10 signs of serious iron deficiency

Insufficient iron leads to less oxygen to reach the tissues. As a result, the

body will be deprived of the energy it needs.

Iron deficiency is a common type of anemia- which occurs when the body has

lower- than- normal levels of red blood cells in the blood. The body uses

iron to produce hemoglobin- a protein helps maintain a healthy blood color-

which will carry oxygen through all organs. Insufficient iron leads to less

oxygen to reach the tissues. As a result, the body will be deprived of the

energy it needs.

Here are 10 signs helping you find out whether you are suffering from a lack

of proper iron.

Exhaustion

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This is the most common symptom showing that you are lacking in iron. Iron

is an important substance to carry oxygen through the body so as to produce

energy. Less oxygen means less energy, so you will feel tired, weak and

exhausted even after a small work.

Shortness of breath

If you notice yourself getting out of breath after exercise or climbing the

staircase, do not hesitate to visit your doctor for ferritin test. Difficult

breathing may be a sign of iron deficiency due to irregular flow of oxygen.

Heavy periods

The number- one cause of iron deficiency in women is too- heavy periods

because they lose too much blood at this time. Therefore, consult your doctor

for iron supplements so that your body has enough energy to work out.

Muscle pain

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Do you feel a burning sensation in your muscle frequently or after a day of

gym? Of course, a lack of iron prevents your muscle from recovery.

Pale skin

Without proper hemoglobin- a protein gives the blood its red color, your skin

will be much paler than normal. Check your skin, the inside lips and the

bottom eyelids if there are any light areas.

A desire to eat non- food items such as ice, paper or clay

Iron- deficient people may be tempted to chew chalks, papers or clay. If you

notice such bad habits of your child, it means he or she has a shortage of iron.

Headaches

An unbalanced level of iron in the blood causes an insufficient amount of

oxygen to all parts of the body which means the tissues get disturbed and the

brain arteries get swelled leading to headaches.

Anxiety

Do you feel your life full of stress? Iron deficiency can trick you into feeling

even more anxious. It sends your heart racing which has a great impact on

your nervous system.

Hair loss

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When iron deficiency sends your body into survival mode, your body will

focus on keeping the most important systems running first. Hair growth may

not be a priority, so you may deal with baldness.

Underactive thyroid

Iron deficiency slows the function of thyroid and blocks its metabolism-

boosting effects. As a result, you can have symptoms such as lower body

temperature, sudden weight gain…