Iron deficiency is a condition of the body in which it becomes impossible to maintain normal physiological functions of the blood, as well as tissues, including muscle and brain tissue. After all, iron is necessary for a person literally "for everything", it plays a huge role in many metabolic processes. And by the way, this is why the symptoms of its deficiency are so varied.
The first signs of a lack of iron in the body
Many people are interested in the question: how can you recognize iron deficiency at the very beginning, so that later you do not have to talk about its difficult continuation - iron deficiency anemia (by the way, according to WHO statistics, more than 15% of the world's population is already susceptible to this serious disease).
Doctors and patients themselves are sure: at first, a person does not notice any defect, since the body uses the accumulated "iron" reserves for some time. But if stocks are not replenished for a long time, there will already be an obvious deficit, which at first will be expressed in:
- dryness of the skin;
- fragility of hair, nails;
- the formation of a jam in the corners of the mouth;
- the tendency to "catch" all kinds of infections.
If measures are not taken at this stage, then everything will only get worse. And most importantly, it is more difficult to replenish. If, in general, it does not come to anemia, and it is very difficult to treat.
In any case (at least at the initial stage, at least later), the lack of iron in the body will manifest itself, including:
- general fatigue;
- weakness in the body;
- problems with concentration;
- violations of the regulation of body temperature.
Risk group
Most likely, iron deficiency and all the associated consequences will experience:
- women of childbearing age;
- pregnant women.
But vegetarians, as many think, do not belong to the risk group (of course, if they are not young women or women in a position). This is because iron is quite enough in some vegetables and legumes. So vegetarians who eat relatively well have enough.
How can you prevent iron deficiency anemia?
In order to prevent a deficiency in the body, the diet should be adjusted by adding products to it so that at least 10 mg of iron per day for men and at least 15 mg for women is released. This amount can be easily obtained if the diet is balanced in a specific way.
You will need to add to the menu:
- whole wheat bread;
- red lean meat;
- vegetables;
- mushrooms (preferably chanterelles);
- spinach;
- lentils;
- oatmeal on the water.
Want to know more about medicine? Do not forget to support our channel in Yandex. Zen like and subscription. This motivates us to publish more interesting content. You will also be able to quickly learn about new publications.
