10. Iron-Rich Foods: Combating Fatigue
Iron is a vital nutrient that helps create energy from nutrients. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to its tissues. This can lead to fatigue, a common symptom in individuals with lupus. Iron-rich foods include lean meats, seafood, beans, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals.
Lean meats and seafood are excellent sources of heme iron, a type of iron that the body absorbs best. However, there are also plenty of plant-based sources of non-heme iron. Beans, lentils, and peas not only provide iron but are also high in fiber and protein.
Dark leafy greens, like spinach and Swiss chard, are packed with iron. They’re also high in vitamin C, which can help increase iron absorption.
Fortified cereals can be another easy way to add iron to your diet. Just make sure to choose a cereal that’s low in sugar and high in fiber for the most health benefits. (10)
