Post #7 - Some Thoughts from Fran

Hi, I’m Steve’s wife, Fran. I thought it was time to put my two-cents worth into this blog.

First let me say how proud I am of my husband for tackling his MSA head on. He has not wavered for one moment from the decision that he would give it his all. He has been so cooperative in doing what will be helpful.

You may have read that his red blood count is low so I have taken the challenge to raise those numbers by the time we get to the XCell Center in Germany.

Some things we have learned and are doing:
• There are two types of iron: the type that comes from animals and the other that comes from vegetables, fruits and beans. The interesting thing is that they should be eaten together to get the most iron absorption, for instance, chili with beans.
• There are supplements and there are supplements. Ferrous Sulfate is the most popular, least expensive but only about 35% gets absorbed. It can also cause constipation.
• In researching, I came across a product called Bifera Iron Supplement. We found it in Walgreens and Target. It is made from both types of iron; therefore more is absorbed and less side effects.
Let me say now that I do not endorse this product or suggest you take it or follow what we are doing without talking to your doctor.
• I printed out a list of iron rich foods and tacked it inside our kitchen cabinet.
• Some POOR sources of iron are dairy (milk and cheeses). They actually hinder the absorption of iron.
• We eat a healthy diet. Steve has yogurt and a banana every day for lunch. We rarely eat red meat. We eat the things that are heart healthy but now we find out not necessarily iron building. So therefore we (especially Steve) will be eating a little differently for the next few weeks.

Some of the foods I am making for him:
• Seafood especially shell fish
• Red meats, liver
• Eggs, especially yolks
• Nuts and beans
• Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and greens
• Fruits like grapes, raisins, prunes
• Breads, grains, and cereals that are fortified with iron
• An interesting fact, mentioned before, is that if you eat Vitamin C fruits and veggies with iron rich foods, more iron will be absorbed.
• Some Vitamin C foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, raw cabbage, green peppers, cantaloupes and strawberries.

Well, I’m off to prepare lunch.

Thanks to all for your concern and prayers.
Fran

Steve’s note: Oh no, not another thick, juicy steak. Well, if I must. I just hope my newly supercharged red blood cells can make it through my clogged arteries!