Truth is, what women experience every month isn't easy — it comes with menstrual pain, hormonal change, acne breakout, and PMS — and don't forget the iron deficiency that comes along our heavy periods as well.

Though of course, our regular menstrual periods also come with it's own perks and benefits, however, we can't deny the fact that dealing with it is still pretty tough. More so if you have heavy periods.

If you struggle with constant dizziness and fatigue more particularly days before, during, and after your period, then you are not alone. I struggled and still struggling with it too. Back then I thought it was just pretty normal in my case to feel constant dizziness and nausea when I'm on my period, not until these symptoms led to persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness and it even cause me to feel like I'm about to faint. It happened several times and it's too bothersome to ignore. So, I decided for a quick hospital visit to know the cause of these symptoms and found out that iron deficiency is to blame. And my heavy period and hormonal change probably are big contributors as to why I keep getting low in iron.

And whether you think iron deficiency isn't serious, think again. Imagine the serious complications you may constantly battle with — feeling fatigued, chest pain, fast heartbeat, seems like you're about to pass out at any moment — well, these symptoms aren't something we should take lightly.

What makes iron important in our body?

Iron is an essential mineral that our body and mind need to function at it's best. This includes transporting oxygen in our blood, hemoglobin which is found in red blood cells and is mostly made from iron as well, it also plays a huge role in energy production in our body, and even helps strengthen our immune system to ward off infection.

This is why our body requires an amount of iron per day. For instance, men over the age of 18 need at least 8.7mg on a daily basis. On the other hand, women over 19 to 50 years of age are required to have at least 14.8 mg daily. Unfortunately, most of us don't meet the required dietary levels just as we lack nutrients per day.

In fact, iron deficiency is actually one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the world. If you think you are iron or nutrient deficient, it's time to take a trip to the doctor.

Healthy food to boost your iron levels

Well, the iron supplement which your physician prescribed is best to pair with nutritious food rich in iron as well. As iron-rich food is also part of combating anemia. Plus, it doesn't have side effects unless you're allergic to it. Anyway, it's also better to keep an eye on the food you consume daily as food affects our health too.

So, choosing nutritious foods can help you get your daily dose of needed iron and it will also provide you with other nutrients your body needs. With that, here is the best food to boost your body's iron level.

1. Eggs

This favorite breakfast dish contains 1.89 mg of iron. Though eating an egg alone won't help you get the required amount of iron you need for a day, but howbeit, an egg may still help increase your energy and won't fail you to boost your iron levels. However, remember not to eat too many eggs in a day or weekly, especially for those who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Limit to eating one egg per day if you don't have health issues and 2-3 eggs per week for those who need to limit it for health reasons.

2. Red meat and liver

Egg, red meat, and liver are good sources of iron, particularly those meats that are redder in colors such as beef, lamb, veal, chicken liver, and pork. In addition, these can be easily absorbed by our body and they are included in the best heme for correcting anemia.

This is probably why my mom used to cook chicken liver every time she sees me looking pale. And again, don't forget to eat in moderation. As you know, self-control is the key.

3. Oysters, shrimps, mussels, and clams

What is so great about shellfish and seafood is that these food sources are not just tasty but also rich in iron and omega-3. Oysters, shrimps, mussels, and clams are the best sources of all shellfish to provide iron.

Just for instance, a 100-gram serving of your favorite healthy clams may contain almost up to 3 mg of iron.

4. Black beans and lentils

Iron, copper, zinc, and other nutrients can be found in black beans and lentils. Eating one cup of cooked lentils can already provide you with an amount of 6.6 mg of iron. Imagine how wonderful these healthy lentils provides.

Moreso, on the other hand, 100g of cooked black beans per meal provides you with almost 6.5 mg of iron. This is why these two food sources should always be part of your diet plan.

5. Citrus fruits and raisins

Though citrus fruits won't provide you with a high amount of iron, still these sweet and sour fruits are rich in vitamin C.

Remember that iron won't be absorbed well without the help of vitamin C, so make sure you include vitamin c food for better iron absorption.

Meanwhile, raisins are a good source of iron. It may help prevent iron deficiency as it contains not just an excellent amount of iron but also copper and other essential vitamins that are vital in the production of red blood cells.

6. Green leafy vegetables

It's no wonder why veggies particularly the greener in color are an excellent source of iron as this food are rich in almost all nutrient there is.

These leafy greens contain not just a good amount of iron but also vitamin C which is the key component in better iron absorption.

For greens, make sure to opt for spinach, kale, beet greens, swiss chard, moringa, and other green local vegetable.

7. Moringa

If you're looking for a food source that will boost your vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients, Moringa is the thing.

It's rich in vitamins C, A, and E for better iron absorption. What's more, is that it contains 92 plus nutrients that your body needs. So, with moringa you won't just prevent anemia, you are also helping your body to prevent other nutrient deficiencies as well.

Get your moringa powder now, check our Moringa powder here.

Love + miracles,