symptoms, questions, concerns - Week of 9/18

failuretofly · September 2017

balletnerd said:

Iron question. Just got call from Dr that I passed my 1 hr glucose test (yay!) but that I am borderline anemic. They said I need to increase my iron enriched foods. Any suggestions? BTW I am a vegetarian. Thanks in advance!

Quinoa is super high in iron, especially if you get the red or black variety. They have a tri-colour blend at Bulk Barn. I also always throw a handful of spinach in my smoothies too!

skc040512 · September 2017

Also, if you're increasing iron, be sure to also increase your fiber intake! Iron can really back you up, and as you know, pregnant women need no help there

anewadventure · September 2017

for iron i'd definitely add a fortified cereal or grain to your regimen. i do agree that spinach and dried fruit can help but often one little serving of cereal can go a long way. to get your fiber at the same time, pick a cereal that touts itself in the high fiber category and kill two birds with one stone!

balletnerd · September 2017

Thanks for all the great advice ladies! I will need to do some grocery shopping. Haha

kyrwyn · September 2017

@balletnerd I've been on a supplement for 1.5 years, and it has really helped. Spinach and most of the dark green veggies are good. I have a hard time digesting red meat, so finding other dietary sources has been important to us too. In addition to what's been mentioned before, tofu, lentils, and most most cooked beans are good sources. Fortified foods (like the aforementioned Raisin Bran) help a lot! A little vitamin C helps with absorption, and calcium can inhibit it. If you do take a supplement, try not to mix it with dairy (if you do dairy).

cait5413 · September 2017

@balletnerd I also found out today that I passed my GD test, but my iron is a little low! I was thinking of getting some iron-fortified cereal as an easy bump, but dark greens are also good. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so drinking some orange juice along with your iron-rich foods may help, or eating fruits and veggies high in vitamin C or A while getting your iron-rich food. Calcium hinders iron absorption, so maybe my cereal plan is not that great unless I eat it dry...