Iron Facts

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

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!

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.