One of the vital minerals for proper body function and overall health – iron carries oxygen through blood to every cell in the body. Modern way of living is largely marked by unhealthy dietary habits and excessive exposure to stress making iron deficiency a common health issue prevalent in women. Iron deficiency symptoms are often disregarded as trivial. If overlooked, this issue can lead to more serious health complications including anemia.
These are the top 10 warning signs of iron deficiency that require prompt medical attention.
#1 Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is one of the first signs of iron deficiency because the body uses iron to make hemoglobin – the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. If there aren’t enough healthy blood cells, you start to feel exhausted.
#2 Lack of focus
Iron deficiency affects proper neurotransmitter synthesis, which in turn results in difficulty to concentrate and maintain focus.
#3 Apathy
Apathy is another symptom of iron deficiency caused by altered neurotransmitter synthesis. If you are iron-deficient, you start feeling apathic towards your work, family, friends etc.
#4 Breathlessness
When there isn’t enough iron in the blood, the body becomes oxygen-deprived, which leads to breathlessness. You can often find yourself gasping for breath at the gym or simply walking to your car.
#5 Pale skin
Reduced blood circulation and a lower number of red blood cells typically cause skin paleness, which is quite alarming.
#6 Difficulty doing workout
Low iron levels can seriously affect your endurance at the gym owing to a reduced number of red blood cells and oxygen in the body.
#7 Sore muscles
Iron deficiency also makes your muscles more painful, especially after workout. Lack of oxygen prevents your muscles to recover properly, which leads to pain.
#8 Brittle nails
Low iron levels seriously affect your nail and toenail health leading to a concave, spoon-shaped and brittle nails.
#9 Frequent infections
People having iron deficiency are more susceptible to infections and respiratory illnesses.
#10 Change of urine color
Beeturia or red-colored urine is a rare condition that affects 10-14% of normal people when they eat beets. However, the number is much higher in people suffering form an iron deficiency as there’s increased intestinal absorption of certain pigments.
Source: healthyfoodteam.com