Are you suffering from weakness and fatigue, but don’t know why? Are your hands and feet pale and cold? If so, you could be experiencing an iron deficiency. If this is the case, read on to learn everything you need to know.
Iron Deficiency 101
So, let’s start by defining what iron deficiency is. Iron deficiency is when your body lacks iron, which can be due to several reasons. Technically speaking, iron deficiency is an “anemia,” because iron limits hemoglobin production, which affects oxygen flow in the blood and through the body.
How Serious Is Iron Deficiency? Is It Dangerous?
Iron deficiency can vary in severity; it could be very mild, or much more serious. It is something that you generally want to nip in the bud when it’s only mild. If left unaddressed, it could lead to more serious health issues, like problems with the heart. Pregnant women are at risk too.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is extremely subtle, you might not even know you have it. However, if the issue persists and worsens, it’ll be more obvious; the symptoms will be clear. If you experience extreme fatigue, that could be a sign of iron deficiency.
The colouration of your skin can also clue you into whether or not you have iron deficiency. If the tone of your skin is too pale, for example. If you’re tired and fatigued a lot, that also could be an indicator you’ve got an iron deficiency.
Do you experience shortness of breath? Does your chest hurt? Does your heartbeat unusually fast? Headaches are another common symptom of many health conditions, including iron deficiency. If you experience dizziness or even some lightheadedness, that’s a clue.
Lack of blood flow is one of the issues of iron deficiency. Given this, if your hands and feet are pale and cold, it could indicate poor blood flow and also iron deficiency. Are your nails frail and prone to breakage? Is your tongue sore and inflamed? Keep an eye out for these symptoms.
Another more extreme symptom of iron deficiency is the urge to eat things like dirt or ice. This might seem strange but it has been known to be an actual symptom. A poor diet is also something to look out for.
What Can Cause Iron Deficiency?
So, what exactly can cause someone to experience iron deficiency? Well, it mainly occurs when your body lacks iron. Iron is important because it’s what creates hemoglobin; this is what allows your blood — namely red blood cells — to transport oxygen.
So, if your body isn’t creating a decent amount of iron, you won’t be creating enough hemoglobin. Because of this, your body will have poor blood flow. Iron deficiency can often lead to anemia developing, which is when there aren’t enough red blood cells in your blood.
But what causes a lack of iron production? There are several things; your diet could simply lack. The foods that you consume are typically where most of the iron comes from. The best foods to eat for iron include vegetables that are “leafy green,” meat, and eggs.
There are also specifically manufactured foods that have been fortified with iron to look out for. Perhaps your body is getting enough iron but it simply can’t absorb it. If you have issues with your intestines, this can be an issue regarding iron absorption.
Women can be at greater risk for iron deficiency for a few reasons. Women lose blood regularly due to their periods. Remember, it’s the blood that contains the red blood cells, which includes hemoglobin, which iron creates. Pregnancy can also cause iron deficiency.
What Do I Do About My Iron Deficiency?
The first thing you should do is to try to eat more iron-rich foods, like meats, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. Also make sure to address any digestive issues, because that could affect iron absorption. You could also use iron deficiency supplements; these are specifically designed to treat iron deficiency.