making this course of action more enjoyable for most people. Increase your consumption of liver, fortified cereals, beef chuck and soybeans to improve your iron levels naturally.
Member Comments