Paucity or shortage of iron mineral. It is a frequent cause of malnutrition that progresses into iron deficiency anemia, since iron is a component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein whose role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to various tissues in the blood and collect carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Therefore it aids in respiration, metabolism, energy and ensuring normal cell function. Iron is not limited to hemoglobin but it is a component of other proteins too.
Excessive loss of blood can cause iron deficiency which inevitably leads to anemia. This is mostly seen in women of child bearing age that suffer from menorrhagia which is heavy menstrual bleeding. Frequent nose bleeds. Malnutrition is a common cause of a lack of iron, this can be due to low income thus limited access to food rich in iron, or infrequent supply of iron rich foods. Malnutrition can be observed at puberty, where the assimilation of iron is at a higher rate. This is needed for development. Increased growth spurt requires a lot of iron, and sometimes this loss is not compensated and directly leads to insufficient iron. It is also frequent in pregnant women, where the expectant's iron has to cater for two. The developing fetus needs iron to fully develop therefore it consumes more iron, leaving mother with a shortage of iron. Another cause is the body's inability to assimilate iron despite a normal diet. This is usually due to irritation in the stomach or intestines seen in diseases such as celiac, ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers where absorption of nutrients is inhibited. Frequent donors of blood can also be at risk, medication such as aspirin, breastfeeding, and intensive, strenuous exercises also cause iron shortage, as it can be lost through sweating. Vegetarians are also susceptible to iron deficiency because the iron from meat can be easily assimilated compared to the iron found in green vegetables or other no-meaty foods.
Pallor of the skin including face, palms, inner parts of eyelids, gums, tongue. Breathing with difficulty or feeling breathless, extreme exhaustion and weakness in muscles and dizziness. A racing, pounding heartbeat, increased respiratory frequency, headaches due to reduced oxygen distribution as the lack of iron means the lack of hemoglobin that is necessary for oxygen transportation. Bizarre cravings for stuff that have no nutritional value, such as ice, soil, clay, paper etc. Being anxious all the time, inability to relax. And another sign is the falling of hair and having breaking or fragile nails.
-Diet: parsley, cucumber, spinach, broccoli, tomato juice, dried fruit. Liver is the richest in iron, including it in the diet would do wonders. Poultry and fish are also good sources. Be creative, add tomato to a salad or use a blender to make juice, make spinach soup or add to your stews. Avoid coffee, tea, soda and beer as they inhibit iron absorption.
-Sesame seeds: soak them for an hour or two, remove water and crush to make paste. Add honey eat this at least twice daily.
-Apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses: add 1 tablespoon of each to a cup of water. Drink once every day.
-Vitamin c supplements enhances iron absorption.