Oscraps

Meals with high Iron content?

faerywings

The Loopy-O
CHEERY O
My DD is severely anemic and has next to no iron in her blood. The hematologist told her thankfully, her hemoglobin was decent because, based on the ferritin levels, she would be on the floor otherwise. She will be starting iron infusions soon but she wants to increase her iron intake as well. She is a vegetarian, so meat is not an option.
We have been researching some iron-rich foods and the best one we found so far is lentils. I was never a fan of lentils growing up and haven't cooked them more than a handful of times since I was an adult.
I think I made a yellow lentil soup once or twice, but I don't even know if I still have the recipe somewhere.

So my question is, what foods can I make for her, and are there any other tips or tricks you have for treating anemia?

And I guess as long as I am asking, have any of you had iron infusions? What is it like?

Thank you all so much!
 
I love lentil soup! Don't have a recipe... just lots of stuff from the pantry. :floorlaugh:

Rinse lentils in running water then place in deep pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil then simmer until beginning to soften.
Add: 2 cans diced tomatoes (I like the ones with bell peppers), 1 can of corn, 1 Chopped onion
(can use frozen mixed veggies or any left over veggies)
Season with salt, pepper, mixed Italian seasoning... and if you like - garlic salt
Simmer for 20-30 minutes - and adjust seasoning, if needed.

I like to add chopped Italian meat to mine.
 
When I use red lentils, I don't cook them. Since they have such short cooking time, I just pour boiling water on the lentils, put the lid on, and let it dit for 15 minutes. Then they keep firm and don't get just mushy. Then I strain them and add to whatever dish I have prepared and serve.
 
Oh, and spinach, nuts and kale.

Avoid drinking tea, coffee and milk (I don't remember if she's vegan?) together with food. It uses the same "chemical ways" for absorption.

Cook in a cast iron skillet. (That's the right word?) Especially if you cook food that is on the more acidic side, like tomato sauce. It really works! A tomato sauce cooked in an iron skillet more than triple the iron content.

And - really consider getting some tablets. If Blutsaft is available in the US, there is a vegan option. I don't know if it's crazy expensive though.
 
My daugther is vegetarion too. She often eats beans, like chickpeas, green vegetables and eggs.
It's important though to eat food with a lot of iron in combination with vitamin C. That seems to help to absorb the iron in the blood. (sorry for the spellingmistakes :))
 
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