Iron helps the production of red blood cells, but also helps maintain a healthy immune system. Lack of iron in the human body is the main cause of anemia or anemia. Sideropenic anemia is manifested by dizziness, weakness and constant fatigue. Check which symptoms can reveal that you suffer from iron deficiency in the blood.
1. You are tired
This is the most common symptom of iron deficiency, and Dr. Nancy Berliner states that women often miss this symptom because they have learned to be tired and will dismiss it as a symptom. However, it is good to clarify that iron deficiency causes a reduced flow of oxygen to the tissues, so the body will be deprived of the energy it needs. If you are tired and nervous and have trouble focusing, iron deficiency may be to blame.
2. You have heavy periods
In women, iron deficiency is one of the main causes of heavy periods, says gynecologist Jacques Moritz. "Women in this situation lose large amounts of blood, and only about half of it is compensated, and then they lose the same amount of blood again the next month," he adds. If there have been such changes in your menstrual cycle, it's time to talk to your gynecologist.
3. You are pale
Hemoglobin gives blood its red color and affects skin color. This means that lower iron levels can "take" color from your face. If you have pale skin, it is easy to notice the changes. But regardless of skin tone, if you notice that the skin in the oral cavity is pale, it may be iron deficiency.
4. You often run out of breath
No matter how deep you take a breath, you still feel like you don't have enough air? Dr. Berliner states that iron deficiency is a common problem and needs to be addressed, especially if you are short of breath when performing activities that do not normally cause this problem.
5. Your heart beats faster
A heart that works so excessively can suffer as a result, and various conditions can develop, including heart failure. Before you panic, it's good to remember that before things go bad, anemia has to last a long time. However, if you have heart problems, be sure to see your doctor if you notice any changes.
6. Restless legs syndrome
Can't keep your feet still? About 15 percent of people suffering from restless legs syndrome have a lack of iron, and the less iron in the body, the worse the symptoms will be.
7. You have a headache
A lack of iron will cause more oxygen to travel to the brain, and only then other organs and tissues take their turn, and as a result, there may be problems with the arteries that can cause headaches, according to experts from the National Headache Foundation.
8. You are anxious for no real reason
Although stress is not much to look for today, iron deficiency may be one of the reasons why you feel anxious. A lack of oxygen disrupts the work of the nervous system, which affects the mood, and in addition, a lack of iron will cause a faster heartbeat, which will lead you to that well-known situation when you feel anxiety, and you don't know why, he writes. ordinacija.hr.
9. Lose hair
Iron deficiency, especially when it develops into severe anemia, can cause hair loss. "The body is then in a state of survival, so it will send oxygen only for the needs of vital functions, which means that the rest of the body will suffer, including the scalp," states Dr. Moritz. You don't need to panic right away, but if you notice that you are losing more than 100 hairs a day, it may be time to see a doctor.
10. You are vegetarian or vegan
Not all iron is created equal. The body absorbs what comes from meat and fish two to three times more effectively than what comes from plant sources. You can still get enough iron if you plan smartly and add green leafy vegetables, whole grains to your plate and combine them with foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as peppers, broccoli or blueberries, to improve iron absorption.
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