I have Iron Deficiency Anemia Could that be why I feel this way?
I have Iron Deficiency Anemia Could that be why I feel this way?
It could be the anemia for sure, your not oxygenation properly.You should include more iron in your diet and if it gets worse you may need an iron or blood transfusion.Causes
Iron deficiency
anemia is the most common form of anemia. About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men do not have enough iron in their body.
Iron is a key part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. Your body normally gets iron through diet and by recycling iron from old red blood cells. Without iron, the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively. Oxygen is needed for every cell in the body to function normally.
The causes of iron deficiency are
Blood loss
Poor absorption of iron by the body
Too little iron in the diet
It can also be related to lead poisoning in children.
Anemia develops slowly after the normal iron stores in the body and bone marrow have run out. In general, women have smaller stores of iron than men because they lose more through menstruation. They are at higher risk for anemia than men.
In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually caused by gastrointestinal bleeding due to:
Certain types of cancer (esophagus, stomach, colon)
Esophageal varices
Long-term use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
Peptic ulcer disease
Iron deficiency anemia may also be caused by poor absorption of iron in the diet, due to:
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Gastric bypass surgery
Taking antacids
Other causes of iron deficiency anemia include:
Heavy, long, or frequent menstrual bleeding
Not receiving enough iron in the diet (for example, if you are a strict vegetarian)
Adults at high-risk for anemia include:
Those who use aspirin, ibuprofen, or arthritis medicines for a long time
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding who have low iron levels
Seniors
Women of child-bearing age
Treatment
The cause of the iron deficiency must be found, especially in older patients who face the greatest risk for gastrointestinal cancers.
Iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) are available. For the best iron absorption, take these supplements with an empty stomach. However, many people cannot tolerate this and may need to take the supplements with food.
Patients who cannot tolerate iron by mouth can take it through a vein (intravenous) or by an injection into the muscle.
Milk and antacids may interfere with the absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women will need to take extra iron because their normal diet usually will not provide the required amount.
The hematocrit should return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy. However, iron should be continued for another 6 – 12 months to replenish the body’s iron stores in the bone marrow.
Iron-rich foods include:
Eggs (yolk)
Fish
Legumes (peas and beans)
Meats (liver is the highest source)
Poultry
Raisins
Whole-grain bread
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