Iron deficiency: fatigue to pale skin; 5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore – Jagran English
Iron deficiency is a common form of anemia and a condition where the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. In simple terms, it refers to the insufficient amounts of iron in an individual’s body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is a blood disorder that affects red blood cells and is the most common form of anemia. It happens when the body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin, a substance in the red blood cell that allows them to carry oxygen around the body.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in pregnant women, iron deficiency anemia is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight babies and reduced iron stores for the baby, which can lead to impaired development. Here are some warning signs of iron deficiency that you should not ignore Pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, Uma Naidoo on her Instagram account.
1. Dizziness
The Cleveland Clinic states that iron deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency can cause you to have unusual cravings for non-food items such as ice cream, dirt, or paper.
2. Shortness of breath
It can also cause shortness of breath because when hemoglobin levels are low with iron deficiency, the muscles don’t get enough oxygen to carry out daily activities. This causes the body’s breathing rate to increase as the body tries to get more oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common signs of iron deficiency. It is because of the lesser amounts of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body, depriving them of energy.
4. Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin), reports the Mayo Clinic.
5. Concentration problems
A deficiency of essential nutrients in the body can lead to cognitive impairment in individuals. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), iron deficiency is associated with disruption of neurophysiological mechanisms that, within a social context that lacks regular stimuli, compromises motor and cognitive development.
Foods rich in iron to include in your diet
To combat iron deficiency, you should include foods that are an abundant source of iron such as spinach, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, green beans, beet greens, dandelion greens, collards etc.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.)
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