7 Signs of Iron Deficiency You Might Be Ignoring ( BY LISA MILBRANDreader's digest )

 

Iron deficiency is often underdiagnosed—and undiscovered. Watch out for these signs that you've developed iron deficiency anemia.

BY LISA MILBRAND

You feel tired and weak

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Fatigue is probably the symptom most commonly associated with iron deficiency. The reason for the exhaustion? A lack of oxygen flowing through your body. "When you have anemia you have fewer blood cells to carry oxygen to vital organs of the body," says Ian Tong, chief medical officer at Doctor On Demand. "This oxygen deficit is global and can cause vague symptoms like fatigue, headache, and weakness." Learn 9 other reasons why you could be feeling fatigued.

You develop restless leg syndrome

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Restless leg syndrome, a nervous system disorder that creates that "pins and needles" feeling and creates an urge to move your feet that could keep you up at night is one of the more unusual symptoms of iron deficiency, according to Dr. Tong. Find out home remedies for restless leg syndrome.

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Your hands and feet may feel cold

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The old saying may be "cold hands, warm heart," but cold hands could actually signify anemia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Learn other reasons you may be feeling the chill.

You may feel dizzy

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Feel dizzy? Iron deficiency anemia could be to blame. "Dizziness or chest pain can also result because your body is trying to tell you to lay down and let more oxygen get to the heart or brain," Dr. Tong says. Learn about the anemia symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

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You might develop heart conditions

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Because a loss of iron affects your red blood cell count, a shortage could cause your heart to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body—and cause you to develop heart murmurs or an enlarged heart. And if you already have cardiovascular disease, low iron levels could prove deadly. "People with diseases of the heart or blood vessels—also called cardiovascular disease—could suffer a heart attack or stroke if they develop iron deficiency," Dr. Tong says. Discover how to help prevent heart disease.

You might crave weird things

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One of the weirdest symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia is pica, which is a sudden desire to eat some pretty unusual things, like clay, dirt or ice. Learn some smart strategies to stop food cravings of all kinds.

You might develop headaches

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If you find yourself popping pain killers for headaches on a regular basis, iron deficiency anemia could be to blame. "When you have anemia you have fewer blood cells to carry oxygen to vital organs of the body," Dr. Tong says. "This oxygen deficit can cause vague symptoms like headaches." Could your headache be the sign of something more serious?