The Consequences Of Iron Deficiency

Beyond hair loss and continuous fatigue, iron deficiency presents symptoms that can be confused with other ailments, such as dizziness or tachycardia

When we have an iron deficiency, the body sends certain signals that we cannot ignore.

Iron deficiency can have different negative consequences for our body and it is worth knowing about them. In this article we will tell you the essentials on this topic.

How does iron work?

Iron is a very important mineral for our well-being. It is found in red meat, fruits, and vegetables.

In our body it is essential to form myoglobin, a protein located in the cells of the muscles. It is also found in enzymes that allow certain chemical reactions.

It is also used to produce hemoglobin in the bone marrow. This substance carries oxygen within the red blood cells.

When a person is iron deficient they suffer from a condition called “iron deficiency anemia”, meaning that the red blood cells are smaller and do not have enough hemoglobin.

Iron deficiency can occur at any stage of life but is most common in infants, adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly.

We can also suffer it from:

• Improper diet
• Bowel disease or celiac disease
• Abnormal menstrual periods
• Excess blood donation

One of the main problems with iron deficiency is that you do not have symptoms until the situation is advanced.

Anemia does not develop overnight, but progresses through different stages.

To know if the levels of this mineral are adequate according to our age, we must perform a blood test called a “complete blood count.”

Consequences of iron deficiency

Many people have anemia and do not know it. They believe that the symptoms are due to overwork or lack of sleep. However, when they persist over time, we must pay close attention to them.

If the red blood cells do not adequately fulfill their function of transporting oxygen to the cells, the person will feel less energetic and more fatigued.

When anemia is advanced, different symptoms may be experienced (which are confused with those of other pathologies or with the current rhythm of life):

• Fatigue, low energy, drowsiness
• Paleness, shortness of breath, difficulty exercising
• Irritability, inappetence
• Dizziness, dizziness
• Rapid heart beat
• Brittle nails, hair loss

How to treat iron deficiency

If anemia levels are high, the doctor may prescribe medications or injections. In the event that it has been caused by blood loss, some professionals may even indicate a transfusion.

However, for mild or normal cases that are detected early through an examination, the good news is that natural remedies can be used to improve this condition.

The adequate and necessary supply of iron must be carried out through food.

The daily dose of this mineral for men ranges between 5 and 10 mg. For women it should be higher, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or menstruating (at least 15 mg per day).

• In the foods of our diet, meat and fish provide a good amount of iron.
• Then follow fruits and vegetables, cereals, eggs, dairy products and legumes.
• If we suffer from anemia we must increase the intake of beets, nuts, lentils, white beans and wheat germ.

It is also good to know that better assimilates iron body when combined with vitamin C. That is why it is recommended to drink orange juices with meals, for example.

The opposite happens when the body receives certain products such as coffee, tea and soft drinks (mainly those of the “cola” type).

Home remedies for anemia

Did you know that the word “anemia” derives from the Greek “alhaima” which means “lack of blood”? In fact, what is in deficit is iron and red blood cells in this condition.

And, as since ancient times this problem has been treated with natural remedies, you can take advantage of them as a complement in the treatment you are doing.

1. Garlic soup

Fight anemia while raising body temperature. Many people with this condition suffer from cold feet and hands due to blood supply problems in the extremities.

Ingredients

• 6 garlic
• ½ cup of oil (100 g)
• 2 slices of stale bread
• ½ tablespoon of paprika (5 g)
• 4 cups of water (1 liter)

Preparation

• Peel the garlic and mash well.
• Fry with the oil until golden brown.
• Add the stale bread and paprika.
• Add the water and simmer for half an hour.
• After that time, remove from the fire.
• Filter and drink up to 2 cups a day.

2. Gentian infusion

This plant has many properties due to its active principles that favor the absorption of iron.

It is recommended for women with heavy periods.

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon of gentian root (5 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

preparation:

• In a saucepan, place the water and the gentian.
• Boil for 5 minutes.
• Remove and let stand 5 minutes.
• Filter and sweeten with honey.
• Drink half an hour before meals.

3. Chard smoothie

This shake also includes other foods full of iron so it is highly recommended for those with a deficiency of this mineral.

We must consume it on an empty stomach, every other day.

Ingredients

• 3 chard leaves
• 2 watercress leaves
• 10 almonds
• 2 tablespoons of oatmeal (20 g)
• 1 cup of soy milk (250 ml)
• The juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

• Wash the vegetables well. Place in the blender glass.
• Add the almonds, oats, and soy milk.

• Squeeze the lemon and add.
• Blend well and consume immediately.

What do you think of these ideas to combat iron deficiency?