Anemia develops when you don’t have adequate healthy red blood cells to transmit oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron. Anemia is the most widespread blood disorder in the United States. Statistics specify that 3.4 million Americans are anemic. Anemia affects one in 10 teen girls and women.
Iron is important because it helps you get plenty oxygen all through your body. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a part of your red blood cells. If you do not have enough iron, your body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells. Then your body has less hemoglobin, and you cannot get enough oxygen.
The most common type of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, is most often caused by blood loss.
Low oxygen can be felt in the brain and muscles as dizziness, fatigue and weakness. The body senses the need for oxygen, and sends a message to the heart to work harder, work faster, and pump more blood. That’s how incredible our body functions, which is why we need to do our part in helping it fight.
For people who do get symptoms from iron deficiency anemia, one or more of the following are most common:
Some intriguing but less common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include cravings for ice, grass, clay, paper, and hair for nutrition, sore or smooth tongue, and brittle nails or hair loss.
Fatigue is a very common symptom of anemia, as it is often one of the very first signs of a health problem with individuals experiencing an inexplicable loss of energy.
In addition to feelings of severe fatigue, anemia is also likely to cause headache, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath mainly if you stand up swiftly or following physical effort. For severe anemics, the body’s tissues and organs require the enough blood and oxygen to function efficiently.
Dizziness can be connected to instability of the brain, vision issues, disorders of the inner ear (vertigo), and even gastrointestinal system.
Pale skin is another common sign of anemia and it’s very apparent once you see one. There's a reason the words "pale" and "sickly" are often used interchangeably. This pale, or pallor, complexion will often indicate a decreased blood flow or a lower production of red blood cells. A sudden pale skin tone should be brought the attention of your doctor immediately.
Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and, thus, your skin its rosy hue.
An overview of the causes of iron deficiency anemia includes:
These groups of people may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia:
Iron is a mineral needed by our bodies.
Iron is a part of all cells and does many good things in our bodies.
Having too little hemoglobin is called anemia. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen.
If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, pregnancy problems and growth problems (for your kids).
Don’t let your body suffer because of being less knowledgeable! It’s never too late to give your body what it needs!
References:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/iron_deficiency_anemia-health/page2_em.htm
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview
Iron is important because it helps you get plenty oxygen all through your body. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a part of your red blood cells. If you do not have enough iron, your body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells. Then your body has less hemoglobin, and you cannot get enough oxygen.
The most common type of anemia, iron deficiency anemia, is most often caused by blood loss.
Low oxygen can be felt in the brain and muscles as dizziness, fatigue and weakness. The body senses the need for oxygen, and sends a message to the heart to work harder, work faster, and pump more blood. That’s how incredible our body functions, which is why we need to do our part in helping it fight.
For people who do get symptoms from iron deficiency anemia, one or more of the following are most common:
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath or chest pain with activity
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Headache
- Cold hands or feet
- Pale or yellow skin
Some intriguing but less common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include cravings for ice, grass, clay, paper, and hair for nutrition, sore or smooth tongue, and brittle nails or hair loss.
Fatigue is a very common symptom of anemia, as it is often one of the very first signs of a health problem with individuals experiencing an inexplicable loss of energy.
In addition to feelings of severe fatigue, anemia is also likely to cause headache, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath mainly if you stand up swiftly or following physical effort. For severe anemics, the body’s tissues and organs require the enough blood and oxygen to function efficiently.
Dizziness can be connected to instability of the brain, vision issues, disorders of the inner ear (vertigo), and even gastrointestinal system.
Pale skin is another common sign of anemia and it’s very apparent once you see one. There's a reason the words "pale" and "sickly" are often used interchangeably. This pale, or pallor, complexion will often indicate a decreased blood flow or a lower production of red blood cells. A sudden pale skin tone should be brought the attention of your doctor immediately.
Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and, thus, your skin its rosy hue.
An overview of the causes of iron deficiency anemia includes:
- Blood loss.
- A lack of iron in your diet.
- An inability to absorb iron. (An intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease)
- Pregnancy. Without iron supplementation, iron deficiency anemia occurs in many pregnant women.
These groups of people may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia:
- Women. Because women lose blood during menstruation, women in general are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
- Infants and children. Infants, especially those who were low birth weight or born prematurely, who don't get enough iron from breast milk or formula may be at risk of iron deficiency.
- Vegetarians. People who don't eat meat may have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
- Frequent blood donors. People who routinely donate blood may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Iron is a mineral needed by our bodies.
Iron is a part of all cells and does many good things in our bodies.
Having too little hemoglobin is called anemia. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen.
If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, pregnancy problems and growth problems (for your kids).
Don’t let your body suffer because of being less knowledgeable! It’s never too late to give your body what it needs!
References:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/iron_deficiency_anemia-health/page2_em.htm
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/iron-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview