If you are wondering, “What is iron deficiency anemia?” you are not alone. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) indicates that most people fail to realize they are suffering from anemia until they do a blood test. Because the classic symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may be similar to other medical problems or blood conditions, always see your medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.
A significant part of managing this illness is understanding what triggers episodes and the effective treatments. Here are some things you should know about iron deficiency anemia.
Cause and Triggers of Iron Deficiency Anemia
The causes of iron deficiency anemia vary from individual to individual. The main reasons include:
A diet low in iron: The body absorbs the iron it needs in foods rich in iron, such as meat, eggs, chicken, and fish, to provide the body with as much iron as it needs to produce hemoglobin. Since iron is crucial during growth, children, women who have periods, teenagers (especially girls), and pregnant women may require a diet that is rich in iron more often. This is one reason expecting moms take prenatal vitamins.
Inability to absorb iron: Certain illnesses may prevent iron absorption in the body. Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or gastric bypass surgery may interfere with how your body absorbs iron.
Blood loss: An iron deficiency may occur when a person loses a lot of blood from an injury or disease. In some cases, slow loss of blood as a result of chronic diseases, some types of cancers (colon cancer or stomach ulcer), gut conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, or an infection with parasites such as hookworms can lead to an iron deficiency.
Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency may be treated in several ways based on your doctor’s recommendations. The specific goal is to find ways to increase iron intake in your diet often while looking for an underlying cause, such as bleeding.
A Diet Rich in Iron
A diet that includes food rich in iron can prevent and even treat iron deficiency. Eat meat (pork, beef, chicken, liver, shellfish, duck), eggs, leafy vegetables such as curly kale and watercress, fish, brown rice, nuts, iron-fortified cereals, dried fruits, green peas, lima beans, and dry beans.
Taking Iron Supplements
Dietary supplements can boost the low iron levels in your body. Products like Geri-Care 220 mg Liquid Iron Supplement can provide supplemental iron.
A medical professional may recommend taking supplements for several months to increase iron levels in your blood. Supplements should be taken on an empty stomach to increase absorption. It’s important to note that iron supplements may cause constipation, vomiting, nausea, and discolored stools.
Taking a multivitamin with vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron properly. You should only take vitamin supplements with your doctor’s approval, though.
If you suspect you are suffering from iron deficiency, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis as soon as possible. Also, check out our selection at Simply Medical of iron supplements, including vitamins and minerals to boost your immunity!