1. It's a Form of Anemia
Iron deficiency is a form of anemia. Anemia is when the red blood cells don't have enough hemoglobin. It is the most common form of anemia. The decreased level of red blood cells doesn't allow oxygen to be distributed properly throughout the body. The iron in the foods you eat and recycled irons from old blood cells supply your body. Symptoms may or may not be present if your anemia is mild.
2. Learn the Symptoms
Iron deficiency leaves you feeling weak and extremely tired. It can disrupt sleep, so fatigue is the major symptom. An unusual symptom is pica. This is a craving for non-food items like dirt, ice and even paint. Low blood oxygen may result in a headache or make you faint. Shortness of breath, an irregular or rapid heartbeat, a heart murmur or chest pain are other symptoms. Iron deficiency anemia tends to leave you feeling cold, most notably your hands and feet. Your immunity is lowered so frequent infections can occur. Abdominal pain and an enlarged spleen are symptoms of low iron. Outward signs include pale skin around the eyes, inner mouth and gums. Your nails become brittle, pale and spoon shaped. The tongue can swell or become sore and red. Some people with iron deficiency develop restless leg syndrome. They have the urge to move to alleviate an uncomfortable feeling in their legs.
3. Watch for Symptoms in Children
Babies and small children show different symptoms than adults. They have loss of appetite, paleness and irritability; but iron deficiency also causes dizziness, growth and developmental problems if severe. Children have short attention spans along with mental and behavioral problems. This decreased amount of iron increases the amount of lead that the body will absorb. Your child then becomes susceptible to lead poisoning. Children are more likely to develop iron deficiency if they start cow milk before 12 months of age, were born premature or had a low birth weight.
4. Order a CBC
Iron deficiency anemia has several causes, including not enough iron in your diet or poor absorption by the body. Female sufferers lose iron stores through the loss of blood due to heavy menstrual periods or bleeding after menopause. Some women become anemic during pregnancy. Iron deficiency in children has been linked to lead poisoning. A complete blood count (CBC) allows doctors to see the shape, size, color and number of your blood cells. Ferritin level tests indicate the amount of iron stored in your body. Iron tests show the levels of iron in the blood and the type and severity of your anemia. The levels of immature red blood cells are lower in iron deficiency anemia. This is proven through a reticulocyte count. Black colored stool or stools with bright red blood in them are signs of internal bleeding.
5. Increase Your Iron Levels
Eat foods that contain iron and folic acid. Vitamin C also aids the body in absorbing iron. Try meats like liver, fish and poultry. The body absorbs iron from meat the best, compared to other foods. Eat green leafy vegetables, eggs, whole grain breads and raisins. Iron supplements work best when taken on an empty stomach, but can be taken with food. Take a slow release supplement if possible to avoid constipation. Your iron levels should improve within a couple of months, but continue use for at least 6 months to increase the iron in your bone marrow.
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