{"id":12916,"date":"2020-04-09T06:36:41","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T06:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=12916"},"modified":"2021-07-05T14:36:38","modified_gmt":"2021-07-05T14:36:38","slug":"14-signs-of-iron-deficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-signs-of-iron-deficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Signs Of Iron Deficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When your body is lacking the proper amount of mineral iron, it causes the level of red blood cells in your body to drop. This is commonly referred to as a general iron deficiency, or once it becomes chronic, anemia. Your body needs red blood cells in order to produce hemoglobin. This protein is essential because it allows your red blood cells to transport oxygen to other areas of your body. If your body is unable to the oxygen, it needs due to a lack of hemoglobin, the muscles and tissues will start to malfunction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of iron-deficiency, however the most common is anemia. Iron deficiency can be caused by several factors. Pregnancy, poor diet, heavy bleeding during the menses, restrictive diets, internal bleeding and inflammatory bowel disease are the most well-known causes. Here are 14 signs that indicate you may be suffering from an iron deficiency.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Strange Cravings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Craving strange food that you usually do not eat can be a sign of pregnancy, but it is also a sign of iron deficiency. A strong desire to eat things that are not food is called Pica, and it is also a sign of iron <\/a>deficiency. In most cases, a person will have the urge to consume chalk, clay, ice, dirt, and paper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no exact reason why the body desires these things when there is a lack of iron, but some medical research states that it is the innate iron in the materials that the body senses. Another sign that a person may be suffering from an iron deficiency is the extreme desire to consume ice or chew ice. If you have an ice chewing habit, it is a good idea to speak with a medical professional to have your iron levels tested. Ice often serves the same function as caffeine in anemic patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Restless Legs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Restless leg syndromen<\/a> is commonly found in those suffering from an iron deficiency. This syndrome causes a person to shake, stretch, or otherwise move their legs when sitting or laying down. Some people with restless leg syndrome may also notice an itch or a sensation of crawling along the muscles of the legs and feet. For many, restless leg syndrome disrupts sleep and worsens in the evening hours causing fatigue during the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no definitive cause of restless leg syndrome, however, at least a quarter of those who suffer from the disorder also have iron-deficiency anemia. As the level of iron in the blood decrease, the worse the symptoms of restless leg syndrome become. There is currently no cure for restless leg syndrome, however, there are treatments available. If you notice that you are experiencing the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, it is a sign that you may also be iron deficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Unhealthy Skin & Hair<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many health concerns will manifest signs in the skin and hair long before other symptoms appear. If your hair has become dry and brittle it may be a sign of too little iron in the blood. People who usually have glowing, healthy skin who suddenly start to suffer from dryness or flaking skin may also be suffering from an iron deficiency. Your blood carries much-needed oxygen to all of the cells in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When there is an iron deficiency, the body will prioritize vital organs and systems in order to keep you alive. The hair<\/a>, skin, and nails are often the first parts of the body to exhibit signs of iron loss. Hair that is not fed a steady supply of oxygen will eventually lose moisture and weaken. The skin will become dry and chapped as the cells begin to die from iron deficiency. In some serious cases of iron deficiency, hair may even fall out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Dizziness & Headaches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the lesser-seen signs of iron deficiency is a headache<\/a>. This sign is most often paired with dizziness and lightheadedness. The cause of headaches from iron deficiency is the reduced concentration of oxygen in the brain. This is a result of low hemoglobin levels in the red blood cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the brain is unable to get enough oxygen due to iron deficiency, the brain\u2019s blood vessels will begin to swell. The swelling results in extra pressure in the cranium leading to frequent headaches and\/or dizziness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because there are many reasons, a person may suffer from a headache or even become dizzy; it is hard to diagnose iron deficiency on these symptoms alone. A single day of headaches may be due to stress or overexertion, however, recurring dizziness and headaches may indicate that the body is lacking the proper amount of iron in the bloodstream. It can be corrected with a supplement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Skin Paleness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the skin takes on a pasty coloring or if the inside of your lower lids become pale, it is a sign that you may be suffering from an iron deficiency. The hemoglobin that is in your blood is what gives it that rich red crimson coloring when your hemoglobin levels are low, the coloring will also decrease. People who usually have a warm glow will often appear pale or washed out due to a lack of iron in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lack of coloring may be limited to the lower lids, lips, gums<\/a>, and face or it may be noticeable over the entire body. Doctors who suspect and iron deficiency will check the skin and eyes before asking for a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Minor deficiency won\u2019t cause a lack of coloring in the skin, only moderate and severe iron deficiency will cause a lack of color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common signs of not having enough iron in the body is constant fatigue. Up to half of those who suffer from iron deficiency stated that they felt tired even shortly after waking up or during the day regardless of activity levels. Fatigue<\/a> is caused by the lack of sufficient oxygen in the body that is caused by a lower amount of hemoglobin being produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your body doesn\u2019t have enough oxygen to fuel its functions, the result is tiredness and lack of energy. The heart also has to work harder when there is a lower concentration of hemoglobin in the bloodstream. The extra strain on the cardiovascular system may also cause lethargy and fatigue. Because there are several causes for being tired, such as illness, a long day at work or simply intense activity, it is hard to diagnose a lack of iron, based only on fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemoglobin <\/a>is what helps your body to transport oxygen to other areas in your body. If you are suffering from an iron deficiency, you may notice it takes more effort to breathe. This is caused by the muscles and heart being forced to work harder to fuel your body during regular activities. Your body will try to pull in more oxygen to balance the lacking which can cause a person to become short of breath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that normal everyday activities such as walking, working out, climbing stairs or even moving from one room to the other result in difficulty breathing, it may be a sign that you are iron deficient. Shortness of breath can also be caused by other ailments, a medical professional will also look for other signs such as fatigue and weakness before testing you for iron deficiency. A supplement often is enough to correct an imbalance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Heart Palpitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people don\u2019t feel their heart beating unless they pay attention to it or if it is beating quickly after some form of physical excretion. If you suffer from a noticeable heartbeat outside of extra strenuous activity, it could be caused by iron-deficiency anemia<\/a>. This noticeable heartbeat is called heart palpitations and is caused by the low level of hemoglobin in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When iron deficiency causes a lower level of hemoglobin, it results in less oxygen in the bloodstream. Your cardiovascular system with your heart at the center will have to work extra hard to pump blood to the other areas of the body. The extra effort causes heart palpitations, which are noticeable beats of the heart. Heart palpitations are also often irregular and in some cases, faster than normal. When left untreated, heart palpitations from iron deficiency can cause heart murmurs, an enlarged heart, or even heart failure in critical cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Soreness & Swelling in the Mouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oral problems can be one of the earliest indicators that a person is suffering from an iron deficiency. The tongue<\/a> has many natural cracks and textures. If the tongue becomes oddly smooth, it can be a sign that there is not enough iron in the blood. The tongue also has a generally pink color that may turn white when dehydrated. If the tongue becomes pale on both sides, it is a sign that there is not enough iron in the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another indicator of iron deficiency is a tongue that is inflamed or swollen without any trauma or infection as the cause. Low levels of myoglobin and hemoglobin are both causes for pale coloring in the mouth and swelling and soreness of the tongue. In some people, iron deficiency can cause mouth ulcers to develop in addition to sore red cracks at the corners of the mouth. Dry mouth is also common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Misshapen and Fingernails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brittle fingernails can be a result of poor diet, lack of proper grooming, or it can also be a sign of iron deficiency. Spoon shapes nails, called koilonychia, is also a sign of serious iron deficiency. In the early stages of iron deficiency, nails can become brittle and break with the slightest contact. As the iron deficiency progresses or if it is left untreated, the nails <\/a>may become scooped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Koilonychia makes the nail form a dip in the middle and the edges of the nail begin to raise up. This creates a spoon-like appearance on the ends of the fingers. While this is a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, it is one of the more rare symptoms and one that is not often seen until the later stages of deficiency. Medical professionals will test for iron levels when a person presents with koilonychia, in addition to other symptoms that indicate iron deficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons a person may feel anxiety<\/a>. It can be caused by recent events, a traumatic experience, or due to a general fear of the unknown. There are also different types of anxiety such as social anxiety. People who suffer from regular anxiety may not be anemic, however, those who suffer new bouts of anxiety without any specific cause may be suffering from an iron deficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the body doesn\u2019t get enough oxygen, it can cause an increased heartbeat, fatigue, mental fogginess, and many other symptoms. All of these can work together to cause a case of anxiety to develop. Some people who suffer from mild anxiety but notice that it has increased without any specific source may be suffering from an iron deficiency. Anxiety caused by anemia is generally easy to treat. Once the levels of iron in the body are corrected, the anxiety should resolve itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Black Stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anemia affects the body in a wide variety of ways. Many people suffer from iron deficiency without realizing the cause of their poor health. When anemia goes untreated for a long period of time, it can have dire consequences. If you notice blood in your stool, it may be a sign that you are lacking the proper levels of iron in your bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark stools that are the color of tar are another common sign of iron deficiency as is rectal bleeding. There are other conditions that can cause blood in the stools or dark-colored stools such as colon cancer <\/a>or Crohn\u2019s disease, so it is important to speak with a doctor if you notice a change in your bathroom habits. Another sign of anemia is a drastic change in bowel habits and pain in the abdomen. Your doctor will test you for iron deficiency as well as other illnesses to determine the best treatment for your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Numbness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iron is such an important mineral that when your body is lacking the proper amount it is unable to produce healthy red blood cells. Your red blood cells are tasked with transporting hemoglobin around your body which ensures that your muscles, nerves, and other tissues get enough live-giving oxygen. Most signs of iron deficiency take a while to develop which makes it even more important to know the signs of anemia in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the often-overlooked signs of iron deficiency is numbness <\/a>in the hands and feet. When there is too little iron in your blood, your body will give priority to your organs and other more important bodily functions. As a result, you may notice that your hands and feet are cold, tingling or even numb as the blood is routed elsewhere. There are other ailments that may cause numbness in the extremities, however iron deficiency is one of the most common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Cold Hands & Feet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iron-deficiency anemia affects a large percentage of the population, though most often it goes untreated and even unnoticed. The signs of iron-deficiency anemia are often hard to detect is that they resemble symptoms of other ailments or they are simply mild enough that most people do not give them much attention. More than 240,000 emergency room cases per year are diagnosed as iron-deficiency anemia is the main cause of the visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the signs of iron-deficiency anemia is one of the best ways to prevent long-term complications. One common sign that may indicate iron-deficiency anemia is unseasonably cold hands and feet. When there is less iron in the bloodstream, the body will divert the most oxygen-rich cells to areas that need it the most such as the heart<\/a>, brain, lungs and other organs. As a result, other areas that are less important, such as the extremities, will get a smaller supply.
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