Low Iron Count giving me the grumbles
I've been trying to donate platelets (white blood cells) now for a few weeks. Because they require a higher iron and red blood cell count than if I were just donating blood (red blood cells), this has always been an issue with me.
My Mother has the low blood pressure and low iron count, and my Father has the high blood pressure cornered for the entire family. In a way, I'm lucky to have similar traits as my Mom. Low blood pressure can be good... but it can lead to fainting spells. I've not experienced this but once in my life. My Mom, on the other hand, used to faint a lot in her young adult years!
Anyway, through research, I've discovered that there are things I can do to bring the iron count up. Eat certain foods, bind iron supplements with Vitamin C so that it's absorbed into the system faster. More spinach, more instant oatmeal, more meat.
Meat? Lately, on my most recent "diet", I've been practically a vegetarian. There is very little meat, if any, in my diet. More on that in another post...
So I went in on Friday to have the iron count checked... and I was right on target! However, over the weekend, it went back down again. Tried to donate on Monday, and thus, was deferred. :::many grumbles:::
If anyone out there in LJ land has any tips for increasing iron intake and absorption, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm scheduled to donate again on Friday morning.
Cheers!
~ Josette ~
PS - if you live in Virginia, PLEASE get out there and vote!!!
My Mother has the low blood pressure and low iron count, and my Father has the high blood pressure cornered for the entire family. In a way, I'm lucky to have similar traits as my Mom. Low blood pressure can be good... but it can lead to fainting spells. I've not experienced this but once in my life. My Mom, on the other hand, used to faint a lot in her young adult years!
Anyway, through research, I've discovered that there are things I can do to bring the iron count up. Eat certain foods, bind iron supplements with Vitamin C so that it's absorbed into the system faster. More spinach, more instant oatmeal, more meat.
Meat? Lately, on my most recent "diet", I've been practically a vegetarian. There is very little meat, if any, in my diet. More on that in another post...
So I went in on Friday to have the iron count checked... and I was right on target! However, over the weekend, it went back down again. Tried to donate on Monday, and thus, was deferred. :::many grumbles:::
If anyone out there in LJ land has any tips for increasing iron intake and absorption, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm scheduled to donate again on Friday morning.
Cheers!
~ Josette ~
PS - if you live in Virginia, PLEASE get out there and vote!!!