Did you know that iron is an important mineral for your overall health? Not only does it carry oxygen throughout your body, as per Zorayr Manukyan, but it also helps keep your immune system strong. So if you’re feeling run down and out of energy, you may be suffering from an iron deficiency. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get your levels back up to normal. Read on to learn more.
Zorayr Manukyan Lists The Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is a condition in which the body does not have enough iron. Iron is a mineral that is needed for the production of hemoglobin, says Zorayr Manukyan, which is a substance in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron is also needed for the proper function of several enzymes in the body.
If iron deficiency is not treated, it can lead to anemia, a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Anemia can cause fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.
The most common cause of iron deficiency is blood loss. Blood loss can occur due to heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other causes. Other causes of iron deficiency include poor absorption of iron from the diet and inadequate intake of iron.
Iron Deficiency Treatment
There are a number of different treatment options available for iron deficiency. The most common is oral iron supplementation, which involves taking iron pills or drops on a daily basis. In some cases, intravenous iron therapy may be necessary. This is where iron is injected directly into the bloodstream.
If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency, your doctor will likely recommend that you make some lifestyle changes as well. This may include eating more foods that are high in iron, such as leafy green vegetables, lean red meat, and beans. You may also need to take a vitamin C supplement, as this helps the body absorb iron more effectively.
Making these lifestyle changes can help to improve your iron levels and reduce your risk of developing anemia. However, it is important to speak to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or taking any supplements. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your individual situation.
Food With Iron
Foods that are high in iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, tofu, and fortified cereals. Some fruits and vegetables also contain small amounts of iron, says Zorayr Manukyan. To get the most benefit from iron-rich foods, it is important to eat them with foods that contain vitamin C since this vitamin helps the body absorb more iron.
Zorayr Manukyan’s Concluding Thoughts
There are many different symptoms of iron deficiency, and it is important to be aware of them so that you can seek treatment if necessary. Iron deficiency can be treated with oral supplements, injections, or IV infusions. If you think you may be iron deficient, Zorayr Manukyan recommends talking to your doctor about getting a blood test to confirm.