Iron deficiency is a disorder that has impacted many people across the globe. Put simply, iron deficiency is a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are very important because they carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. There is a long list of symptoms that people with this disorder may have. The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include fatigue, cold hands and feet, pale skin and poor appetite. Iron deficiency can be caused as the result of a number of different events which include not eating enough iron, blood loss, and even pregnancy.

A person’s diet can have a huge impact on their iron levels. There are certain foods that a person with iron deficiency anemia should avoid:

1. Coffee
Coffee may be one of the world’s most popular drinks but it is not ideal for those dealing with iron deficiency. Any drink that contains caffeine can inhibit the absorption of iron. According to the Cleveland Clinic it is best to wait one to three hours when taking in caffeine before consuming it again. This is to reduce the effect of caffeine’s ability to reduce the absorption of iron. There has been little research on decaf coffee so there may still be some risk with it.

2. Milk
Cow’s milk makes it harder for the human body to absorb iron from both food and supplements. In toddlers it can impact the ability to absorb iron. Cow’s milk can cause the body to lose small amounts of blood from its intestines. Blood loss is one of the primary causes of iron deficiency. Cow’s milk has approximately four times more calcium than human milk. This can greatly change how the body takes in iron. While there are varying opinions about milk consumption, the general consensus is that cow’s milk is not good for people with iron deficiency.

3. Tea
Although many tea’s such as green tea and black tea are good for you, tea is a drink that should be restricted or avoided altogether for those who are iron deficient. Tea’s contain tannins. These are unique compounds that make it challenging for the body to absorb iron. Some other popular foods that contain tannins include grapes and corn.

4. Oxalic acid foods
Oxalic acid is another item found in foods that can make it hard for the body to absorb iron. If you have anemia you should cut back or totally eliminate these types of foods. If you are on any type of medication it is best to consult with your doctor before eating these foods. Foods with oxalic acid include peanuts, certain chocolates and even spinach.

Iron deficiency anemia is by no means a death sentence. By carefully evaluating your diet and avoiding certain foods it is possible to greatly impact your iron deficiency. Avoiding or reducing the consumption of the foods mentioned in this article is a great place to start.