It is often observed that women suffer from iron deficiency. The reason for this is excessive bleeding during periods, pregnancy, or lack of nutrients.
Iron is crucial for maintaining a healthy body, and its deficiency can have detrimental effects on overall health. Many times, women experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, feeling cold, and mood swings due to a lack of blood in the body. Many women ignore these symptoms, which can lead to them suffering from serious diseases in the future.
In fact, your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that aids in the transportation of oxygen through your bloodstream. If hemoglobin starts decreasing due to iron deficiency in your body, then the body will not receive enough oxygen.
If there is excessive iron deficiency, diseases such as anemia can occur. Iron deficiency is more common in women than in men, primarily due to menstruation occurring every month. Due to this, it becomes very common for them to become weak. To overcome iron deficiency, one should eat nutritious and healthy food. But let us understand why iron deficiency occurs and what its symptoms are.
What Causes Iron Deficiency?
Reasons for Iron Deficiency in Women: Both men and women can suffer from iron deficiency, but women are more likely to experience it than men. The following are the reasons for iron deficiency in women:
- Menstruation
- Due to pregnancy and childbirth
- Consuming foods low in iron
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What are Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?
Due to iron deficiency, various symptoms may appear in the body, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and yellowing of the skin. It is important to note that each person’s body may react differently, resulting in different types of symptoms. So, let us know what the symptoms of iron deficiency in women can be.
1. Excessive fatigue: Feeling very tired is one of the main symptoms of iron deficiency. Many times, women experience excessive or continuous fatigue. Due to iron deficiency in the body, the muscles do not receive sufficient oxygen. Due to this, the energy in the body decreases and fatigue persists.
2. Yellowing of the skin: Yellowing of the skin is one of the common symptoms of iron deficiency. The red color of blood comes from hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Therefore, when there is an iron deficiency, hemoglobin is not produced properly in the body. Due to which the skin starts losing its natural color and turns yellow. Along with this, your hands, especially the nails, also start to appear yellow and very dull.
3. Difficulty in breathing: If women experience prolonged and unexplained difficulty breathing, it could be a symptom of iron deficiency. Hemoglobin facilitates the transportation of oxygen throughout your body by assisting your red blood cells. When hemoglobin levels are low, oxygen levels are also low. This means that your muscles will not receive enough oxygen to perform regular activities such as walking. Consequently, your respiratory rate will increase as your body tries to obtain more oxygen. Therefore, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing may occur.
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4. Cold hands and feet: Women often have cold hands and feet due to iron deficiency. Oxygen does not circulate properly in their bodies. Due to this, they often feel cold, and their hands and feet frequently remain cold.
5. Pain in the legs: Women often experience leg pain while sleeping at night due to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency causes leg cramps and difficulty sleeping.
6. Headache: Headaches can also be a problem for women due to iron deficiency. Due to reduced hemoglobin production in the body, estrogen levels decrease. Due to this, regular headaches occur.
7. Hair Fall: In women, hair becomes weak and starts falling due to iron deficiency in the body. It is believed that about 80-100 hairs fall out every day. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss that is not being replaced, it could be a result of iron deficiency.
8. Irregular periods: Due to iron deficiency in women, they may also experience issues related to menstruation. Women’s menstrual cycles can start occurring at irregular intervals.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, a dietitian suggests that you may be suffering from iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to prioritize improving your diet. Incorporate green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and legumes into your diet. Also, contact your doctor.
Frequently Asked Question:
What food is highest in iron?
Liver, shellfish, red meat, tofu, lentils, beans, and dark leafy greens are rich sources of heme iron, which can be readily absorbed and utilized by your body. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can enhance the absorption of iron in your body. Therefore, it is advisable to consume them alongside iron-rich foods.
Are dried fruits high in iron?
Dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes, and raisins, contain a type of iron that is derived from plants. They’re not as rich in iron as certain vegetables or meats, but if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, they can still assist you in increasing your iron intake.
Is lack of iron serious?
Yes, a lack of iron, a condition known as iron deficiency anemia, can be serious. Iron plays a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen in your bloodstream. When you don’t have enough iron, your body cannot produce sufficient hemoglobin, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and difficulty concentrating. Severe or prolonged iron deficiency anemia can have significant health consequences, including impaired immune function and developmental issues in children. It is important to address iron deficiency through dietary changes or iron supplements when recommended by a healthcare professional.
What drink is high in iron?
- Prune Juice: Prune juice contains the highest amount of iron, and it is also beneficial for digestion.
- Beet Juice: Beet juice contains iron and is also rich in other nutrients such as antioxidants and vitamins.
- Tomato juice: It contains a small amount of iron and is also rich in vitamins, making it beneficial for heart health.
- Apricot Nectar: Apricot nectar contains a small amount of iron, and it is both delicious and sweet.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice contains a small amount of iron and is rich in vitamin C.
- Apple Juice: It contains a small amount of iron and is an excellent source of vitamin C.
- Spinach Juice: Spinach juice contains iron and is highly nutritious, although it may not be to everyone’s liking.
How can I raise my iron level fast?
To increase your iron intake, consume foods such as red meat, beans, lentils, tofu, and iron-fortified cereals. Also, eat fruits such as oranges and bell peppers with them because they help your body absorb iron. If possible, cook with cast iron pots and pans. They add a small amount of extra iron to your food. Try to avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee or foods high in calcium while consuming iron-rich foods.
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