Understanding How The Body Uses Iron Can Be Helpful
By Tom Herrin
If people want to be an active participant in the maintenance of their own health, knowledge and awareness is a necessity. People commonly recognize many of the problems that they could possible have. Understanding symptoms can always make for better communication and planning for a good preventative maintenance program. Some signs are easily recognizable while others are a little more difficult. Most people probably think they know the basic symptoms of low iron when, in reality, they may know some but be totally unaware of others.
A Couple Of Basic Symptoms
Most people probably think of a person low on iron as being weak. This is true to an extent. There may be marked weakness or, at least, people my tire easily. They seem to just run out of gas. Another symptom of low iron isn't as recognizable. People may seem to feel confused while performing mental tasks. This may be mistakenly seen as some kind of dementia.
Iron Has Some Big Jobs
The most commonly thought of job that iron has in the body has to do with oxygen. Iron enables the blood to carry oxygen to the cells. Oxygen is needed in order for the body to use food just like a fire uses oxygen to burn. When the oxygen supply is limited, energy cannot be released. When people do any activity that causes them to burn a larger amount of energy, they begin to breathe hard. The body is simply trying to get more oxygen in and remove carbon dioxide. There must be a good supply of iron, or the body can’t function. The other role of iron is to transmit nerve impulses. If people are low on iron, they will not be able to have all of their mental function intact.
Iron Deficiency Is Generally Treatable
For the most part, iron deficiencies are among some of the most easily corrected problems people can have. There are many good supplements available that are designed for different needs. Most cereals are fortified with vitamins and iron. Reading labels is always a must. If you suspect you are low in iron, the easy and cheap way to find out is to go to a blood donor center or blood drive. They will prick your finger and let you know about your iron count. If you are low, they will send you away with information and instructions. If you are fine, they will tell you, and you will have the opportunity to make a lifesaving donation. Either one is a win for you.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Carmel, Ind.