Summer is here—and with it the glorious weather we’ve been waiting for. But for those with iron deficiency anemia, hot days can lead to nausea, headaches, and a slew of other tough side effects.
Let’s explore how warm weather impacts your iron and, more importantly, how to keep your iron levels balanced all summer long.
How does iron regulate your body temperature?
Iron’s main job is to deliver oxygen throughout your body. This helps with blood circulation and thermoregulation—your body’s ability to maintain a healthy temperature. If iron levels are low, that internal thermostat stops working.
For most people, this manifests as feeling cold all the time. In fact, cold hands and feet are some of the first signs of iron deficiency anemia. But it also impacts your ability to react to external temperatures.
How does warm weather impact those with iron deficiency anemia?
On a hot summer day, your body is designed to tell you when it’s getting overheated. Your brain signals that it’s time to seek shade, drink water, or head inside to the A/C.
But if you have poor thermoregulation caused by low iron, your body might not recognize the rising temp. This can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat intolerance.
A few common signs of these conditions include:
- High body temperature
- Heavy sweating
- Mood changes
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Weakness and fatigue
- Flushed skin
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Headaches
What’s worse? High heat can actually stop your red blood cells from working properly, making it harder to manage your iron levels.
How can you boost iron levels through your diet?
There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes mostly from animal sources while non-heme iron typically comes from non-animal sources—fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes.
Your body tends to absorb heme iron better than non-heme. To increase iron absorption, pair non-heme iron with a source of vitamin C and/or a high-quality iron supplement. It’s a simple and effective way to get all the health benefits of fruits and veggies, without sacrificing your iron levels.
Looking for delicious recipes to boost your iron intake this summer? Find our iron-rich summer recipe guide right here.
What are seasonal vegetables and fruits with high iron?
There’s nothing better than fresh seasonal fare in the summer. Bonus: So many fruits and vegetables are high in iron. Here are a few favourites to add to your diet:
- Dried apricot
- Dried prunes
- Dates
- Kale
- Spinach
- Raisins
- Mulberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
- Asparagus
- Figs
- Peas
Most of these foods are also high in vitamin C, which boosts iron absorption and immune function at the same time. Berries are especially good at increasing absorption rates. Pro tip: Dried fruits, like apricot and prunes, have a lower water content, which means the iron content is more concentrated.
Which refreshing summer drinks increase iron absorption?
Fresh juices, smoothies, and dissolvable iron supplement sachets are a tasty and refreshing way to boost iron absorption during hot months.
Orange, pear, prune, and tomato juices are all extremely high in vitamin C. Blend them with one sachet of Ferosom Forte iron supplement and you’ve got your daily dose of iron completely covered.
Big fan of smoothies? There are so many simple smoothie additives that can increase your iron intake. Sesame seeds, spirulina, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, and almond butter are all high in iron.
What are the best iron supplements for anemia and low iron?
Ferosom Forte has the highest absorption rate on the market with the fewest side effects, making it the best iron supplement for increasing iron levels in the summer (and all year round).
Unlike other iron supplements that cause painful and frustrating gastrointestinal side effects, Ferosom Forte has a patented LCE coating to protect it from acid breakdown in the stomach and intestines. Best of all, it’s microencapsulated in Liposomal form and infused with vitamin C for extra-high absorption (just like all those fruits and veggies we told you about).
What does Liposomal mean? It’s an advanced nutrient delivery system that increases absorption and bioavailability. The absorption rates of Liposomal iron are similar to certain doses of IV iron. Yep—that’s a really good thing.
Available in both capsule and sachet form, Ferosom Forte is recommended by doctors as the best iron supplement for anemia. Add it to your summer diet and get back to soaking up the summer months while your iron levels get a boost!
