Iron deficiency is considered to be one of the most common health problems affecting children and adults worldwide, regardless of gender and age. But what exactly is iron deficiency, how to recognise it and how to prevent it? Let’s find out more!
Iron deficiency vs anemia – what is the difference?
There are two terms associated with iron deficiency, both of which refer to low levels of iron in the body, but are of different severity, often requiring different approaches and treatments. The difference between these two health conditions is that, in case of milder iron deficiency, the body’s iron stores are depleted, but the hemoglobin level in the blood remains within the normal range. Anemia, on the other hand, is a more severe form of iron deficiency in which the body’s iron stores have fallen so low that hemoglobin level in the blood is below normal, leading to anemia.
What causes iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient iron stores. This can be caused by an iron-deficient diet or by a health problem that makes it difficult to absorb the mineral. Low iron levels can be signalled in a number of ways. Symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Reduced physical endurance;
- rapid heartbeat and attention problems;
- lack of motivation
- apathy
- constant fatigue and exhaustion;
- sleepiness;
- restless legs syndrome;
- shortness of breath;
- constantly cold feet and hands;
- dizziness and headaches;
- brittle nails and hair;
- cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- nervous system disorders.
If you are familiar with the above symptoms, it is worth investigating further to see if they may be caused by iron deficiency.
How to help yourself with iron deficiency?
If iron deficiency has taken hold, there is no reason to give up – there is a lot we can do to restore and maintain our body’s iron stores. There are many ways to do this. The key words in rebuilding iron stores are:
A healthy and iron-rich diet in the daily menu.
In order to keep the body’s iron stores full, it is helpful to make sure that your daily menu is healthy and varied. According to various sources, about 10-15% of the iron in food is absorbed by the body. Foods of animal origin are considered to be more iron-rich, such as red meat, eggs, salmon, tuna and other seafood. However, plant products such as fresh spinach, kale, ripe strawberries, cherries, legumes and lentils, avocado, pumpkin and hemp seeds, cashew nuts, dried fruits (dates, raisins, figs and apricots), beetroot juice, fleaworts, nettle, thyme, etc. are excellent sources of iron. A number of cereals, such as oatmeal and quinoa, are also rich in iron.
Iron-rich spirulina
In addition to a varied diet, high-quality spirulina grown in a controlled environment, available in both powder and tablet form, is an excellent source of iron for iron deficiency. Spirulina is a protein-rich blue-green algae, which also contains a large amount of high-quality plant-derived iron – as much as 28.5 milligrams per 100 grams. Spirulina is so powerful that NASA scientists have chosen it as a supplementary food for astronauts. Spirulina is a 100% natural, additive-free remedy that can provide effective help for iron deficiency without any unpleasant side effects.
Bioactive iron supplements with pure ingredients
In the case of a more severe iron deficiency, high-quality iron supplements can help to bring the body’s iron levels back to normal. In this case, both iron sulphate and phosphate, which are widely used as adjuvants for anemia. High-quality, FDA-approved, with controlled formulation Epigenetics liquid iron supplements iron sulphate and iron phosphate are waiting for you at Centralsun online store. Both products are of UK origin, vegan friendly, GMO free, lactose and gluten free, making them suitable for use in special diets.
Remember that excess iron in the body can also cause problems.
While an adequate supply of iron in the body is vital and important, this essential mineral should not be overdosed. Excessive iron in the body can lead to iron poisoning, symptoms of which can include vomiting and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, acute inflammation of the digestive tract, as well as low blood pressure and sleep-disordered state.
Consult a specialist if necessary
If you want to start boosting your iron stores, but you are not sure which steps to take and which doses of iron supplements might be right for you, be sure to consult a healthcare professional beforehand who is qualified to recommend a treatment plan that is right for you.
But how to prevent iron deficiency?
The best way to prevent iron deficiency is to eat a healthy and varied diet, including green leafy vegetables and algae. However, if there are signs of iron deficiency, taking a preventive iron supplement at a reasonable dose may also help to avoid deficiency.
Get quality health products from Centralsun online shop.
Everything useful is waiting for you in our online shop, where you will find, among other health products, a variety of Hawaiian Spirulina products as well as high-quality iron supplements from Epigenetics.
Find out more and order pure and tested spirulina tablets conveniently HERE. You can find Epigenetics iron phosphate HERE, iron sulphate HERE.
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