Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (90 page)

HERBS

Anise, caraway, cumin, mint, parsley, watercress, thyme, cinnamon, and dulse seaweed all improve iron absorption.

Gentiana, a little-known herb, has been shown to increase digestive juices and digestive enzymes and thus stimulate digestion.

Nettles are rich in iron and other minerals, so drink nettle tea. Dandelion-root coffee or dandelion tea are also a good source of iron.

Yellow dock is packed with iron and can be found in tincture or tea form. Take along with the herbal tincture red clover.

Ginseng in the form of tea can be helpful if you are feeling really tired and exhausted.

SUPPLEMENTS

Iron—as prescribed by your doctor; use in ferrous gluconate form or yeast-free floradix, as some iron supplements can cause constipation. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

Vitamin C.

Folic acid, which is also needed for red blood cell formation.

Vitamin B complex, including biotin. B vitamins aid red blood cell production and iron absorption.

Sublingual vitamin B
₁₂
.

Digestive enzymes or hydrochloric acid to aid absorption. If poor absorption is one of the causes, you might be bloated or gassy.

The tissue cell salt ferr phos (iron phosphate) for low hemoglobin.

EXTRA TIPS

Avoid antacids and antibiotics unless absolutely necessary—these can interfere with iron absorption.