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Feeling Run Down? It Could Be More Than Just Tiredness.
Iron – it’s more than just something you iron your clothes with. This crucial mineral is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
Low iron can lead to a host of symptoms, and while fatigue is the most common, other signs often go unnoticed. Dr.
Jeanine Bowring sheds light on some surprising indicators of low iron that you should be aware of.
Beyond Exhaustion: Hidden Signs of Low Iron
- **Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? ** Notice more hair in your brush or shower drain than usual?
Low iron can impact hair growth, leading to increased shedding and breakage. Dr.
Bowring notes that significant hair loss could be a red flag.
- Chapped Lips: While dry weather can certainly chap your lips, persistent cracking, especially at the corners of your mouth, could indicate low iron.
- Tummy Troubles: Experiencing frequent heartburn, indigestion, or bloating? Low iron can disrupt your digestive system, leading to these uncomfortable symptoms.
- Brittle Nails: If your nails are prone to breaking, chipping, or have a spoon-like appearance (koilonychia), it’s worth checking your iron levels. Iron is essential for nail health and strength.
- Pale Skin: Looking a little ghostly lately? Pale skin, particularly in the face, under-eye area, gums, and nails, can be a sign of reduced oxygen flow due to low iron.
Dr. Bowring adds that feeling constantly cold can also be related.
- Headache Havoc: Frequent headaches can be triggered by low iron levels, as the brain requires sufficient oxygen to function properly.
- Dizzy Spells: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy when standing up quickly? This could be due to low iron impacting blood volume and oxygen delivery.
- Pale Under-Eyes: Check the skin beneath your lower eyelids. A healthy pink tone is normal. If it’s unusually pale, it could signal low iron, a common symptom of anemia.
If you experience several of these symptoms, consult your doctor to discuss whether you should get your iron levels checked. Early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious health issues.