Iron Deficiency: 5 Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore, From Fatigue to Pale Skin
A frequent kind of anemia known as iron deficiency is characterized by an inadequate supply of healthy red blood cells in the blood. In layman’s words, it describes a person’s body having inadequate levels of iron. The most common kind of anemia, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is a blood condition that affects the red blood cells. It occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells that enables them to transport oxygen throughout the body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women is linked to unfavorable reproductive outcomes such preterm delivery, low birth weight babies, and lower iron storage for the newborn, which may cause delayed development. Uma Naidoo, a pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, provided the following warning signals of iron deficiency on her Instagram account.
1. Lightheadedness
According to the Cleveland Clinic, iron deficiency anemia may sometimes make you feel lightheaded or woozy. On rare occasions, it might result in shortness of breath, a rapid pulse, and chest discomfort. You may have peculiar desires for non-food objects like ice, dirt, or paper if you have an iron shortage.
2. Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath may also result from iron deficiency because when haemoglobin levels are insufficient, muscles don’t get enough oxygen to do daily tasks. As a consequence, the body’s breathing rate rises as it attempts to take in more oxygen, which causes shortness of breath.
3. Fatigue
One of the most prevalent symptoms of iron insufficiency is fatigue. It comes as a result of the body’s tissues receiving less oxygen, depriving them of energy.
4. Anaemia
Insufficient iron is the cause of iron deficiency anemia. According to the Mayo Clinic, your body cannot make enough hemoglobin, a chemical that allows red blood cells to transport oxygen.
5. Difficulty In Concentration
Individuals may have cognitive impairments as a result of nutritional deficiencies in the body. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) assert that iron shortage is linked to neurophysiological pathways being disrupted, which affects motor and cognitive development in social contexts lacking regular stimulation.
Iron-Rich Foods You Should Include in Your Diet
You must consume foods high in iron, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, string beans, beet greens, dandelion greens, collards, etc., to prevent iron deficiency.
