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Iron deficiency, or a deficit in the amount of the mineral iron in your body, is a relatively common health condition.
If it’s severe enough, it can even lower your red blood cell count and cause anemia–a major issue because iron creates hemoglobin, which is a crucial protein that allows oxygen to circulate effectively within your body.
Oxygen circulation allows for the effective, efficient function of your body’s essential organs, and provides you with the necessary energy you need to be productive and healthy.
Read on to find out the top four signs of iron deficiency.
Fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia. While it’s typical to feel tired in today’s busy lifestyle, over half of the people with iron deficiency will experience severe daily fatigue.
If you’re feeling more exhausted than usual or noticing a dip in your productivity, the oxygen levels in your blood might be causing it, and it may be time to see a doctor.
Do your hair and fingernails seem damaged, cracked, and dry? Are you losing your hair easily, or finding that your nails break without much effort? These might be symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
When the oxygen levels in your body are lower, the available oxygen will go to your essential organs first, such as your heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Your hair and nails, meanwhile, will come last, which might make them appear less healthy.
If you feel short of breath, you just might have iron deficiency or anemia. Iron deficiency causes both heart palpitations (which will feel like a rapid heartbeat) and a lowering of the overall oxygen levels in your body.
This means that it might feel challenging to catch your breath while you do simple activities, like household chores or walking around the block. Pay attention to your body and notice any signs of difficulty breathing.
Extremely pale skin and dark circles under your eyes are common signs of iron deficiency anemia. This is because your red blood cells give your skin that characteristic rosy glow, so if you’re looking paler than normal, your hemoglobin levels might be lower than they should be.
Your doctor can give you a blood test to confirm these suspicions.
