fbpx Skip to main content

Iron Facts

By June 18, 2012February 17th, 2017Uncategorized

Another client’s testimony on cholesterol and blood sugar… I just LOVE getting these!

“Working with Maria was the BEST thing I have done! It was worth every dime I spent …. and I am ever so grateful for her! When I began working with Maria, it was 4-5 months after I had a heart attack. My weight during that time was 182 lbs on my 5 foot 6 inch frame. I had type 2 diabetes and also an A1c that was 8.3 (way out of the normal range.) Total Cholesterol 257, Triglycerides 158, LDL 183, HDL 42.

On the insisting of my daughter, I signed up to work with Maria. I followed her plan and her recipes and supplements she suggested for me. I was amazed at how accurate her suggestions were later after consulting an Integrative Cardiologist, who has continued to help with the recovery of my heart function. Following Maria’s advice was the best step I have had in the turn around of my health.

Within 3 months of her plan, my weight had dropped to 163, and I astounded my doctors not only with weight loss, but my blood work too. My A1c dropped down to 6.4, then 5.5 on the next reading. Cholesterol levels were lowered, my blood sugar readings were lower…and I felt better than I had in years!

After a few months of her plan my Cholesterol Total was 166, Triglycerides 75, LDL 96, and HDL 55. Today, now 1 year and 7 months later after starting with Maria, I am now down to 153 lbs (Triglycerides dropped to 54!) and continue to feel great! My A1c and cholesterol levels are all within normal range and I truly owe my gratitude to Maria for all her hard work. Not to mention, her recipes are delicious too!! THANK YOU MARIA!!!”

Annette M.

To get the results like Ashley, click HERE for easy to follow keto-adapted meals.

IRON FACTS

weight loss

Do you crave chewing on ice, have a bit of anxiety, yet low in energy? You could be low in iron. Gluten has many bad side effects, one of which is how well you absorb iron. Iron helps to carry oxygen to the mitochondria of your cells, which is where fat burning occurs.

If you get a hemoglobin test done and it comes back “normal” you could still be having absorption issues, which is why I require a ferritin test for my clients instead. This test shows me if the iron in your body is getting INTO the cells. If for some reason your hemoglobin is “normal” and your ferritin is “low” I would recommend a 100% elimination diet of gluten. If you are working out a lot, eating low carb and still aren’t losing weight, I would get your ferritin checked. Losing weight is all about fat “oxidation”… when you inhale you carry oxygen through the hemoglobin to the mitochondria of your cells, where fat is burned. BUT if you don’t have any iron in your cells, you aren’t getting the oxygen to the mitochondria. Even though iron numbers may come back fine, this means that you are consuming enough iron in foods, but it isn’t getting into the cells… which means there is a food sensitivity inhibiting you from absorbing it.

A few things that deplete you of iron:
1. Heavy menstrual cycles
2. Loss of blood (injury/surgery/pregnancy)
3. Food allergy (damaged intestines/leaky gut)
4. Heavy exercise (running)
5. Not eating red meat/sources of iron

Now, there are 2 different types of iron:
1. Heme iron: form of iron that comes bound to heme proteins and is easily in your digestive tract.  (found in Red Meat)
2. Nonheme iron: form of iron not bound to heme proteins, less easily absorbed. (found in spinach and other plant sources)

If you are a vegetarian, I suggest that you pair spinach with foods high in vitamin C to enhance the absorption. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) forms a complex with iron and chemically modifies iron into a form that your body can more readily absorb. Most people underestimate the power of herbs and spices; things like parsley, dill, rosemary, as well as most spices, have a ton of vitamin C; more than most fruits.

Also adding lemon and lime help with iron absorption. The acid helps to change the iron from nonabsorbable ferric iron to the more absorbable ferrous iron. Eat foods high in iron with coconut, balsamic or apple cider vinegar, or acidic lime or lemon juice. For example, top a spinach salad with a lemon and herb dressing, or use the juice from a lime as the garnish.

NOTE: Do not take iron supplements unless directed by a doctor. Too much iron isn’t a good thing!

weight loss

SPIRULINA 

Adding in Spirulina will also help. It is very small blue green algae that has TONS of nutritional and digestive properties. Spirulina is considered nature’s most complete superfood because it has such as array of nutrients; including being a high vegetarian source protein, great source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and many other phytonutrients.

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS:

1. Are you a female/an athlete/or have a food allergy and are low in iron? Spirulina is very high in available iron which is very important to supplement with especially if you are female (about 90% of females are iron deficient and this is why they don’t have enough energy and are losing hair). If you lack iron you have a hard time carrying oxygen to the mitochondria of you cell, which is where you burn fat. SO, if you are low in iron, fat burning is hard to accomplish. Low iron can be caused by a FOOD SENSITIVITY (your intestines inhibit you from absorbing iron), heavy menstrual cycles, heavy exercising, or not eating meat. Low iron causes high anxiety.

2. Improves Digestion

3. Suppress bad bacteria like candida and ecoli and help strengthen the good digestive bacteria that help reduce stomach bloating and help increase digestive health.

4. Increases Energy and Endurance

5. Detox’s metals and toxins from the body and blood. It is a great detoxifier because it naturally contains manganese, zinc, copper, selenium and other minerals that help neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage.

6. Cleanses the liver and kidneys

7. Balance blood sugar levels to help control cravings, appetite, and weight

8. Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels

9. Reduces inflammation and water retention

10. Reduces seasonal allergies

11. Anti-aging: high antioxidants

12. Eye Health: more beta-carotene than 10 carrots!

13.  Do you have low energy, brittle nails or hair? It could be a b-12 deficiency. Spirulina is the highest source of vitamin B-12. Also, medications such as Metformin causes a B-12 deficiency.

14. Enhances Immune System

weight loss

 

What’s your favorite “healthified” candy bar? I have many tasty treats in my cookbook The Art of Healthy Eating SWEETS, which is on SALE over 50% off today!!!! Click HERE to get the sale.

Thank you SO much for your love and support!

Find fun facts like this along with recipe ideas for health in my book: The Art of Healthy Eating: Sweets

weight loss

Maria Emmerich

Maria is a wellness expert who has helped clients follow a Ketogenic lifestyle to heal and lose weight for over 20 years. She has helped thousands of clients get healthy, get off medications and heal their bodies; losing weight is just a bonus. She is the international best selling author of several books including "Keto: The Complete Guide to Success on the Ketogenic Diet.".

24 Comments

  • stacey says:

    Hi Maria,
    Last May, my ferritin level was 16. My naturopath has me taking a 30mg iron glycinate supplement. I still find sometimes when I have my period that I tend to have jumpy legs and more anxiety, hence bad sleep. I have been eating low carb and grain free for the past two years as I have found that I sleep better. I don’t remember my recent test result, but my iron level is slowly raising up. How would spirulina help raise iron levels? How does spirulina compare to kelp? Can they be stimulating to the body? I have found chlorella to be stimulating. Thanks

    • cemmerich says:

      Spirulina and kelp are totally different. Yes they are stimulating.
      I would still recommend a liquid iron. I can help more with a health assessment.

  • Jenny R says:

    Hi Maria. I recently had bloodwork done and my hemoglobin was at 11.3. Started taking Spirulina and had another test – unfortunately my hemoglobin dipped to 11.0. Sigh. I thought for sure that Spirulina would be the answer ( my hair and nails have had an improvement.) I am mostly grain free. Doctor suggested Ferrosequel (slow release). I’m not thrilled based on previous bad experiences, but I’m nervous enough that I don’t know what else to do. I have been waking up several times a night for a long time. Not sure if it’s related.

  • stephanie says:

    HI Maria, how much iron per day would you recommend for a 6′ tall woman in her forties, she does tend to have heavy periods. She is frequently tired (although also very busy and in school/work/kids) and does have brittle hair. right now blood tests and things are not an option, but i would like her to try the spirulina. can she do that in addition to a liquid iron? she doesn’t eat much red meat at all and not a regular amount of those other foods either, but maybe we could make a point to have a spinach salad or something X times per week, and a steak or burger and more chicken.

  • Maria says:

    Maria, I just love all of your information. I have lost about 28 lbs following the keto way. I need to get back on plan to lose a little more. But I have noticed my hair falling out like crazy. I just started SPIRULINA again. Also I will read what you have to say around zinc. Thanks so much! Maria

  • Lynn says:

    What to do when you have too much iron??? my levels were 270 and my homeopathic doctor did not catch it. He put me on Vitality C which I always took with meals — two years later my iron levels are 436! Only way to get it down that I know of is donating blood (which cannot be re-used due to high iron). I don’t want to do that and am looking for other alternatives – maybe homeopathic? So if you want to raise your iron levels everyone – take Vitality C with meals!

  • Whats the differentiation between ferratin and iron?

  • Carrie says:

    Been on the 30 day advanced plan which I purchased from you for 3 weeks now- still have no energy. 🙁
    If my Ferritin level is 23 should I be taking a supplement and if so which one? Or could there be something else going on?

  • Shirley says:

    I am 39 yr old and have some hair loss issue too. I am currently taking the liquid zinc and want to try spirulina. What is the recommended dosage for the Now Spirulina (500mg or 100mg tablets)?

  • tiffanie says:

    I have THREE bottle of now brand chlorella. I just purchased your weight loss supplement plan. Is it possible to substitute the spirulina with the chlorella?

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Free Email Updates

Don't miss any of our free content or sales!

We respect your privacy. We never share your information with anyone.