Two Kinds of Iron, and Why You are Anemic

© Copyright Bee Wilder April 1, 2015

Definition of Anemic, which is from the word anemia or anaemia, from Ancient Greek: anaemia, meaning lack of blood, which is a decrease in number of red blood cells (RBCs) or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin (iron) in the blood. However, it can include decreased oxygen-binding ability of red blood cells, since all cells require oxygen.

Iron (found inside red blood cells) carries oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body where it releases the oxygen so the cells can burn nutrients, providing energy the cells need to function. It also collects carbon dioxide from the cells, which is the result of oxidation, and takes it back to the lungs which is breathed out, i.e. in with the good air and out with the bad air.

That is why anemia is due to the Five Primary Causes of All Failing Health:

  1. Lack of the correct combination of nutrients that all humans need in order to be healthy.
  2. Lack of oxygen at a cellular level and/or the inability of the cells to utilize oxygen.
  3. Accumulation of toxins, poisons, and waste because of an inability of the body to detoxify like it should.
  4. Lowered vitality (energy) due to stress, shock, injury, emotional upsets, losses, relationship or financial worries, being unhealthy, etc., and a lack of energy at a cellular level.
  5. Poor "Nutritional Status" acquired from parents upon conception, which involves nutrient imbalances and/or deficiencies.

You Need the Right Kind of Iron

If you are anemic you may be getting enough iron in your diet but if you are not consuming the correct kind of iron (described below) along with the correct combination of natural fats your body will not able to absorb or utilize it.

Iron is a trace mineral, meaning it is required in small amounts by the body. Only a small fraction of the body’s iron is gained or lost each day, since most of the iron in the body is recycled when old red blood cells are taken out of circulation and replaced by new ones which are regenerated every 120 days.

All minerals, including iron, can only be absorbed and utilized by the correct combination of natural fats, which are vitamins A, D and E, essential fatty acids like omega 3, and natural saturated fats like unrefined coconut oil, butter, lard, etc.

Two Types of Iron

  1. Heme iron is only found in meat, eggs, and dairy, which is readily absorbed and utilized by the body along with the combination of fats (above).
  2. Non-heme iron is found in carbs [plant foods], i.e. fruits, vegetables, dried beans, nuts, seeds, and grain products which is not easily absorbed nor utilized by the body even with the combination of fats (above).

All Nutrients Work Together

So that means that other minerals, protein, vitamins, etc. are also needed in addition to iron and the correct combination of healthy fats—see Nutrients Required for Human Health & Healing

The best foods source of iron is liver, particularly red meat liver such as beef, bison, pork, lamb and calves liver.