How Vegetarians Can Get More Iron In Their Diet

It is a widely believed that vegetarians need more iron as compared to non vegetarians because plants naturally do not have the tendency to absorb irons as efficiently as meat. However, it is a myth that vegetarian diets are not rich in iron.

When the question arises ‘where vegetarians get iron from?’ the sources are endless. Despite all the debate, the surprising truth is that vegetarians tend to get more iron in their diets. A well balanced and smartly planned diet has enough iron to fulfil every individual’s need.

Vegetarians get more iron as compared to non-vegetarians as they are heavily relying on fruits that have plenty of iron. As far as the question of vegetarians getting enough iron is concerned, the plant world is enriched with iron. Available In breads, cereals, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, seeds, dried fruits etc, vegetarians actually never face any trouble getting sufficient quantity of iron.

Why sufficient quantity of iron is so important? Because iron deficiency is synonymous to anemia.  Anemia is a condition of the body in which it suffers from the scarcity of red blood cells. Initial symptoms of anemia include fatigue, irregular and rapid heartbeat, dizziness etc.

How to Get Vegetarians Adequate Amounts of Iron?

Since the iron supplied to the body by vegetables is not as well absorbed as that provided by meat, this problem can easily be remedied by taking a few simple measures.

Vitamin C plays a significant role in increasing iron absorption. Therefore, vegetarians should make food rich in vitamin C an essential part of their diet.

Dairy products decrease iron absorption so vegetarians should go easy when consuming dairy products.

Calcium also prevents the body from absorbing iron from meals so vegetarians should prefer taking calcium between meals rather than taking them along with meals.

Vegetarians have a higher intake of iron, but in spite of this it is not stored as effectively in their bodies, making them prone to iron deficiency. Vegetarians can easily get the desired supply of iron by using the huge variety of plant foods that are available.

It is important to note that consuming foods in large quantities that discourage iron absorption in the body can lead to drastic consequences. While there are a lot of myths about vegetarians getting inadequate amounts of iron, with the above mentioned simple steps, anyone can ensure a constant supply of it.

Remember that iron is vital for a number of vital body functions and by eating smart, vegetarians can easily get iron and store it effortlessly.

Best weight-loss drinks at home

For many of us, losing weight involves counting the calories we eat – not those we drink. But did you know that, on average, almost 20 percent of the calories we consume come from beverages? This can add up to thousands of extra calories per week – and put a serious crimp in your weight loss efforts.

If you’re serious about losing weight, you have to pay close attention to the beverages you consume. Beverages such as sugary sodas, fruit punches and cocktails are fine in moderation, but should be limited or avoided entirely when you’re trying to lose weight. Instead, focus on drinking the following beverages. Not only are they calorie free, but they have a number of important health benefits to help you look and feel your best.

Water

It doesn’t get much better (or cheaper) than good ol’ H20. Studies have found water to be an effective weight loss aid because it helps encourage the stomach to feel full. For best results, drink two full glasses of water before mealtime. The water will make you feel fuller faster so that you’ll be less likely to overeat.

In addition to the weight loss benefits, drinking adequate amounts of water can help boost energy levels, reduce stress, prevent muscle cramping during exercise and improve your metabolism! For an extra metabolism boost, make sure the water you drink is ice cold; your body will have to work extra hard to warm it up.

Women should aim to drink about 9 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That number increases for men, who should aim for 13 glasses a day.

Green Tea

If you’re looking for a mild caffeine boost, green tea is a good option. Not only is it calorie free, but some studies have shown that it also stimulates weight loss! Drink two glasses of green tea a day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon or early evening—to reap the biggest weight loss benefits of green tea.

Green tea drinkers can also look forward to the disease-fighting properties of the tea, along with its ability to lower cholesterol and prevent type 2 Diabetes.

Coffee

If you can’t get through a morning without your daily dose of caffeine, take heart. Coffee is a zero calorie beverage that, when consumed in moderation, will support your weight loss efforts. Just be careful not to overload it with sugar and cream, as this will add unnecessary fat and calories into your diet.

In addition to giving you a jolt of energy, coffee has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and reduce instances of cancer, type 2 Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Moderation is key, however, as heavy coffee drinkers may experience irregular heartbeats, restlessness and anxiety.

Smoothies

An all-natural smoothie for breakfast or afternoon snack is a great way to satisfy your hunger, increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables and increase your intake of fiber. One smoothie that is particularly good for you is a green smoothie, which utilizes fresh greens such as spinach, kale or chard. 

These greens are blended smoothly with water and fruits such as bananas, pineapples, mangos or peaches into a sweet, delicious beverage.

When making your smoothie, use soymilk, water or a mix of 100 percent fruit juice and water as the liquid base. This will reduce the calories and eliminate the fat found in most dairy products.

And while green tea, coffee and smoothies will all support a healthy weight loss diet, there is one clear winner on the list – water. To improve your health and weight loss efforts, challenge yourself to drink more water every day by getting into the habit of drinking two full glasses of water before meals, carrying around a water bottle or adding a splash of fruit juice to enhance the flavor.

What’s your secret to drinking more water?

Know Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Check out these symptoms of bladder cancer to know what to watch for and consult a physician if you recognize any signs. Make your health a priority and seek treatment immediately.

Blood in your urine

Roughly 80 percent of bladder cancer patients experience hematuria or blood in the urine. While there are other reasons for traces of blood or blood clots in the urine, it is necessary to discuss the bleeding with your doctor right away, even if urination is not painful.

Multiple urinary tract infections

If you are experiencing a high amount of UTIs, your doctor will test for bladder cancer. UTIs lead to kidney damage and even sepsis in advanced cases, so they are not a condition to treat lightly. In general, women are more likely than men to show this particular symptom.

Pelvic mass or bone pain

As bladder cancer develops and spreads, some patients exhibit bone pain or a growth somewhere in the pelvic area. This growth is quite tender to the touch or harder, depending on how the cancer has advanced. Pain around the general kidney area is another symptom to watch for in undiagnosed bladder cancer.

It is possible to have many or all of these symptoms and not have bladder cancer. Many of the symptoms overlap with other bladder disorders, including cystitis, bladder stones or even kidney stones. Still, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, as early diagnosis is key in fighting this particular disease.

Typical Symptoms of Intestinal Cancer

While there are many different cancers, some occurring more frequently than others, one of the rarer forms of cancer is intestinal cancer. This form of cancer occurs when the tissues of the intestine are infected with cancerous cells. Usually certain symptoms of intestinal cancer arise that can help your physician pinpoint your specific problem. Despite the disease's rarity, knowing these symptoms can be lifesaving.

Digestive problems

Given the role of your intestines in digestion, it is natural that one of the symptoms would relate to it. Cancer in the intestines can make it very difficult, and in some situations impossible, for food to pass. As a result, vomiting may occur.

Changes in your stool

Another warning sign of intestinal cancer is marked changes in your stool. For instance, your stool could become bloody, displaying a bright red color. On the other hand, it may also appear black. Signs like these should lead you to seek immediate medical attention. However, keep in mind that these signs do not necessarily mean you have intestinal cancer, since they can also be symptoms of less serious ailments. For instance, you could possibly have a more common problem such as irritable bowel syndrome or a peptic ulcer. Do not assume the worst!

Other symptoms

Intestinal cancer can lead to your experiencing other symptoms as well. For example, you might undergo weight loss that cannot be attributed to lifestyle changes. General fatigue is another common sign.

If your doctor makes a diagnosis of intestinal cancer, you have many options available for treatment. Recognizing the symptoms of intestinal cancer can help put more options on the table, since you can detect the cancer's presence sooner.

Kidney Cancer Symptoms

Kidney cancer, like leukemia, may not present any symptoms or warning signs in the early stages of the disease. If one or more of these symptoms of kidney cancer listed below is present, patients should immediately consult with their doctor to determine if further testing is needed.

Bloody urine

Patients in a more advanced stage of kidney cancer may display hematuria -- blood in the urine. Urine may range in color from a dark yellow streaked with light pink to a dark brownish-red that resembles the color of cola.

Lower back pain

Those with advancing kidney cancer may suffer from persistent lower back pain -- most often located directly under the ribs. The lower back may feel continually tender or swollen with no obvious, underlying cause.

Fatigue or weakness

Kidney cancer patients may present with general symptoms of weakness, malaise, or fatigue. Fatigue and weakness are common kidney cancer symptoms, and many are diagnosed while patients are being screened for other diseases or blood disorders that share this same symptom.

Low-grade fevers that come and go repeatedly

A low-grade, consistent fever or a fever that presents frequently but without cause may be a sign that the patient's body is attempting to fight off further organ illness or infection.

It is important to note that patients may present with any or all of these symptoms and still may not be diagnosed with kidney cancer. Concern over any persistent or worrying kidney cancer symptoms should always be discussed with a patient's primary care physician.