Iron deficiency: the number one nutrient deficiency in the world
According to the World Health Organisation, iron deficiency is the number one nutrient deficiency in the world, especially among women and children. Around 80% of the world's population may be deficient in iron, with around 30% having iron deficiency anaemia. This represents a large percentage of the population with a condition that often goes undiagnosed, can have devastating effects health and wellbeing. Iron is an extremely important trace mineral that plays many essential roles in the body.
We need a good constant supply of iron through our diet for good health and prevention of disease. Iron is vital for energy production, to produce red blood cells to transport oxygen to all the cells in the body, for healthy muscle strength and function, to help boost immune health to fight off infections, and it’s even important for brain function. Iron also plays a role in making several enzymes that synthesize neurotransmitters, including serotonin, our ‘feel good’ hormones, and dopamine, which helps us focus and allows us to feel pleasure.
Adding spirulina to your smoothies and veggie juices is a great way to increase your iron intake and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anaemia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Guy - Art of Healing
Lisa Guy is a highly qualified Sydney based naturopath and author, with 10 years of clinical experience. Lisa runs a busy naturopathic clinic in Double Bay called ‘Art of Healing’. Lisa is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health and wellbeing, through good wholesome foods, nutritional supplementation, healing herbs and homeopathic remedies. Being a mum of two, Lisa has a particular interest in supporting women through pregnancy and beyond, and for children’s health and nutrition. Lisa is also the author of ‘My Goodness: all you need to know about children’s health and nutrition’, ‘Heal Yourself’, and ‘Pregnancy Essentials’. Lisa is an avid health writer, being the resident nutritionist for Body and Soul magazine, and regularly writing for a number of health and natural parenting magazines and websites.http://www.artofhealing.com.au
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