Iron deficiency anemia is most common type of anemia which is medical condition which is cterized by a decrease in red blood cells, that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron. Lack of this mineral disables your body to produce the protein – hemoglobin, which is crucial for red blood cells to carry oxygen to all tissues in your body.
Doctors explain that anyone may develop this condition. Still, people who don’t eat meat are a substantially higher risk than others. Namely, vegetarians and vegans are more prone to develop iron deficiency anemia as meat is biggest source of iron.
Moreover, women are at substantially higher risk, due to the fact that they lose blood during the menstruation or while they are pregnant as then they share their stores with a fetus. Another risk group are blood donors as they give certain amount of their stores.
IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA SYMPTOMS
Fatigue or/ and Weakness
There are high chances that you are deficient in iron if you are experiencing low energy levels, if your muscles are weakness or if you have unexplained fatigue that doesn’t go even away after good rest.
Headache, Dizziness or Light-headedness, Especially Upon Standing
At the moment you stand up your blood pressure drops. If you already lack oxygen, standing significantly may reduce the oxygen levels to the brain. As a result of that any time you stand up you will experience light-headedness, dizziness or headache.
Shortness of Breath
If you are experiencing frequent shortness of breath, particularly when you are performing some day-to-day activity, such as climbing the stairs it may be sign of anemia. It is advisable to include more cardio workout to your daily activities.
Getting Frequent Infections
Frequent infections that take longer to heal or happen suddenly even if you take proper care usually are caused by low hemoglobin levels.
Cold Hands and Feet
You need to boost your iron intake in case if your fingers or toes are freezing or the nails turn purple. Remember: more layers of clothes will not work.
Weak, Brittle Nails
Iron deficiency affects the color of your nails, but also any other nutrient deficiency. Experts explain that strong and healthy nails indicate proper nutrition and solid nutrient levels. On the other hand, while brittle nails indicate that you have iron deficiency.
Increased Heartbeat
Anemia has negative impact on your heart rate. Usually anemia causes the heart to beat faster as on that way will supply the cells with more oxygen.
Unusual Cravings
Studies have proved that unhealthy cravings are sign that there is something wrong with your body, or in other words that your body lacks certain nutrient. So, if you are craving for unusual things such as dirt, ice or chalk, there are high chances that your body has iron deficiency!
Chest Pain
Anemia or cardiac event are some of the conditions in which chest pain is symptom. Regardless of the underlying cause, if you are experiencing chest pain you should visit doctor immediately!
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome also known as RLS is really uncomfortable condition which is accompanied with tingling and crawling feeling and uncontrollable urge to move your legs. At most patients, this unbearable sensation is sign of lack of iron.
WHAT TO DO?
In order to prevent any nutrient deficiency it is crucial to consume healthy food and to have well balanced diet.
You should include more iron-rich foods in your diet: milk, fish, eggs, meat, iron-fortified cereals, bread and leafy greens. Another option is to take supplements. But previously consult with medical expert.
Source: besthealthyguide.com
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