The Link Between Iron and Fatigue

While many of us feel tired from the busy nature of work and family life, constantly feeling fatigued and lacking energy can be a sign of Iron deficiency. We need Iron to maintain healthy energy levels and body function, but it is a notoriously tricky mineral for our bodies to absorb! Some Iron supplements may cause uncomfortable side effects.

Why do we need Iron?

Iron is a natural mineral that is essential to healthy body function. A natural source of energy found in many foods, Iron is needed in many bodily processes, helping to transport oxygen in the bloodstream and maintain physical stamina and mental focus. Haemoglobin, found in our red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to all other areas of the body and is partly made up of Iron. Myoglobin, a protein that helps to store oxygen in muscles, also contains a lot of Iron. Many bodily Enzymes are also made up of Iron, which control cell function and energy production, and our immune system simply cannot function properly without adequate Iron levels to fight off infection.¹

Are we all Iron deficient?

According to Lee Holmes, founder of Supercharged Food, our bodies usually only absorb a small amount of the Iron from foods we eat, so it's important to consistently maintain healthy levels of Iron in the body to avoid them from dropping too low and potentially causing health issues. We constantly need to consume Iron-rich sources for our daily energy needs and to build-up stores. Iron is lost from the body through sweat and blood loss, and around a third of the world's population is Iron deficient (and might not even know it). Women are also at greater risk of being deficient due to the Iron loss experienced during menstruation as well as menopause.¹

How to increase Iron absorption

Choosing foods which are naturally high in absorbable Iron is your best bet to increase Iron levels. In addition, Vitamin C-rich foods such as fresh fruit and veggies can actually aid the body's ability to absorb Iron, as well as natural, Iron rich supplements to give your body a boost. Diluting an Iron supplement in orange juice is a great way to ensure your body absorbs adequate levels.

Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Powder
Supercharged Food Love Your Gut powder, made from Diatomaceous Earth, is a natural source of Iron and easily absorbed by the body. This makes an ideal addition to your daily orange juice, smoothie or favourite recipe to boost natural Iron intake. Clean tasting and easily digested, the Love Your Gut powder helps fight tiredness and fatigue without the uncomfortable side effects associated with taking Iron supplements, instead providing cleansing support for the digestive system.

Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement
The Spatone Liquid Iron Supplement contains Iron sourced from natural spring water and aids in the maintenance of healthy Iron levels. Clinically tested and shown to not cause constipation, nausea, bad taste, bloating, indigestion, or vomiting often associated with taking Iron supplements; and also clinically tested and shown to achieve up to 40% absorption. Use only as directed. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the label, consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist Drink plenty of water when taking in additional iron.

Healthy iron-rich muffin recipe

With Heal Your Gut Powder perfect for use in hundreds of recipes, Lee has published a range of books containing simple, easy and delicious recipes for the whole family. To help you get started, Lee has shared her recipe for 'Iron Woman' Muffins, which are gluten and refined sugar-free and also contain Vitamin C-rich Zucchini for optimum Iron absorption. I love these muffins as a snack at work for a boost of energy! This recipe makes 6 large or 12 small muffins.

Ingredients
11/2 cups) almond meal
1/2 cup) toasted walnuts
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp stevia powder
1 tbs Heal Your Gut powder
11/2 cups grated zucchini
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup additive-free coconut milk
1/4 cup melted butter

Method
1. Place zucchini in a sieve over a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt and let sit
2. Line a muffin tray with muffin liners and preheat oven to 180°C
3. In a medium bowl, place all the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon
4. With your hands, very tightly squeeze the zucchini to remove any excess moisture
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk and butter together. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and then very gently stir in the zucchini
6. With a spoon, carefully spoon mixture into the muffin tray liners and place into the oven for 45 minutes until cooked through- you can test with a skewer
7. Let cool on a wire rack. These delicious muffins can be kept in the fridge for 4 days in a sealed container

Source: ¹Better Health Victoria.