Iron and your Brain
Having trouble thinking, maybe finding it hard to focus on problems? It's funny how a lack of some vitamins or minerals can affect, not just your physical well-being, but your mental as well. If your thinking power seems to be waning, it could just be a case of low iron.
Scientific American.com, in the March 23, 2007 edition carries an article that tells us:
Iron deficiency, even to a moderate degree, can hinder women's memory and learning — but iron supplements can turn those problems around, a study has found.
Dr. Briffs'a Blog goes on to explain:
What is less well recognised about iron is that it participates in the reactions that generate energy within the body. It is possible for individuals to become iron deficient without becoming anaemic. However, iron deficiency in the absence of anaemia can still cause individuals to suffer symptoms such as fatigue and low mood. This is particularly common in women of child-bearing age, particularly as a result of loss of iron via menstrual blood each month.
For a list of food sources for iron, check out the McKinley Health Center. They have a good list of iron rich food, starting with beef liver. And yes. Popeye's favorite. spinach is listed although kidney beans have it beat.