Could your recurring colds and flus be due to low iron?
Iron helps produce white blood cells, the body’s front-line defenders against infections. Low iron means fewer soldiers in your army, making it harder to fend off colds and flu.
As we talked about earlier, iron is key to haemoglobin, blood cells that carry oxygen around your body. Good oxygen flow keeps your immune system in tip top shape. With low iron, your cells don’t get the oxygen they need, and your immune response slows down.
Iron is also involved in making antibodies, the body’s defence against invaders like viruses and bacteria. Without enough iron, your antibody production can falter, leaving you more open to getting sick.
So as you can see, iron is quite important for our immune function.
If you’re constantly fighting off cold and flus, it might be worth getting your iron levels checked.
Don't forget to pair your iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods! This combination can help your body absorb iron more efficiently.
Some types of iron rich foods include:
Red Meat: Beef, lamb, and pork are rich sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body.
Poultry: Chicken and turkey are good sources of heme iron.
Fish: Especially oily fish like sardines, salmon, and tuna.
Shellfish: Clams, mussels, and oysters are particularly high in iron.
Liver: Liver is one of the best sources of iron.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans are excellent plant-based sources of iron.
Tofu and Tempeh: These soy-based products are not only rich in iron but also a good source of protein.
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and hemp seeds are all high in iron.
Nuts: Cashews, pine nuts, and almonds are good sources of iron.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are rich in non-heme iron.
