Ask the nutritionist!

Each week, we are doing #askthenutritionist, where we will answer your question of the week, and also take your questions for future editions!

This week's question: “My iron levels are low, should I be taking an iron supplement?”

The answer is not necessarily. There are a few reasons why your iron might be low and you may be able to make tweaks that allow you to bypass iron supplementation. If you have a heavy menstrual flow, you may consider an iron supplement around your time of the month (but no more! Heavy iron supplementation can reduce your absorption of iron from food).

It is also possible you have an issue with absorption in your gut. You may try a few things for this: cutting out gluten (super easy if you use a gluten-free meal service), drinking aloe vera juice, and taking a probiotic. A few dietary tweaks you can make to up your dietary iron include: steamed dark leafy greens (broccoli, spinach, sprouts), red meat, organ meats, and...

It's that time of year....

Cold and flu season!!

So fun.

One amazing cold and flu season food is raw oysters. While they aren't for everyone, once you hear the benefits you may change your mind.

Here are a few reasons why you should give raw oysters a try this cold and flu season:

1. Super high in zinc which is phenomenal for the immune system
2. High in omega 3 fatty acids which are great for brain and central nervous system function
3. Contain magnesium which is great for a stressed out immune system
4. Contain iron to keep your blood rich with oxygen for tissue repair
5. Full of B12 which can be depleted with illness
6. Great source of vitamin D which most people don't get enough of in the cold weather, or while they are cooped up inside sick!

Top with fresh lemon, garlic or horseradish to kick up the flavor (and open those nasal passages if you know what I mean!).

Hayley