The importance of iron

Iron requirements for women are 80% higher than for men because of menstruation and child-bearing. More than half of all women consume less than the recommended amount of 10-15mg of Iron daily. Women are particularly at risk when they have heavy menstrual loss, are vegetarians, have low gastric acid and during pregnancy when Iron requirements are greater.

Iron deficiency vs. anemia

A test for anemia will determine whether there is a depletion of iron stored in the red blood cells (the hemoglobin), but the symptoms of iron deficiency can exist before the red blood cells become depleted of iron. A considerable number of people are iron deficient even though their hemoglobin is normal.

Symptoms of anemia and iron deficiency

The symptoms of anemia are related to the inability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body because they lack iron.

These include; poor stamina, shortness of breath on exertion, unreasonable limb fatigue and dizziness, a red sore tongue, cracks at the corner of the mouth and reduced resistance to infection. Iron deficiency can be both a cause of decreased production of gastric acid and can be itself caused by low gastric acid.

Improving iron absorption

Apart from increasing the amount of available iron in the diet, there are a number of other ways to increase iron levels these include:

● ●	Eating vitamin C-rich foods, particularly when consuming foods high in iron. Add acidic dressing, such as lemon juice and vinegar, to iron-rich foods.
●	Eating bitter vegetables during the meal to increase the flow of gastric acid, which will in turn improve the absorption of minerals. Bitter vegetables are best because they usually contain iron as well as stimulate its absorption.
●	When low gastric acid levels are accompanied by iron deficiency, taking iron may improve both.
●	Avoid tea (especially black tea) or coffee until the iron deficiency improves. The tannin in tea binds with iron, making it difficult to absorb.
●	Coffee also reduces absorption, especially if taken with or after a meal, but not when taken more than one hour before eating. Don’t take iron tablets with a cup of tea or coffee.
●	If you do need to take an Iron supplement, ensure your iron levels are monitored regularly as Iron competes with other important minerals in the body such as Zinc.

National Herbal Medicine Week

Did you know?

Salicylic Acid used in Aspirin is derived from Salix Alba or Willow Bark traditionally used to relief pain.

Tumeric is clinically proven to relieve pain and inflammation.
Cholesterol reducing drugs originate from an extract from Red Rice Yeast used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Sydney University is currently conducting research into pomegranate seeds for the treatment of Type II diabetes.
Common Garden Sage has been associated with memory for centuries is being investigated as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Healthy habits for the HSC

While Year 12 should be the most memorable year for students, as the pressure mounts in preparation for HSC exams many students suffer with stress related conditions such as anxiety, disturbed sleep, headaches, persistent colds and flu, fatigue, depression and sometimes exhaustion.

Naturopath Krista Macklin sees many Year 12 and university students, seeking to improve and supplement their diet to make it through, what some people describe as the most challenging years of their lives. Here are a few of the guidelines she recommends to students and parents to combat the physical and emotional symptoms of stress: