oxygen and iron

[Darcy]

From what I understand low iron can be caused by low oxygen, so you ask your pulmonologist if your O2 is at a high enough flow rate.

[jim]

I think you should definitely speak with your doctor about this.
Here's a link to some stuff about iron deficiencies.


www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/

[David]

The way I get my iron is by taking the herb Yellow Dock. I have taken Yellow Dock off and on since the early 1980's.

I started taking the herb when I had my health problem in the oilfield. I had pimples or small boils on my arms between my elbows and wrist.
I read where Yellow Dock was good for skin eruptions. Sure enough it would clear my arms up. That is how I learned of the iron in Yellow Dock.

Yellow Dock is rich in iron. Yellow Dock root, containing almost 40% iron, is considered the best blood builder in nature.

I have had Doctors tell me how good my blood is. I never tell them I take Yellow Dock though.

[stoker55]

I agree Dave-Yellow Dock is very good for iron and many things other than skin rashes too. It works as a laxative and for baterical infections just to mention a few uses. I sometimes put it in my salad when I can find it. Thanks for sharing that.

[Sue in Ontario]

Thanks for the information on iron I am most definitely going to look for the yellow-dock it makes sense the skin irritations I have too!hope they sell in Ontario Thanks for the input

[David]

Back in the early 1990's my daughter was in High School. She was a Cheerleader. She asked me about the blemishes on her face and I told her to try Yellow Dock.

I told her to eat about 6 capsules a day. She had to go for a physical later that year. Had something to do with being a Cheerleader in School. When she got the results, the Doctor said "I don't know what you are taking but what ever it is you need to stop. You have way to much Iron in your body for a girl your age."

Ooops! I told her she needs to slack up or quit. I think she quit. She was only a teenager.

So that incident again told me there is "Iron" in that plant. So now I say take a directed

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Sue; I took the liberty of asking Mark Mangus the RRT your question (I hope you don't mind) The thing is I too was curious since this isn't a subject that comes to the forunm here very often....

His response was.....

Folks who suffer from anemia have a precarious relationship with regard to oxygenation. As hemoglobin carries 97 % of our oxygen, when we have anemia to the tune of a deficit of 10 % and more, getting sufficient quantities of oxygen to the tissues becomes a challenge - one that increases, the more severe one's anemia happens to be. Now, for women, whose hemoglobin should be about 12 gm%, being at 10 or 11 is not too big a deal, as long as thy are otherwise healthy. For someone with COPD, 10 and under becomes of increasing concern. Most doctors will determine if either transfusions or medication to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells(RBC's)/hemoglobin is in order. Some will elect to administer EPO - (Erythropoetin) which may help to increase hemoglobin. A lot depends upon the 'morphology' (departure from normal shape, size and other characteristics) of RBC's when examined under the microscope. If they are particularly distorted from normal, then action would be in order.

Bottom line: many folks reside in the range of borderline adequacy for RBC's and hemoglobin and do just fine - even with COPD. The more advanced one's COPD - especially if they require oxygen supplementation - the more consideration must be given to anemia and its consequences. If one's doctor is satisfied with the patient consuming increased iron and other vitamins (especially the B's and C), then they should be able to rest assured that their anemia is not severe enough to require intervention. Those who are anemic should be very sure to discuss their concerns with their doctor and get an adequate explanation and assurances that they are doing what can be done to either remedy the condition OR keep it stable and exerting the least negative influence possible.

And then there's grandma's remedy - a sizable dose of Liver and onions at regular intervals! Seriously, red meat is a good source of iron, enzymes and vitamins that help with anemia even more so than do supplements.

Best Wishes,

Mark

[Sue in Ontario]

Thank-You so much for the input about iron as I will confront Dr.next apt sbout this situation,Thanks Jackie for the thread and concern as I learned a lot today!

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

No problem Sue; my pleasure...

This is also a good opportunity to remind e'one that RRT Mark Mangus answers questions for patients which are usually posted to the COPD Canada website every Sunday evening...

Here's the link....
copdcanada.ca/ask_the_rt_your_COPD_question.htm

[David]

[shelley]

Thanks for the chart David. It really helps.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

You can't beat a "visual" David! Does this mean you're a vegen btw?

[David]

No, No vegan.

[judi]

Thanks for this thread, I needed it too.

I was in the hospital (not COPD related) and my blood work showed the type of mild anemia mark was describing and that could be important for me with my tendency to low sats.

I eat a lot of kale (cut out mid rib, roll it up and cut into strips, you can hide it in anything. ) and I knew that could inhibit the absorption if iron so I started looking at other things. I found that a lot of things can be an issue. Spinach has iron but it is also an big inhibitor, and as the article says possibly only 2% is absorbed (Popeye lied to us).

This article is for parents but I thought the explanation of types of iron and enhancers and inhibitors was good and it applies to anyone. You can find more by googling foods that inhibit iron absorption.

judi ---- I just noticed there is a link at the bottom of article listing iron rich foods that is good too.

www.parentingscience.com/iron-absorption.html

[mumsie]

Very interesting article Judi - I always believed greens such as kale and spinach would keep my iron levels up and have always included them in my diet - in fact I eat baby leaf spinach almost every day mixed in with my salad. A real eye opener, thank you!

[judi]

I found a list of the different amount of oxalates in veggies but I couldn't find anything about the AMOUNT that could be a problem. There seems to be disagreement or maybe they just don't know.

I probably wouldn't eat spinach everyday but I don't think there is too much of a problem or I would have found more about it. There are a lot of other good nutrients in it.

One source I read also listed polyphenols and something else (forgot) as being a potential problem too, most of the healthy stuff I eat did it, broccoli, nuts, strawberries, etc :-)

If I ever find anything definitive I will post it.

judi