What is Iron Deficiency? What are the Symptoms?

Iron deficiency is a common type of anemia worldwide. It occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells. The main job of red blood cells (red blood cells) is to carry oxygen to body tissues. Iron deficiency is caused by a lack of the ideal amount of iron in the body.

Iron deficiency disrupts the flow of the body and negatively affects overall health. For this reason, you should have regular medical check-ups and learn about treatment methods. Below, we have shared the answers to the questions about iron deficiency, as well as the necessary precautions and prevention methods against iron deficiency.

You might want to check it out: What to Do for a Long and Healthy Life

What is Iron Deficiency?

Iron is a mineral and is responsible for carrying oxygen to red blood cells. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein stored in red blood cells.

Iron deficiency is a condition in which red blood cells do not contain sufficient and healthy amounts of hemoglobin. Without the ideal iron mineral in the bloodstream, the need for oxygen cannot be fully met. If it progresses, it causes serious health problems and a difficult treatment process begins.

Why Iron Deficiency Occurs?

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough iron mineral for hemoglobin production. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color.

If you do not consume enough protein during the day or if you lose iron, anemia develops because the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin. This leads to iron deficiency anemia.

What are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?

The symptoms of iron deficiency may not be noticeable to you at first. However, it can show its effect with different symptoms in different parts of the body. Over time, the effect increases and you get worse. So, What causes iron deficiency in adults?

Below we will examine the symptoms of iron deficiency.

1- Severe Headache and Dizziness

It is the most common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Until the body's iron needs are met, you may suffer from severe headaches. This can lead to problems such as a lack of focus on your work during the day and reduced vision.

2- Overly Tense Mood

Sudden reactions, irritability and outbursts of anger are important symptoms of iron deficiency. This is inevitable if the body does not produce enough iron. You may also experience fatigue and heart palpitations.

3- Hair Loss

Many people notice iron deficiency when their hair falls out heavily. Instead of trying anti-hair loss shampoos, you should solve the problem internally. When the body has enough iron, hair loss will stop.

4- Wounds Around the Mouth and Lips

Another important symptom is sores in the mouth and on the lips. If this problem progresses, palate and gum recession may occur.

5- Nail Weakness

The nail is nourished and developed by the effect of various minerals. Iron is the most important of these. If you are experiencing weakness and quick breakage problems in your nail, we recommend you to have an iron measurement.

What is Good for Iron Deficiency? What to Eat for Iron Deficiency?

There are proper nutrition programs for iron deficiency. You can get rid of this condition in a short time by giving importance to the consumption of foods rich in iron.

Red meat, green leafy vegetables, legumes, prunes, real molasses, seedless grapes, soybeans, honey, eggs, liver, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts and sesame seeds are foods that are good for iron deficiency.

Healthy and balanced nutrition is the strongest defense mechanism against iron deficiency. The better the body is nourished, the lower the risk of getting it. Strengthening the immune system is very important at this point.

You may want to inquire: Nutritional Recommendations to Strengthen the Immune System

How to Treat Iron Deficiency

You have learned that you have iron deficiency, so how can you overcome iron deficiency?

The most effective way to treat iron deficiencyis to take iron supplements from outside. Depending on the extent of the deficiency, this can take between three and six months. The person feels much better from the first to the last intake. Your doctor controls are very important at this point.

Iron deficiency anemia,if left untreated, the body resistance decreases and you become more susceptible to diseases. Therefore, treatment should never be abandoned.

Last words...

We have explained in detail about iron deficiency anemia, which has recently become common. If you suspect that you have iron deficiency, we recommend that you seek a doctor's opinion. Stay healthy!

To learn more about health tips, check out the other blog posts of Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports Department. Check out SKS Blog now!