Monday, 29 June 2009

• Reasons for Head-rushes

  I have to get some blood work done today to check my iron-levels. I hate needles!! But I have been having issues with head-rushes, dizziness, and tiredness in the last couple of months. The doctor took my blood pressure (80/30), which is quite low, but it's apparently very common for young, healthy women to have head-rushes, especially after getting up after lying down. It takes longer for the heart to pump blood up to your head.

  

  I'm getting checked for my hemoglobin blood levels because I eat vegetarian at home. I'm a poor student! I find purchasing meat to be quite expensive. But I may have to increase my iron intake if my blood tests come out low. The hemoglobin (which derives from dietary iron) is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body: muscles, brain, cells, etc. Without enough dietary iron, you may potentially be anemic. The problem is that even though you may consume enough iron in your diet, your body may not be able to absorb it all!

  There are two types of iron that we intake: Heme iron & Non-heme iron

  Heme iron is the type of iron that is best absorbed by our bodies. It's found in red meat, poultry, fish, etc.

  Non-heme iron is not as well absorbed by the body. This type of iron is found in plant-based foods like beans and lentils. Non-heme iron is also found in fortified cereals and grains and your multivitamin or iron supplement also contains the non-heme form.

  The best combinations to increase the amount of iron that your body absorbs?

  

  Combining heme and non-heme iron together with a source of vitamin C will increase the absorption of the non-heme iron. You will get the most out of the nutrients you consume!

  A good combination: Chili
  Ground meat with beans... with a source of vitamin C like red bell peppers or butternut squash. Or just a glass of orange juice on the side :)

  

  What is the RDA for dietary iron?
  Women need more iron than men do because we have a large amount of blood loss every month. The recommended daily intake for women is 18mg while men only need 8mg.

  That is why women are more prone to headrushes, tiredness, or anemia. Do you find that you have this similar problem as me? 

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