I've heard good and bad on this for people with Lyme.
I am anemic - although not terribly, but my Dr told me to supplement. (not LLMD).
I know everyone reacts differently, but am curious if iron has worked well for anyone here?
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Might be good to get an iron panel done to make sure it is iron deficiency causing your anemia and not something else...
Vitamin B12 and Folate deficiencies can also cause anemia, and supplementing iron in the setting of B12 or Folate deficiency won't correct the anemia.
Also, Vitamin C taken with meals can improve iron absorption from food.
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Hi Razzle! Thanks for your response.
You made great points. I definitely need to increase my Vit C. Thanks for the reminder.
My Vit B12 level was checked and was ok. I don't recall about Folate though. I'll need to look.
I bought some Raw Iron from Garden of Life a few months ago after I got my results back (22mg whole food iron).
I put it on the counter and forgot about it.
Started having some more issues and did some research and it appears a lot of it can be from low iron.
That's when I remembered what was on the counter and why.
Hoping it's this and not Lyme.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Your "raw iron" supplement may be similar to stinging nettle leaf. Some plant based iron liquids have a short shelf life and must be refridgerated, though, just so you know to check on any expiration dates or fridge instructions if it's a liquid.
I could not tolerate iron pills. This worked so much better in many ways and my iron levels came right up for the follow up blood test:
STINGING NETTLE LEAF (not root) - Links set -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I assume you've been assessed for Babesia as anemia is a major sign for that. -
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Thank you for your response Keebler
It's in capsule form. I know of a lot of people that couldn't tolerate iron pills, so I'm wondering if this is my calm before the storm.
I have been assessed for Babesia, by 2 LLMD's - but honestly, nothing would surprise me.
I've taken 2 pills (one yesterday and one today) - so far and have noticed my hands and feet are no longer freezing cold.
My hands and feet have been cold for years, no matter what time of year it is.
Not sure if this is just a coincidence, but it seems strange.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I read something interesting today: Curcumin binds iron.
Posted by Blymey919 (Member # 47424) on :
I'm with Keebler, Stinging Nettle is very nutritive for anemia. In addition it also helps regulate blood sugar levels, support adrenal health and reduce inflammation.
For me despite a nutrient rich diet, tons of Nettle, B12 injections, Vitamin C, bioflavinoids and folate, I was still anemic. In addition to the above I also take Ferrochel, Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate as well with a meal. This combo has finally brought my levels back to normal.
Thank you Blymey, that was a really interesting article.
Do you feel any different now that your levels are normal?
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I supplemented iron for many years. I prefer Blood Builder to the Raw, but that one is good, too. Both are sourced from food.
I am not supplementing now because my functional medicine doctor is trying to fix my low thyroid and low ferritin levels with healing my gut, balancing hormones, etc. But when I was sick with Lyme, I had good results supplementing iron.
It is a good point to find out what is causing your low iron. I have true iron deficiency anemia due to heavy menstruation, which is being fixed with this doctor.
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Thank you six. I recently found out I have fibroid tumors and have had heavy menstruation.
I'm surprised by after only a few days, I seem to be noticing a difference in how I feel.
Posted by Blymey919 (Member # 47424) on :
momintexas, I feel tons better. It's made all the difference and do notice that anemic sluggish feeling if I've forgotten the iron. My functional medicine doctor recommended it.
I prefer going natural whenever possible (my body has just always to responded better), but this iron (by Designs for Health) and my zinc (Biotics Research, liquid) I get in a 'professional formula' that's not whole food based.
Also you mentioned fibroid tumors and heavy bleeding. I used to have that and for me it was caused by low progesterone levels. You may want to consider getting your levels checked. Progesterone production can decline in the body with prolonged stress (physical, emotional, mental), not to mention it declines as we age. Myomin is a great hormone balancer you may want to check out as well.
I take a progesterone (Rx needed) from a compounded pharmacy and I no longer have fibroid tumors or heavy bleeding. Also for reducing the heavy bleeding, I would drink a tea using a mixed spoonful of dried Cinnamon Bark, Marshmallow Root, Cramp Bark herbs and Nettle (with a little raw honey for taste). It's an amazing mixture - heavy bleeding & any cramps gone within the hour and usually lasted for about 8hrs. You can drink this mixture as needed.
The Cinnamon Bark is anti-inflammatory and slows the hemmoraging. The Marshmallow Root is anti-inflammatory (for mucus-y membranes). The Cramp Bark is anti-inflammatory & antispasmodic for the cramps. Nettle for nutrient replenishment.
Also if you're interested in using essential oils - a mixture of a few drops of Cinnamon Leaf (or Bark, but leaf is more analgesic) & Ylang-Ylang (expensive but a little goes a long way), then double the amount used (in relation to fore-mentioned essential oils) of Patchouli, Lavender and Geranium (may substitute Rose Geranium for expense if needed). Add the essential oils to a carrier oil (like Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, etc.,...) to use as a massage oil on abdomen, back and legs - or you can make a salve for same purpose.
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Thank you Blymey!
I have a follow up next month to do blood work and I'm going to request my levels get checked.
I need to print out all that you wrote - great advice, thank you!
Where do you get the Cinnamon Bark, Marshmallow Root and Cramp Bark to add to your tea?
Posted by Blymey919 (Member # 47424) on :
momintexas, you can get them at health food stores that carry bulk herbs or online I like MountainRoseHerbs.com
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
quote:Originally posted by momintexas: Thank you six. I recently found out I have fibroid tumors and have had heavy menstruation.
I'm surprised by after only a few days, I seem to be noticing a difference in how I feel.
That's great that you're noticing a difference already!
Posted by tickalert (Member # 7033) on :
I used Floradix along with zinc, b and c. Floradix is available at health food stores.
My iron levels did go up which took some time.
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Thank you for all of the info shared! I appreciate it.
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