Getting all the nutrients your body needs every day can be a challenge. When you don’t eat enough of the essential nutrients, it can lead to your body suffering from a deficiency. One of the hardest minerals to get that your body needs are iron. Iron deficiency is a common problem, especially among women. It can cause various issues, including fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment! This blog post will discuss the different signs of iron deficiency.
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Dizziness
One of the less talked about signs of iron deficiency is dizziness. Dizziness can result from many things- dehydration, hunger, low blood sugar, etc. However, if you’re experiencing dizziness more often than usual, it could be a sign that your iron levels are low. If you’re experiencing dizziness, it’s essential to get your iron levels checked out by a doctor.
Headaches
One of the most common signs of iron deficiency is headaches. If you are getting more headaches than usual, it could signify that you are not getting enough iron. Headaches are a common symptom of iron deficiency because when you are not getting enough iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood, and when there is not enough of it, you can get headaches.
Cold Feet And Hands
Do you have cold feet and hands? If so, it’s a common sign of iron deficiency. Like with headaches, this happens because when there isn’t enough iron in the blood, the body can’t make hemoglobin. Without hemoglobin, organs and tissue don’t get the oxygen they need to function correctly. Lack of oxygen can lead to feelings of coldness in extremities, like the hands and feet. If you’re constantly putting on socks and slippers and your partner complains that your feet are like ice cubes, it could be a sign that you have an iron deficiency.
Dry Skin
Another lesser-known sign of iron deficiency is dry skin. Dry skin is because it can’t produce enough hemoglobin when your body doesn’t have enough iron. Hemoglobin is responsible for giving your skin its healthy glow by transporting oxygen to the cells. When there’s not enough hemoglobin, your skin can become dry, pale, and lackluster. If you notice that your skin is more dehydrated than usual, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough iron.
Swollen Tongue
Iron deficiency causing swollen tongue occurs when there is not enough iron in the blood, the body will try to conserve what little iron it has by storing it in places like the tongue. The tongue will then become swollen and red due to the increased blood flow. Notify a doctor if your tongue’s swollen. They will help determine if you have an iron deficiency. An iron deficiency can cause other more severe health problems if left untreated.
Restless Leg Syndrome
While this symptom is less understood, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sign of iron deficiency. RLS is a condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations like tingling, burning, or itching. RLS can make it challenging to sit still or sleep. While the cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown, some experts believe that low iron levels cause it. Without enough hemoglobin, muscles and tissues don’t get the oxygen they need to function correctly, leading to restless leg syndrome. If you’re experiencing symptoms of RLS, it’s essential to see your doctor and get your iron levels checked.
Sudden Feelings Of Depression
Iron deficiency can also cause a sudden feeling of depression. A sudden feeling of depression can be due to several factors, including not getting enough oxygen to the brain. When there isn’t enough oxygen in the blood, it can cause cells in the brain to die. Not enough oxygen can lead to changes in mood and behavior. If unsure why you’re feeling depressed, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out other causes. While iron deficiency isn’t the only reason for this symptom, it’s necessary to get it checked out to at least rule it out as a cause.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see your doctor. Iron deficiency is a common problem, but it’s easily treatable with supplements or changes to your diet. Left untreated, however, it can lead to more severe health problems. So if you’re feeling tired, run-down, or like something is just not right, get your iron levels checked. It could make all the difference in how you’re feeling.
