The mineral iron is responsible for generating hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that enable the latter to circulate oxygen around the body. Lack of hemoglobin leads to iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms may vary but the following are the most common as listed by an internal medicine physician in McKinney, Texas:
- Unusual tiredness
With inadequate hemoglobin, your heart will have to work harder to move oxygen-rich blood around, which is what makes you tired. - Paleness
You will experience pale skin or paleness, especially in the lower eyelids. Hemoglobin is what gives the red blood cells their color, so iron deficiency makes you generally pale. - Shortness of breath
Low oxygen levels can lead your breathing rate to increase as your body will try to get more oxygen. - Headache and dizziness
There are many causes of headaches but telemedicine services in Texas claim that there is a link between iron deficiency and frequent headaches and dizziness. - Heart palpitations
Hemoglobin helps transport the oxygen around the body so low levels of it can lead to your heart beating abnormally fast. - Damaged or dry skin and hair
Your skin or hair will become weak or dry when deprived of oxygen. Hair loss happens, too. Normally, your hair falls out daily due to brushing or washing, but if you’re losing clumps more than usual, it may be due to iron deficiency.
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