Are you feeling stressed out and too tired lately?
It might be time to boost your iron levels! Staying healthy is super important, and eating a balanced diet with iron-rich foods can help. Iron is crucial for your body’s growth and development; without it, your blood would struggle to carry oxygen to your tissues. Iron is found in many foods, like red meat, banana, poultry, watermelon, spinach, and fortified cereals.
If you want to up your iron intake, try incorporating some of these foods into your meals. You could whip up a yummy spinach or veggie stir-fry or buy a Boomsky smoothie. Eating more iron-rich foods can improve your cognitive function, muscle strength, and immune system.
It’s important to be aware of the signs of iron deficiency, like feeling weak, dizzy, short of breath, having pale skin or brittle nails, experiencing headaches, or having a sore tongue. You should talk to your doctor if experiencing any of these symptoms.
Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, which is when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Anaemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency can lead to developmental delays in children, while pregnant women with low iron levels may have an increased risk of premature birth or low birth weight. Long-term iron deficiency can also lead to heart problems.
If you’re worried about your iron levels, your doctor can give you a blood test to measure your haemoglobin and ferritin levels. Depending on the severity of your deficiency, treatment could involve increasing your iron intake through food or supplements, IV iron therapy or blood transfusions in more serious cases. Remember, caring for your health is super important, and getting enough iron is a great way to feel your best!
