Unusual signs of iron deficiency in your body

Yesterday you were full of energy and ready to move mountains, and now can not bring himself to get out of bed and feel terrible fatigue? Maybe you're just tired, or maybe your body lacks iron. How do you know it's time to slightly change the menu?

The role of iron in our body

An adult human contains approximately 3-4 grams of iron (approximately 0.02%), of which only about 3.5 mg in the blood plasma. The hemoglobin contains about 68% total body iron in ferritin - 27%, in myoglobin - 4%, in transferrin - 0.1%.

functions:

• involved in metabolic processes in the composition of enzymatic reactions;
• involved in the synthesis of red blood cells;
• It is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin;
• performs the transportation of oxygen molecules from the lungs throughout the body;
• It provides the body with energy;
• increases physical and intellectual performance;
• enhances immunity.

The more the body produces hemoglobin, the faster oxygen gets to our tired muscles during training. The less iron, the lower the level of hemoglobin - the oxygen is more difficult to get to the working muscles and organs, and this leads to fatigue and rapid breathing (respiration through the body tries to increase the flow oxygen).

Iron gets into our body through food. The diet is divided into its heme (animal) and non-heme (plant origin). Iron animal origin is better absorbed by the body (15-30%) as compared with iron, derived from vegetable sources.

Ascorbic acid and animal protein considerably improve iron absorption by the body. Use of eggs and products containing calcium, by contrast, the process slows down. In the same list, you can add coffee, Tea (black and green), as well as some medications and vitamin E.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

The desire to eat dirt, chalk, tooth paste, dough and other strange things. By not fully established by science reasons in people with acute shortage of iron in the body there is a strong urge to chew the ground, whitewash, cardboard, clay and even watercolors. This condition is difficult to catch, as people often ashamed to admit these desires.

Brittle nails. The condition of nails and hair very well reflects the main problems in our body. Brittle nails and poor condition of the skin around them - one of the indicative signs of iron deficiency. The condition of nails with iron deficiency is called "koilonychia", they seemed to sink into the skin and take the form of a spoon.

Chapped lips. Chapped lips are the result not only of anemia, but too dry air in the room, severe frosts or habits constantly licking his lips. However, cracks caused by iron deficiency, there is a specificity: they are formed in the corners of the mouth and so painful that there is unpleasant and even smile. Scientists have found that in 35% of cases cause angular cheilitis (in common known as perleches) is precisely the lack of iron. In this case, treatment of cracks can not help you. The only option to eliminate the problem - the treatment of iron deficiency.

Swollen tongue. Another striking feature of iron deficiency - atrophic glossitis, which is characterized by swelling and increased sensitivity of the language. Some people have swollen tongue so that it becomes completely smooth. Edema can cause some difficulty with speech, chewing and swallowing.

Link to the ice. The desire to chew ice is another specific manifestation of a lack of iron in the body is called pagofagiey. This is one of the symptoms of acute iron deficiency. The reasons for this strange rods are not entirely clear, but the researchers suggest that chewing ice increases alertness (As a rule, people with iron deficiency sluggish and tired, have trouble with attention and memorization information). Another option: ice soothes the swollen tongue.

Do not worry, if you just suddenly wanted to chew the ice and after the execution of a bizarre desire craving disappeared. Usually people with pagofagiey not limited to one or two ice cubes. Their rate - from one cup to a kilogram per day.

Tingling in the legs. When seated you can not help feeling that you have to constantly move their legs or go somewhere, you may have restless legs syndrome. This feeling can be described as burning, twitching, tingling in the legs. Doctors are still not yet fully determined what is causing the strange feeling, but it is known that one of the problems that cause these symptoms - iron deficiency.

Signs of iron deficiency also include dizziness, fatigue, apathy, impaired concentration, weak immunity, digestive problems and blood supply, lack of appetite and dyspnea.

When to seek medical advice

If you find yourself a few signs of iron deficiency, it is better to consult a doctor and take a blood test. Depending on the results of tests your doctor may advise you to simply adjust your diet or prescribe special preparations. Self in this case can lead to problems of liver or bone loss. Last - cause osteoporosis.