Have you ever had that feeling when it suddenly blackens out and you struggle to stand, forget walking?
“No”, then, congrats you are absolutely fit. However, for the rest of the folks who have been through this mind-boggling situation, you might want to read further.
Anemia, also known as iron-poor blood is a condition resulting due to the decrease in red blood cells in your blood, which further hinders the blood distribution throughout the body.
Who Is At The Risk Of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a common disorder, and can affect anybody regardless of their gender, age or ethnic group. However, some people are more at risk than others
- Vegetarians and vegans are at major risk, since their diet does not include red meat, which is one of the major sources of iron.
- Frequent blood donors.
- Pregnant women, as they have to share their resources with the baby as well.
- On an average, only 3% men are exposed to the risk of anemia, which is relatively higher in women
Early Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia negatively impacts on the amount of the oxygen that each cell receives. The symptoms are often so mild that most people consider them as signs of just “being tired.” However, if you suffer from any of the following you are advised to see a doctor at the earliest
1. Extreme Fatigue/Weakness
If your answer is, “No” to every plan that your friends make, because either you are too tired or suffering from low energy levels, then, it might be a clear indication of iron deficiency.
2. Headache, Lightheadedness, And Dizziness Upon Standing
There is a slight dip in our blood pressure when we stand up. Anemia hinders oxygen distribution throughout the body. If you have low oxygen levels in the body, you are prone to instant headaches or dizziness which might also result in fainting.
3. Frequent Shortness Of Breath
Cardio is not the answer to all breath shortage issues. If you are often falling short of breath while climbing the stairs, you might be suffering from anemia.
4. Cold Hands And Feet
No, you are not turning into Edward Cullen! If you often hear people complaining about how cold your hands and feet are, then, instead of looking out for more blankets pay a visit to your doctor as this is an early symptom of iron deficiency.
5. Weak Or Brittle Nails
Our nails replenish quickly and any kind of deficiency can be easily spotted through nails. Weak or brittle nails are a clear indication of an iron deficiency in the body.
6. Frequent Infections
If your smallest cuts are even taking weeks to get healed, it is not your carelessness that needs to be corrected but the hemoglobin level in your blood.
7. Rapid Increase In Heartbeat
A rapid increase in heartbeat suggests that your heart is struggling to pump blood, as anemia might be obstructing with the circulation throughout the body.
8. Weird And Unusual Cravings
Do you end up staring at a board and crave for a chalk or mud? No, you are not unique or weird for that matter. It is just that your body is giving you signs of how desperately it needs iron.
9. Restless Leg Syndrome
That weird itching, tingling and unbearable sensation to move your leg, is known as ‘Restless Leg Syndrome’ and is often the result of an iron deficiency in the body.
10. Chest Pain
Do not take chest pain lightly. While sometimes it is an indication of low iron levels in the body, this does not ward off the risk of a cardiac arrest.
How Can Iron Deficiency Anemia Be Prevented?
Someone has rightly said prevention is better than cure. In order to avoid iron deficiency anemia, make sure that you are having a healthy and balanced diet.
- Vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folic acid play a crucial role in the production of red blood cells. Ensure that your diet is rich in these supplements.
- Vitamin B12 is present in meat, fish, or dairy products. Vegetarians and Vegans need to take vitamin B12 supplements in order to maintain its apt balance in the body.
- All green leafy vegetables, green peas, oranges, and cantaloupe are rich in folic acid.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, kiwis, guavas, papayas, pineapples, melons, and mangoes are rich sources of vitamin C.
