If one experiences dizziness, suspect anemia, or have cravings for weird things like ice, paper, or chalk, it may indicate low levels of iron in the body. To address iron deficiency, it’s important to first acknowledge the symptoms and determine the underlying causes. Once identified, an individual can work to manage iron deficiency by addressing those causes and taking any prescription treatments to improve their overall health. Learn more about iron deficiency symptoms, causes, and remedies.
Symptoms of low iron levels
Low iron levels can present with a range of symptoms, including:
Tiredness
When the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body, it can lead to fatigue.
Brittle nails
Iron deficiency causes brittle nails, which break easily. It also makes the nails spoon-shaped.
Headaches
Iron deficiency and headaches can be linked during menstruation, but the exact cause is uncertain. Altered dopamine function and estrogen levels also lead to headaches.
Shortness of breath
When the body has low oxygen levels, it can be difficult to breathe properly, especially during physical activities such as running or climbing.
Pale skin
Pale skin and lower eyelid coloring can indicate iron deficiency. Low hemoglobin levels from iron deficiency make blood less red, causing the skin to lose color or warmth.
Hair loss
Since there is less hemoglobin in the body than required, it can also cause dry hair or hair loss.
Cold hands or feet
People with insufficient levels of hemoglobin experience cold hands or feet because there are low RBCs to keep the blood warm.
Causes of low iron levels
Here are some of the major causes of low iron levels:
Low iron absorption
A significant factor is the body’s inability to absorb iron, while it may also require more iron than it absorbs.
Loss of RBCs
Sometimes, our bodies lose more red blood cells than they can produce. This can happen as a result of heavy blood loss during periods or due to an injury.
Liver cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis is a medical condition that impairs the body’s ability to produce blood, resulting in low iron levels.
Ulcers
Ulcers in the stomach can reduce the absorption capacity of the blood.
Remedies for low iron levels
Iron deficiency is a treatable disease. Usually, doctors diagnose the iron levels in the body through various tests such as CBC (complete blood count), urine test, pelvic ultrasound, fecal occult blood test, etc. Here are different ways of low-level iron management:
Iron-rich food
To increase iron levels, it’s recommended to incorporate foods high in iron and Vitamin C into daily meals. Some examples include fish, legumes, meat, spinach, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, tofu, kidney beans, eggs, soybeans, chickpeas, raisins, walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Iron supplements
If someone cannot eat enough nutritious food or their body cannot fully recover through food alone, it may be necessary to take iron supplements.
Blood transfusion
Blood transfusion is required when the hemoglobin levels drop drastically, and low iron levels are not manageable only through meal plans or supplements.
Iron deficiency is a prevalent issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. The symptoms can be easily noticed and can be treated by lifestyle changes. Incorporating iron-rich foods into meal plans and exercising regularly can help. However, if the condition worsens, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is crucial.
