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Is it cold in here? As I walk over to the thermostat with my fuzzy sleepers, chenille robe and sweats. Only to remember that it is still technically summer. Sound familiar? Having difficulty maintaining body temperature is a sign of iron deficiency. A trip to the doctor was in order for a hemoglobin test. This simple finger prick can detect low blood iron an alert you to the need for supplements and seeking an iron rich diet.
Iron deficiency and iron overload can be a problem. The appropriate iron intake is important to maintaining good health. Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, preterm and low birth weight infants, older infants and toddlers, and teenage girls have the greatest need for iron. One of the most abundant metals on earth is also an essential component in proteins that we need which help transport oxygen in our bodies.
Signs of iron deficiency anemia
• feeling tired and weak
• decreased work and school performance
• slow cognitive and social development during childhood
• difficulty maintaining body temperature
• decreased immune function, which increases susceptibility to infection
• glossitis (an inflamed tongue)
Women should eat at least eighteen milligrams of iron daily. Iron requirements of pregnant women are approximately double that of non-pregnant women because of increased blood volume during pregnancy, increased needs of the fetus, and blood losses that occur during delivery.
A deficiency in iron can lead to problems in thyroid function, hormone production and mental health ailments such as depression. Additional benefits from taking iron supplements may include increased energy, cognitive function and an improved immune system.
I take a dietary supplemental iron, ferrous sulfate which has regulated my iron. However, there are many good sources of iron found in food.
Best sources of iron in food
Meats
Turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, pork, veal, liver
Vegetables
Beans, Potatoes, Lentils, Peas, Pumpkins, Artichokes
Seafood
Shrimp, Tuna, Clams, Oysters
Grains
Pasta, Bagel, Bread
Before you begin pumping iron you should have a simple blood test done for anemia. Iron deficiency is uncommon among adult men and postmenopausal women.
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