7 signs you’re having iron deficiency

Iron is a mineral, which is essential for health and well-being. In the absence of this mineral, most of the functions of the body would malfunction.

The major role that iron plays in the body is to carry oxygen in the blood to all the cells in the body. It is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that help in carrying oxygen from the lungs and transports it to all the parts of the body.

Iron deficiency means your body loses the capacity to produce enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Iron deficiency can also result to anemia, which means having too little hemoglobin.

Insufficient iron levels can create chaos all over the body. Given below are seven signs of iron deficiency.

1.      Hair loss

When iron deficiency develops into anemia, can lead to hair loss. In this condition hair follicles do not get enough oxygen, they go into a resting stage, and hair falls out. If you notice excessive hair loss and it is not growing back, this may be because of iron deficiency.

2.      Extreme fatigue and exhaustion

One of the most common signs of iron deficiency is experiencing extreme fatigue and exhaustion. This happens because your body is having trouble to carry oxygen to your cells so it’s exhausting your energy levels.

People with iron deficiency often feel weak, sluggish, and unable to concentrate.

3.      Frequent infections

Iron has a major role in keeping the immune system healthy, so lower levels of the mineral mean you are more susceptible to infections. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the spleen, which is a place where infections can be scraped out.

Red blood cells also transport oxygen to the lymph nodes that is the house of infection-combating white blood cells. When there is an iron deficiency, the white blood cells aren’t being produced as well as they aren’t strong because they’re not getting enough oxygen.

4.      Pale complexion

Having pale skin is often linked with being unwell, and there’s a good reason behind it. Hemoglobin causes the skin to have rosy color, so the lack of hemoglobin causes the skin to become lighter.

Red blood cells with low levels of iron become smaller and paler in the center so makes skin to look paler.

5.      Swollen tongue

Lack of oxygen supply can also result in muscles to enlarge and become painful. It occurs in all the muscles, but the tongue is only you can see. People with iron deficiency usually have cracks on the side of the mouth.

6.      Restless legs syndrome

Some people who have iron deficiency develop restless legs syndrome, which is a disorder that makes you have a strong urge to move your legs. This urge often sparks with an unpleasant, crawling sensation in the legs that can cause difficulty while sleeping.

7.      Pica

In this condition, people who are having iron deficiency may develop cravings for non-food substances, including dirt, chalk, or clay. 

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