The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Pomegranate Juice
Posted by txmommy (TX) on 09/06/2021
★★★★★
When I was pregnant, my midwife said my iron was really low and wanted to put me on an iron supplement. I said give me a chance to research. So, I researched and found pomegranate juice would raise iron levels. I began drinking 4 oz fresh raw pomegranate juice once a day for the next 3 weeks and that is all I changed in my diet. When the midwife checked my iron levels, they were so high, she asked me what supplement I had taken! It works! I do not know if pasteurized works or not. You could always try.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Tonya (Canyon Lake, Texas) on 10/14/2024
Hi,
I had the same problem. They ran my insurance to the end...
Then, a brilliant naturopath from Ontario, CA, asked me to take Copper supplements. He said my cellular iron was fine, but it's the serum that they measured. Copper opens the gateway for iron to enter the bloodstream. He said this is common knowledge in India. Low iron means one is lower in Copper. He also said I'd know when I had enough copper as my hair would lose the grey. I did, and at 72, I have no grey today.
Grey hair is also a sign of low copper, which indicates cardiovascular complications. He was a brilliant man. He saved my life.
I am only repeating what I was told and have experienced... I hope it helps someone.
Foods High in Nitrilosides for Sickle Cell Anemia
Posted by G. Michael (Reading, PA) on 12/05/2007
★★★★★
About 3 years ago I was at work when I noticed that a co-worker was very upset, so I asked her why she was so distressed. She responded that a co-worker's son was in the hospital in terrible condition with sickle-cell anemia. I told her that the Lord had given me a ministry in helping people overcome their illnesses(this was before I realized that He wanted me to write a book about the matter.) The next day I went to Albright College where I ususally did my health research. While driving to the college I started to say to the Lord "Why I am going to research a disease for which there is no cure?" Of course, the Lord ignored my ridiculous objection and I continued to the college. I went to the library, got on the computer and googled "Sickle-cell Anemia, Natural Cures" Within a couple of minutes the "de-facto" cure was on the screen. Praise The Lord! The treatment is eating foods that are high in nitrilosides. These nitrilosides are transformed in your body to thiocyanate which prevents your blood from sickling. Some are these foods are millet, african yams, sorghum, and apricot seeds. Of course, it is always important when you're adding to your diet what is going to help you, to stop unhealthy food, especially fast food. The combination is devastating to illnesses. By the way, the National Institute of Health knew about what I just told you and said that thiocyanate is a wonderful anti-sickler. Unfortunately, they did nothing with this wonderful information. After the Lord revealed to me this wonderful treatment for sickle-cell anemia I drove to work, talking to myself all the way. When I got to work I saw the father of the child whose son had the sickle-cell anemia and I told him what the Lord had just revealed to me. Within a short time his son was doing wonderfully and has been in great health ever since. And for a long time whenever I would have contact with the son's father there was such gratitude on his face. Praise The Lord
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 07/22/2014
Heme iron, and non heme are not the same. Meat is heme, and can eventually result in iron toxicity which is difficult to do. Also certain iron supplements usually chelated, or a heme version can result in the same way. Non heme ( plant sources ) is only used by your body when needed. Your body reduces it, and absorbs what is needed. Just like ALA is converted only when you need it. The body can regulated non heme. Lastly, the main reason not to worry is the body is only capable of absorbing 4 mg per day of iron as stated by the red cross. " iron toxicity " is usually inflammation somewhere in the body falsey raising ferritin. This will show up on a blood test as iron toxicity when it is not. True iron toxicity is very rare. It's usually just inflammation.
Sarsaparilla and Beetroot
Posted by Shooting Star (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/24/2023
★★★★★
Sarsaparilla has been a game changer for managing my anemia. Taking the supplement alone, boosted my iron numbers back to the normal range. I randomly chanced upon the treatment from a YouTuber casually mentioning it… now I feel secure in no longer needing iron pills.
I also came across beetroot this year. It's really improved my cognition and energy levels with this condition. I did not even know that my brain could function this well because I've been chronically anemic pretty much all my life. Anemia symptoms were my “normal, ” so I perceived my lethargy as laziness, difficulty with memory as a fault in my effort to memorize, and awkward speech and stutters as a speech impediment. Truly, I was just unwell.
When I have used these modalities to treat my anemia, all the symptoms are significantly minimized.
I am so blessed to feel empowered against this beast of a condition that oppressed me physically and emotionally for so long. My body, brain especially, has not been oxygenated like this in such a long time. —it feels so good to have more control over this condition. It literally felt like my life was enslaved by it and perpetually overcast with its symptoms.
Cheers to our journeys to better health. Wishing wellness to all.
Lettuce
Posted by Lorraine (South Africa) on 06/30/2015
★★★★★
Lettuce is also very good for iron deficiency...I once heard of a man of 60 years who was supposed to go for a bypass (open heart surgery) but he decided to just eat 1 whole head of lettuce everyday. After 1 month he went back to the doctor and was told he didn't need the bypass.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Krystal (Memphis, TN) on 12/13/2006
★★★★★
I have been anemic all my life. When I decided to change my eating habits and study herbalism, I came across a book that talked about how black strap molasses could shrink tumors and how high it was in iron. I use to have the ice cravings but no more. For the first time in my life I am not anemic. My mother was very surprised and has started using the product for herself. It works! I am living proof; if you're anemic, take 1 tablespoon each morning in a half cup of warm water and it will do the trick! Nature is a wonderful thing!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Carol (Pocatello, Idaho) on 11/07/2006
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a hematology clinic. Please remember that not all patients with anemia have it because of low iron stores. Too much iron can have significant medical side effects. Therefore, I would recommend having your iron blood levels checked prior to starting any replacement iron, molasses, or other herbal products.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lee (Belleville, Arkansas) on 07/11/2011
★★★★★
I love BSM. I had 5 tumors and had to have a hysterectomy. My blood count was down to 8. (The normal being 12-15) my doctor told me I almost had to have a blood transfusion after surgery, but she decided to put me on Ferrus sulfate iron pills. I hated that, so at my 2 week check up we quit the iron and went to BSM. I can tell a real difference!!! I also take folic acid b/c that builds your blood too. I went back to work 4 weeks after my surgery. I would advise anyone to take BSM.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Katy (Astoria, Oregon) on 06/04/2007
★★★★★
Molasses (Remedy): Molasses is packed with iron and other nutrients. I have a large fibroid and have been losing lots of blood during period, this caused my iron deficiency! I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and was not craving ice like many of the other writers, but was eating tons of MINTS. Ice craving, I have read many times, is associated with iron deficiency! It's actually called "Pica," or a craving for unusual substances without nutritional value. People often eat dirt as well. I noticed that when I ate molasses as well as started an iron supplement along with my usual multivitamin, my mint craving went away. I see that people say their ice craving went away after taking molasses and that made me want to mention the link with iron deficiency and this strange craving! Thanks.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Misty (Harrisonville, Missouri) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
Hello, I have written before about the blackstrap molasses offering an idea on how to drink it. I have been fighting a fibroid tumor for a long time now and began several months ago with the molasses. I just had a sono yesterday and there was no change with my tumor. I did however notice some great changes when I began the molasses. It did get rid of my anemic symptoms, it will keep you regular and I think if you include this in your daily diet it may help to prevent fibroid tumors from forming, or help shrink small tumors when caught early enough. I think over all my health has improved greatly since I began eating at home and avoid eating out as much as possible. Coconut oil is great for the skin I can't live without it. I like the A.C.V. it does work great external and can help you loose weight, but I don't think it is the miracle cure for weight loss. I still have to eat healthier and get active or the weight will remain the same or I will gain. Pretty much everything I have tried so far on this site I have had great results with. Be healthy and God Bless.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Connie (Rochester, NY) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
I have always had heavy periods, and had a fibroid tumor removed several years ago. I was anemic often as a teenager, but couldn't stomach any iron pills. Now as a 40-year-old woman, I'm starting to become "normal" in terms of menstrual flow, but often feel weak and fatigued. I had my thyroid checked, but that turned out to be okay. I then figured I was probably lacking iron. I remembered reading somewhere that blackstrap molasses was high in iron. I bought an inexpensive bottle ($2.79) of House of Herbs blackstrap molasses and was quite impressed to see that one tablespoon contains 70% of the RDA for iron. For the past two months, I've been adding a tablespoon to my coffee every morning in place of sugar. It tastes great, and I haven't felt tired or drained. I see here from others' comments that molasses is also a good remedy for constipation (which had also frequently plagued me, despite my high-fiber diet and increased intake of water), and thinking back over the past several weeks, I realize that I haven't been constipated. Great to know that it works that way, too!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Janet (Hot springs, AR) on 07/04/2006
★★★★★
I take a tblsp of blackstrap in the morning and "chase it" with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, with the mother in it, with 3 tablespoons of warm water. In 1994, I was diagnosed with metatastic breast cancer at the age of 53. I had my femur replaced, took 10 radiation treatments and 6months of chemo. I have been on this regimen and KNOW that these things are from GOD made ingredients and, therefore, have kept me well. I have always been a borderline anemic. My blood counts are better than they have EVER been in my entire life. I believe if I had been doing these things for myself BEFORE I got cancer that I would NOT have had cancer in the first place.
Blackstrap Molasses, Seaweed Snacks, Blood Builder
Posted by Marsh (Colo) on 09/30/2023
★★★★★
A few years ago, I was hemorrhaging every 3 months. My OB/GYN ordered a blood test and scheduled me for an immediate ablation as my iron level was shocking low (she couldn't understand how I was still walking). After the procedure I visited my naturopath who recommended mega food blood builder, seaweed snacks and black strap molasses. For a couple weeks, I craved seaweed, then suddenly I couldn't stand the smell. Iron levels back to normal! I'm confidant they all helped. BTW another health guru warned me about the iron tabs most docs prescribe (the reason I went natural).
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 01/14/2016
Liquid Chlorophyll is also a help in building up the blood. Midwives often have mothers take it if they bleed too much after birth. Even a Tablespoon several times a day. (It will turn the stool dark, though.)
~Mama to Many~
Blackstrap Molasses, Vitamin C
Posted by Stephie (Nc) on 05/18/2013
★★★★★
I had become anemic and had to be hospitalized to receive a blood transfusion. My iron levels were low to say the least. A friend recommended I try BSM in addition to taking iron pills. I took my iron pills with vitamin C, and I took another vit. C before drinking BSM in hot rasberry tea (which does not block iron absorbsion). I had a blood test on Friday and a follow-up on the following Friday. My iron level came up almost 100 points! After just 5 months of usage, I was in low normal range for the first time in 4 years! Now, one year later, I am in the middle of the normal range (just got a blood test in May 2013). I use 500mg, chewable vitamin C and BSM at night (a 2nd time in the day) when I feel a little more tired than usual.
General Feedback
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 04/22/2010
Anemia is not a condition that means you are low in iron. Anemia is a decreased amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. The hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to your cells and if there is not enough hemoglobin, your cells do not receive enough oxygen. You will notice some people with anemia are really pale because the blood doesn't have enough oxygen. Iron is found in the hemoglobin, in fact, about 75 percent of the body's iron stores are contained in the hemoglobin.
The type of anemia that most people probably hear about is called hypochromic microcytic anemia (meaning low color and small size of hemoglobin) of which the most common cause is iron deficiency, hence the recommendation from doctors to take iron supplements. It is said that about 20% of women of child bearing age are anemic due to this type of anemia from the loss of blood from menses. Finding out your iron ferritin levels is a start to see if iron supplementation would work for you, however, oftentimes iron supplements do not work and are potentially dangerous. There are many, many other types of anemia and causes, like sickle cell anemia or the mal-absorption of other nutrients like B12/folic acid/copper, or hypothyroidism (a reason many people have cold hands is because oxygen is not being carried there). A treatment plan for anemia first consists of finding where the anemia stems from and then assessing how to best correct it. For instance, is it low iron counts or is it because the iron is not being absorbed properly or not used efficiently?
I absolutely stand behind food sources for iron rather than supplementation because of the whole package that a true, whole food presents. Nature has supplied us with little packages of nutrition that include many of the synthesizing minerals and vitamins that are needed to treat our bodies. For instance, for iron to be fully absorbed it needs the help of copper, B12, folic acid and vitamin C (probably among a few others). There are many sources in the plant food kingdom that have this potent combination, such as green leafy vegetables. Animal foods do, according to convention, have the most absorbability of iron, but in this day and age animal products come with so much baggage, that it wouldn't hurt to eat some more raw spinach or romaine lettuce anyway. My point is, anemia can be caused by things other than low iron counts, and even then, iron supplementation is not the only route to treat low iron (ugh and yuck). Lisa saw improvement with chlorophyll because it is nearly identical to hemoglobin as it is the blood of plants, and it shows that nature is here to help, without all of the binders and fillers that give us trouble like iron pills do. Always consult with your doctor or naturopath to find the true cause of your anemia and take control of your health with education and a little bit of diet intervention.
Cream of Wheat
Posted by Crstline99 (Crestline, CA) on 06/12/2009
★★★★★
You can try cream of wheat to bring up iron. I used it before surgery, because I had to give blood to myself two weeks in a row before surgery. My iron went up a lot. enough that the nurse taking my blood made a comment on how unusual it was for someone's counts to go UP after giving blood the week before.
Beetroot
Posted by Frank (Humphrey, Nebraska) on 09/27/2011
Iron Inhibitors in Your Iron Rich Vegetables:
One problem with a list of food based solely on the content of a metal is that some foods themselves contain substances that inhibit iron absorption. Spinach is high in oxalic acid which can be cooked off in boiled spinach (discard the water) or in steamed spinach. A wilted spinach salad may be in order if the steam water is allowed to run off. The immature soy beans contain phytic acid which inhibit your iron absorption as well.
Pumpkin Seeds
Posted by Jules (Toronto, Canada) on 06/16/2009
★★★★★
Tried this remedy for about 3 months, iron levels have improved so much.
Just want to say thanks.
Pumpkin Seeds
Posted by Emma (Los Angeles, Usa) on 03/09/2012
★★★★★
This actually works!!!
