Iron is an essential mineral that plays a key role in sustaining numerous bodily functions. Further, the body needs iron to produce hemoglobin—a protein in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen to various parts of the body. So, when dealing with low iron levels or iron deficiency, one can experience issues like fatigue, as the body has to work harder to carry blood. Here is everything to know about iron deficiency:

Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of low iron levels is crucial for seeking treatment and taking steps to boost iron intake. Here are a few symptoms one can observe:

Fatigue: One of the most common signs of low iron is persistent fatigue and weakness. Iron deficiency affects hemoglobin production, which in turn helps organs get oxygen-rich blood. Without enough iron to produce hemoglobin, different parts of the body do not get enough oxygen to function, making one feel tired easily.

Pail skin and nails: Those with low iron levels may have pale skin and nail beds.

Shortness of breath: Low iron levels affect oxygen transportation in the body, leading to shortness of breath and increased heart rate.

Headaches and dizziness: When the brain has an inadequate oxygen supply, it can trigger symptoms like throbbing headaches and persistent dizziness.

Cold hands and feet: A deficiency of iron can disrupt the flow of blood, causing poor circulation to the extremities and coldness in the hands and feet.

Causes
Several factors contribute to low iron levels in the body:

Iron-deficient meal plan: A deficiency in iron can arise from inadequate intake of foods rich in this vital mineral, such as leafy greens, red meat, beans, and fortified cereals.

Impaired iron absorption: A few health conditions, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome, may affect the body’s ability to absorb iron efficiently.

Blood loss: Heavy blood loss due to menstruation, injuries, or underlying health conditions can deplete the body’s iron supplies.

Management options
Once diagnosed with an iron deficiency, doctors may recommend the following treatment options:

Supplements: Doctors may recommend iron supplements to boost iron levels in the body. These supplements are available in various forms, such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate.

Changes in food plan: One may have to add iron-rich foods to daily meals. Spinach, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals are great sources of the mineral.

Increasing vitamin C intake: Vitamin C can help boost the body’s ability to absorb iron. Here, one can add sources like citrus fruits and bell peppers to daily meals.

Remedies
In addition to treatment, some natural food-based remedies can help boost iron levels:

Blackstrap molasses: Adding blackstrap molasses to drinks and foods can help improve iron levels.

Nettle tea: This is a herbal remedy that may assist in increasing iron absorption.

Pomegranate: Pomegranate is rich in iron. One can have pomegranate juice or fresh fruit.

Low iron can have a significant impact on quality of life, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely treatment can help one prevent further complications. If one notices any symptoms of an iron deficiency, they should consult a doctor to seek appropriate advice on dealing with the issue.