If you’ve gradually gone from feeling spunky and energetic to feeling exhausted and struggling to climb the stairs, iron deficiency might be to blame.It’s the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States and women are at higher risk than men.
Iron deficiency also known as anemia happens when your body does not have enough iron to produce the necessary amount of hemoglobin – a vital component of red blood cells, which functions as a transportation system, spreading oxygen throughout your body.When your body doesn’t have enough iron to create hemoglobin, your red blood cell count will drop and make it more difficult for your tissues to get the oxygen you need, commonly leading to fatigue and shortness of breath.
Iron deficiency isn’t always caused by a problem with your diet. Although some people are at risk for dietary iron deficiency – especially people who don’t eat meat or enough leafy greens.
Iron deficiency can also be caused by blood loss, insufficient red blood cell production, surgery and certain medications, or a body’s inability to absorb iron(1).
In these cases, iron supplements are often prescribed to help the anemic individual get their iron levels back up to where they need to be.
While some signs of iron deficiency are expected, like fatigue and shortness of breath, others seem like they should have no connection whatsoever to your iron levels. Here are some common signs of anemia:
1. Unusual Cravings
Do you have the urge to chew on ice? What about a compulsion to consume dirt? If you have some of these cravings, or cravings for other unusual substances like paper, you may have an iron deficiency. This symptom is known as pica, and it can be hard to catch – many people with pica are embarrassed to admit that they’re eating things that aren’t food. But for those who do report experiencing pica, iron supplements can help significantly.
2. Unhealthy Nails
Ingrown nails, as well as unusually brittle and weak nails, are another warning sign of iron deficiency.
3. Chapped Lips
Although chapped lips can be caused by harsh weather, they can also be caused by iron deficiency. The difference between “normal” lip cracking – the kind that happens when you forget to put chapstick on during the harsh Winter months – and lip cracking due to iron deficiency is the location of the cracking. Iron deficiency causes cracking and chapping in the corners of the mouth, which can make it difficult to smile, laugh, or eat.
4. A Swollen Tongue
Another symptom of iron deficiency is atrophic glossitis, also known as a swollen and tender tongue. Someone with glossitis will have a tongue that swells enough so the usual bumps on the surface disappear and make your tongue appear smooth. The swelling can cause problems with chewing, swallowing, or talking.
5. Tingling Legs
Recent research has suggested a link between restless leg syndrome, a condition which causes a persistent tingling, tugging, or burning sensation in the legs, and iron deficiency(3). Although more research has yet to be done, it’s a good idea to get your iron levels checked if you’re diagnosed with restless leg syndrome.
What To Do About Iron Deficiency?
Most people do fine on iron supplements, which can be taken with vitamin C to prevent constipation. If you’re deficient because you’re not getting enough iron in your diet, make sure you’re incorporating lots of leafy green vegetables, fish, and whole grains into your meals.
source:www.rodalesorganiclife.com
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