Dealing With Iron Deficiency

Iron is a key component in the cells of our bodies, including the blood protein hemoglobin. It oxygenates our muscles and helps us use oxygen more efficiently. It is a component of the enzymes that help us digest food and carry out many important chemical reactions.

One of the most common symptoms of a lack of enough iron, called anemia, is lethargy. Those whose bodies lack sufficient iron may always feel tired or listless. Adults can find it difficult to concentrate or carry out daily chores. Iron deficiency can impair a person’s ability to carry out work obligations or continue with the operation of a home business due to lack of energy.

Other symptoms can include difficulty with cognitive functions, trouble regulating body temperature, and in extreme cases, a swollen tongue.

Those at Risk for Iron Deficiency

There are many causes for iron deficiency, but can be lumped into those whose iron needs increase, or those whose dietary intake of iron decreases.

Children have increased iron needs to accommodate rapid growth, and it can be difficult for them to get enough iron as part of their normal diet. Children’s vitamins containing iron are an important supplement to their daily food intake.

Pregnant women also need increased iron, and iron deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to a risk of giving birth prematurely. Babies born with iron deficiencies have a higher risk of illness or death within the first year of life.

Anyone who has lost a significant amount of blood is at risk of iron deficiency. This can occur from frequent blood donation, heavy menstruation, or certain parasites in the intestinal tract.

Lack of iron due to dietary reasons is prevalent in vegetarians, who do not consume enough iron-rich plant-based foods. Ingesting such substances as coffee, tea, dairy products, milk, whole grains, or legumes can hinder the body’s ability to extract iron from food. Foods containing vitamin C can assist with the absorption of iron.

Anyone with stomach ulcers or who takes a large amount of antacids is at risk for iron deficiency, as they hinder the body’s ability to extract and absorb iron.

Treating Iron Deficiency

Your doctor can detect iron deficiency through a simple blood test. Treatment for iron deficiency will then depend upon various factors such as overall health, age, and the root cause of the deficiency. Your doctor could prescribe an iron supplement, or instruct you to eat more iron-rich foods.

Clams, oysters, organ meats, and fortified instant cooked cereals are all very high in iron. Certain fortified dry cereals can also contain high levels of iron, but be sure to check the label.

Other good sources of iron include meat proteins, such as beef, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, soybeans, pumpkin, lentils, white beans, and sardines.

If you believe you may have an iron deficiency, consult your doctor and have a blood test to confirm it. Make adjustments in your daily diet to include foods rich in iron, and add foods with vitamin C to your meals to increase iron absorption. Be careful to avoid those foods which inhibit iron absorption in your meal planning. Before you know it, you will have your energy back and be ready to tackle your job – or your home business – once again.