Iron Deficiency – Consequences And Treatment – Step To Health

When we suffer from iron deficiency, the body sends out certain signs that we cannot ignore. Iron deficiency can cause many negative consequences for our body and it is important to be aware of them. In today’s article, we’ll tell you about some of them.

How does iron work?

It is also used to produce hemoglobin in the bone marrow. This substance transports oxygen in red blood cells.

When someone is deficient in iron, they suffer from a condition called anemia: the red blood cells become smaller and do not contain enough hemoglobin. Iron deficiency can occur at any stage of life, but is more common in nursing women, adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly.

We can also suffer from iron deficiency due to:

• Inadequate diet
• Digestive system disease or celiac disease
• Atypical periods
• Excessive blood donation

One of the main problems with iron deficiency is that its symptoms do not show up until an advanced stage. To find out if we have normal iron levels, we should undergo a blood test called a “complete hemogram”.

Iron deficiency and its consequences

Many people are anemic without even being aware of it. They feel that their symptoms are caused by too much work and a lack of sleep. However, when they have been going on for a long time, we should take a closer look at them.

As the number of red blood cells diminishes, they cannot properly perform their functions of transporting oxygen to the cells – we will feel depleted of energy and constantly tired.

When your iron deficiency is persistent and your anemia is advanced, you may experience a range of symptoms (which may be confused with other medical conditions or lifestyle effects):

• Fatigue, loss of energy, sleepiness
• Pale, shortness of breath, problems with exercising
• Irritability, lack of appetite
• Dizziness
• Fast heartbeat
• Brittle nails, hair loss

How to treat iron deficiency

If the anemia is severe, your doctor may prescribe medications or injections. If it was caused by blood loss, some may recommend a blood transfusion. However, in mild cases, which are detected through routine testing, the good news is that you can use natural remedies to improve your condition.

Adequate iron can be provided by a proper diet.

The daily recommended dose for men is between 5 and 10 mg. For women, it is slightly higher, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menstruation (at least 15 mg per day).

• Among the foods in our diet, meat and fish offer a good amount of iron.
• Fruits and vegetables, grains, eggs and dairy products offer a good dose of iron.
• If we suffer from anemia, we should increase the consumption of red beets, nuts, lentils, white beans and wheat germ.

Good to know that the body absorbs iron better if it is combined with vitamin C. This is why it is recommended to drink fresh orange juice with your meals.

Conversely, the opposite happens when the body receives certain foods, such as coffee, tea, and sodas (especially cola).

Home remedies for anemia

Did you know that the word “anemia” comes from the Greek “alhaima” which means no blood? In fact, what is missing when we suffer from this disease is iron and red blood cells.

Considering that since ancient times, this ailment has been treated with natural remedies, you can also apply them to supplement your treatment.

1. Garlic soup

Garlic soup fights anemia, but also increases body temperature . Many people with this condition always have cold hands and feet due to problems with blood supply to these parts of the body.

Ingredients

• 6 heads of garlic
• 1/2 cup of oil (100g)

• 2 slices of stale bread
• 1/2 tablespoon of paprika (5 g)
• 4 cups of water (1 l)

Preparation

• Peel the garlic and crush it well.
• Fry it in oil.
• Add bread and paprika.
• Pour in the water and then simmer it all for half an hour.
• Strain the soup and drink 2 glasses a day.

2. Gentian infusion

This plant has many interesting properties, thanks to its main active compounds that improve iron absorption.

It is recommended for women who have particularly heavy periods. Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon of gentian root (5 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)

Preparation

• Put the water with the root in a saucepan.

• Cook for 5 minutes.
• Remove from the burner and leave for 5 more minutes.
• Filter and sweeten with honey.
• Drink half an hour before meals.

3. Beetroot smoothie

This smoothie also contains other ingredients full of iron, so it is especially recommended for people with iron deficiency.

We should drink them every day on an empty stomach.

Ingredients

• 3 beet leaves
• A handful of watercress
• 10 almonds
• 2 tablespoons of oats (20 g)
• 1 cup of soy milk (250 ml)
• Lemon juice

Preparation

• Wash the vegetables well and put them in a blender.
• Add almonds, oatmeal, and soy milk.
• Squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture.
• Blend and drink immediately after preparation.