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Shikha Gupta Kashyap, a functional nutritionist and hormone health specialist with over 15 years of experience, specialising in PCOS, thyroid disorders, insulin resistance and gut health optimisation, has shared some of the most effective hacks to optimise iron absorption that every woman should know. In an Instagram video shared on November 21, the nutritionist explains the science behind why these hacks work, while also highlighting the best dietary sources of iron and the supplement forms that are most effective and gentle on the gut.
Shikha highlights that even if you're consuming adequate amounts of iron, your levels can still remain low if your body isn't absorbing it efficiently. She explains, "Fatigue, hair fall, dizziness, breathlessness, low motivation all are classic signs of poor iron absorption, not just low intake."
The nutritionist outlines six simple yet effective hacks to keep in mind when consuming iron-rich foods or supplements to help maximise absorption.
The nutritionist outlines the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian dietary sources of iron as follows:
Vegetarian: Spinach, beetroot, rajma, chole, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, halim seeds, jaggery, dates, ragi, tofu and methi
Non-vegetarian: Eggs, chicken liver, red meat, fish and prawns
Iron supplements can sometimes upset the stomach, particularly in people with sensitive digestive systems. This is why Shikha recommends iron bisglycinate - a form of iron that is gentler on the gut and generally far better tolerated by the gastrointestinal system.
She outlines the following benefits:
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.