PICTURE: PEXELS/TIRED
Iron deficiency can significantly affect your overall health and is more than just a lack of minerals.
This common insufficiency might catch you off guard because you might be feeling exhausted all the time or have trouble focusing.
But why is iron so important? Addressing the symptoms and avoiding more serious problems require an understanding of its function in your body.
“The body uses iron to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. Without enough iron, there may be too few healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to satisfy the body’s needs,” according to Medical News Today.
The health news publication also states this condition is known as iron deficiency anaemia, and it can cause a person to feel very exhausted and out of breath. The Cleveland Clinic claims that anaemia can affect almost anyone. However, it is more common among women with menstrual periods, pregnant women, and nursing mothers than in men or women who have had menopause.
According to the above clinic, “People can develop iron-deficiency anaemia because they don’t get enough iron from food or they have conditions that limit the amount of iron their bodies absorb.”
The Mayo Clinic states that iron deficiency may occasionally require further testing or treatments, particularly if your doctor suspects you may be bleeding internally.
The clinic also mentions that the below are symptoms may include the following:
- Out of breath, an accelerated heartbeat, or chest pain
- Headache, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- Cold feet and hands
- Extreme exhaustion
- Weakness
- Pale skin
The clinic also claims, “Iron deficiency is not something to self-diagnose or treat. So see your doctor for a diagnosis rather than taking iron supplements on your own. Overloading the body with iron can be dangerous because excess iron accumulation can damage your liver and cause other complications.”
Also see: How black tea can improve your health and wellbeing
