Did you know approximately 57,000 emergency admissions are made every year to UK hospitals due to iron deficiency anaemia? You heard that right! Although iron deficiency is a widespread issue in the UK, many people overlook this health concern considering it a minor problem. While a slightly low iron level might not have an adverse impact on your health, if it’s not managed on time, it may give rise to severe iron deficiency-related diseases such as anaemia. So, it’s crucial to observe the signs of iron deficiency, detect it at an early stage and take prompt measures to boost iron levels, such as having iron-rich foods and taking supplements or gummy vitamins with iron.
In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of iron deficiency, the common causes behind it and ways to reverse it to maintain optimal levels of iron in the body. Let’s get started!
8 Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Depending on the severity of the deficiency, low iron levels can manifest through multiple symptoms. It’s crucial to notice these signs of iron deficiency to take prompt action at its early stages before it turns into a chronic disease. Some common iron deficiency symptoms are as follows:
- Fatigue & Weakness
Feeling extremely tired and weak most of the time, even without having a hectic work day or after a peaceful sleep is a hallmark of a lack of iron in the body.
- Pale Skin
Haemoglobin is responsible for the red colour of your blood and a lack of it makes your skin look pale and lose its healthy blush of colour.
- Shortness of Breath
Since iron is essential for carrying oxygen to the tissues, its deficiency can cause breathing problems, especially when you are doing physical activities
- Dizziness & Headaches
An inadequate supply of oxygen to your brain due to iron deficiency can make you experience dizziness and headaches.
- Cold Hands & Feet
Iron deficiency causes poor circulation throughout your body, which can lead to cold extremities in your hands and feet.
- Extreme Hairfall & Brittle Nails
Low iron levels weaken your hair and nails due to insufficient oxygen supply, which results in unwanted hair loss and fragile nails.
- Restless Legs Syndrome
This irresistible urge to move the legs due to an uncomfortable sensation or tingling can be linked to poor iron levels.
- Poor Cognitive Abilities
Iron deficiency can have a negative impact on your memory and the ability to focus, concentrate, think and analyse.
Try eating more meals high in iron, taking iron supplements, or eating iron gummies to help alleviate these symptoms. These can help boost your iron levels and alleviate symptoms associated with deficiency.
Most Common Causes of Iron Deficiency
Before finding out how to reverse the symptoms of iron deficiency, it’s important to understand what causes it. Here are some common factors that can lead to a deficit in iron levels in your body –
- Insufficient Intake of Iron-Rich Foods
A lack of food sources of iron in your daily diet can be a primary cause of iron deficiency. This is especially true for those who don’t frame a balanced diet or skip meals due to busy schedules.
- Vegan & Vegetarian Diets
While there are some plant-based food sources of iron, they are not heme iron (the type of iron more easily absorbed by the body). That’s why vegans and vegetarians are more prone to iron deficiency.
- Heavy Blood Loss
Women undergo huge blood loss during menstruation, especially those who experience heavy flow, which can deplete their iron levels. Additionally, those who donate blood frequently or have problems with gastrointestinal bleeding have a higher risk of having low iron levels.
- Increased Daily Iron Requirements
Pregnant women need more iron than other women to support their health and their baby’s growth in the womb. Infants and growing children also require more iron than adults to support their proper development. If this increased demand for iron isn’t met, then they face iron deficiency.
Ways to Reverse Iron Deficiency
To boost your natural iron levels, you can take the help of both food sources and dietary supplements. Let’s check out how these can help boost your iron levels.
Dietary Changes
Adding iron-rich foods to your daily diet can be one of the best ways to boost your iron levels. Some common food sources of iron include meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, whole grains and some leafy vegetables. Here’s a pro tip! Pair iron-dense foods with vitamin C-rich foods as it helps enhance iron absorption into your body.
Opting for Iron Supplements
If you can’t reap enough iron from your daily meals or don’t want the hassle of framing a diet with the exact amount of iron-rich foods your body needs, then simply go for iron supplements. These supplements contain pre measured doses of iron so that you can choose the one with the right dose as per your bodily requirements. When selecting an iron supplement, it’s better to go for the one formulated with ferrous fumarate as the body more easily absorbs it than other forms of iron. Also, you must consult a healthcare professional before starting an iron supplement to know the perfect dosage as per your needs and avoid unwanted side effects.
Conclusion
Although iron deficiency is one of the most common health concerns in the UK, with the right approach, it can be managed and reversed easily. You need to identify the causes of iron deficiency, detect its symptoms and take proactive steps to boost the levels for revitalising your body. Don’t forget to do regular diagnostic tests to detect any deficit in iron levels at an early stage so that you can manage it easily. Now that you know the ways to increase your iron levels, it’s time to take action! Incorporate a good amount of iron-rich foods in your daily meals and start with an easy-to-take natural iron supplement to take your health regime to the next level. Re-energise and rejuvenate your body and mind with iron power today!
