4 replies to this topic

[Lil Mushroom]

So I had my yearly check up a week or two ago, and they did the finger stick to test your iron levels and stuff, and we found out that I am anemic (oddly enough my twin sister is not, but my mom is) so I have been taking an iron pill, we will get back to that.

And we also found out that I have to gain a lot of weight, I was born premature so it wasn't a surprise that I was skinnyer then others my age, but I weighed 15lb less then my sister! (I'm the older twin) so they put me on a pill for that too.

Now, I don't have any trouble with pills but the iron pill I have to take *two hours after eating and one hour before* which has completely messed up my eating schedule, while the pill for the weight just makes me hungry all the time which doesn't help when I can't eat anyway because of when i have too take the iron pill!

Anyway I was wondering if anyone knew of any foods or vegetables that are high in Iron?

Do you have any tips on how make taking pills more enjoyable?

Any tips for weight gain? (My brother suggested protein shakes)

[Lillias]

I'm anemic too. My system didn't like the iron pill I was originally put on, so I switched to a slow release iron, which is simply taken with food. Most of the slow release brands are 45 mg of iron. This may or may not be suitable for you, depending on how much iron you were prescribed to take daily.

 

Foods with iron: dark green vegetables (ex: spinach, broccoli), meat (especially red meat and shellfish), enriched foods (bread, US white rice, cereal, some food bars - check the labels when you go shopping), dark chocolate, legumes, some seeds

 

Calcium significantly reduces the absorption of iron, so try to have at least one iron-rich, dairy-free meal a day.

 

This may seem counterintuitive, but get regular light exercise. It will help to build muscle, improve circulation, and increase your appetite naturally. They say eating before bed makes you gain weight, but not everyone can sleep on a full stomach.

[Lil Mushroom]

Thank you Lillias,
You had very good advice, I will definitely tell my mom about all the food you mentioned
I will be learning how to throw knives (my dad got me throwing knives for Christmas!) With my dad and if that isn't enough exercise (I doubt it is) I can go on a daily walk around my neighborhood with my dad (he takes like three a day) thanks for letting me know about the calcium!

[Lillias]

Throwing knives sounds fun! But yeah, it would be good to add walking to your regime as well.

 

I forgot to mention, vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so consider putting tomatoes on your food or something else with vitamin C. Careful though, some orange juices have added calcium.

[Lil Mushroom]

Throwing knives sounds fun! But yeah, it would be good to add walking to your regime as well.
 
I forgot to mention, vitamin C helps with iron absorption, so consider putting tomatoes on your food or something else with vitamin C. Careful though, some orange juices have added calcium.

Good to know about Vitamin C!
No need to worry about the orange juice lets just say its no my favorite you have been a lot of help tysm!