Everyone knows that iron rusts when it is exposed to the air, especially damp air. This chemical reaction is known as oxidation. A molecule of iron attaches itself to a molecule of oxygen from the air, forming iron oxide. This is exactly what happens when the red blood cells pass through the lungs. The air within the lungs is warm and damp, and iron in the red cells actually rusts as it passes through the lung. All this happens with split-second timing. From there the cells are carried by the bloodstream to the heart, and the n pumped out to all the distant parts of the body, always carrying their load of the oxygen.

Out in the tissues the reverse process takes place. The hemoglobin or pigment in the red blood cell readily gives up its load of the oxygen and picks up supply of carbon dioxide. These carbon-dioxide-loaded cells are then carried on back to the heart and pumped to the lungs, where they drop their load of carbon dioxide and pick up a fresh supply of oxygen. The whole thing is most remarkable, requiring just right conditions within the body for this system to operate efficiently. Naturally anything that interferes with the flow of air into the lungs will cut down the oxygen reaching the cells, and reduce the amount of work we can do. Something similar to this happens when we go up into high altitudes where the oxygen is much less abundant. One then has to breathe harder to get the oxygen he needs.

Sources of iron: Many foods contain iron in one form or another, although not all of the iron may be absorbed. Eggs, apricots, raisins, potatoes, oatmeal, vegetable greens, whole-grain cereals, lean meat, and liver are all good sources of iron. Any well-chosen diet probably contains enough iron for our needs, provided we are able to absorb it. If one tends to be anemic, it may be wise to take some iron in the pills, but these should be prescribed by you own physician. Doctors often give vitamin B12 to help overcome certain forms of anemia.