How can I boost iron with food after heavy bleeding?

Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C at the same meal to help your body absorb more iron after heavy bleeding. Practical combinations include lentils or beans with lemon, spinach with citrus, or red meat or shellfish alongside tomatoes or bell peppers.

Try not to have tea or coffee with iron-focused meals, since they can reduce absorption, and aim to include iron sources consistently in the weeks after a heavy period. If you’re still feeling wiped out, dizzy, short of breath, or your bleeding is ongoing, our team can help evaluate whether iron deficiency is part of the picture and whether testing or additional support makes sense.