Anemia?

[velvetsong]

I cut my knuckle when I was helping with my Aunt's surprise party on Saturday and it bled and bled and bled, despite being a small knick. My aunt noticed the inexplicable bruises all over my arms. I have them on my legs, too, but I can't remember doing anything rough enough to cause such serious black and blue marks

Comments

[thekat03]

bleeding and bleeding isn't iron deficiency anemia; it's a problem with clotting. that means either platelets or other clotting factors. it could be as simple as a vitamin deficiency or effect of some medication you are on, but without knowing more, i can't really tell you why you are bleeding and bruising more easily, and suggest you ask your primary care doctor about it.

[artemitis]

I agree that the excessive bleeding problem is not iron deficiency, but it sounds like the other symptoms might be. Unfortunately, we just don't absorb vitamins and minerals in pill form as well as we do in food. I recommend SloFe as an iron supplement. It's easier on the stomach than most iron supplements, and I believe they have an extended time release version. Beyond that, if you can handle it, I highly recommend adding some fish or occasional meat to your diet. It doesn't have to be much. Also up your dark leafy greens, especially spinach, and beans are GREAT nutrition. I have a few lentil recipes that I love floating around here if you'd like them, but red kidney beans are generally the best bang for your buck when it comes to beans.

Wishing you health.