FOOD FOR THOUGHT…

The reason I broach this topic is that often we see students (and ourselves) lethargic, out of sorts or becoming disruptive or disconnected in class or at work.

I once had a student, a young man, that was continually falling asleep in class first thing in the morning. Initially their was a conversation about going to bed earlier, but he was adamant he was, so I suggested that he may need his iron checked and it turned out that’s exactly what it was. Once his iron levels came back up so did his energy, his concentration and his performance.

Most importantly he felt better.

Our bodies need a balanced diet to ensure we are getting the nutrition we need to function at capacity. Often we don’t notice the signs that we are lacking in something until we are so deficient our bodies and minds crash.

so lets Start with

IRON

Low iron symptoms include

• feeling tired, listless and weak

• breathlessness

• poor memory and concentration

• poor performance at school or work

• getting infections

• finding it difficult to do aerobic exercise

• fatigue (feeling very tired)

• behaviour problems in children

  What is iron deficiency?

  Iron deficiency is when there is not enough iron in the body.

  Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to produce red blood cells, which are important for a healthy immune system, mental function, muscle strength and energy. Its main role is in red blood cells, where it helps make a protein called haemoglobin. Haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to all the cells in the body so they can work properly.

  The body can’t make iron, so you need to get it from food. If you do not eat as much iron as you use each day, you develop iron deficiency.

  It is important to have the correct amount of iron in the body. If you have low iron, you can develop anaemia. If you have too much iron, it can be toxic. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world.

>

Infographic courtesy of Healthdirect Australia.

!

HOW

TO

MEET

YOUR

DAILY

IRON

NEEDS

If you or your child are experiencing any health issues please contact your GP for professional advice. The information on this page is only intended for informational purposes.