Are You Iron Deficient?

by: AimyD
Total views: 27 | Word Count: 281

I am not talking about working out or "pumping iron", I am talking about the iron in your bodies.

If you don't have enough iron in your blood you are said to be anemic or have iron deficiency anemia. This nothing that should scare you, all it means is that there is not enough hemoglobin circulating or there could be low levels of red blood cells in the body.

Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly seen in pregnant women, this is due to the expansion of blood volume that takes place during all normal pregnancies.

There are signs and symptoms you can look for if you think you may have too little iron in your body. Signs and symptoms include lack of an appetite, rapid pulse, feeling as though you are always tired, feeling dizzy, having problems breathing or feeling out of breath, and pale mucous membranes.

To be diagnosed with anemia you must have a complete blood count which will separate the red blood cells to give a reading of the hemoglobin and hematocrit. The definition for anemia is having a hemoglobin lower than 11g/dl. Pregnant women usually see a decrease in hemoglobin by about 10% this is due to the blood volume expansion.

Causes of anemia include over using laxatives, cooking with large amounts of water, eating canned food more often than you should, insecticides, and blood loss from heavy menstrual flow.

Anemia can be treated with the help of a doctor or physician. If you think you may be anemic or have Iron deficiency anemia you should talk to you doctor about your symptoms. After doing so your doctor will be able to tell you the best treatment options for you.

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