Someone without anemia and sufficient iron levels will know when they're feeling hot, and have to take a sip of water or find some shade. With iron deficient or anemic individuals, it may not be that simple. In extreme cases, these people may not be able to tell that they're experiencing high temperatures.
This type of anemia causes poor blood circulation throughout the body from the lack of red blood cells and the reduced oxygen to body tissues. 8 The lack of oxygen will adjust sensations of hot and cold throughout the body.
Fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, paleness, sweating, headache, restless legs: these are all symptoms that could indicate a shortage of iron in the body. Iron deficiency, or iron deprivation, is a major cause of anemia.
With the right care or medication, anemia is not life-threatening, but struggling to stay warm is one side effect that may be heightened during this time of year.
Anemia occurs when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body's organs. As a result, it's common to feel cold and symptoms of tiredness or weakness.
For all types of anemia, particularly iron and vitamin deficiency anemia, symptoms such as exhaustion and lack of energy can make it difficult to exercise. A lack of physical activity can result in weight gain.
One of the best ways to manage anemia-related fatigue is to try and get sufficient sleep. However, you will want to avoid sleeping too much because that will add to fatigue. Instead, aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Naps are fine but limit yourself to one short 20- to 30-minute nap a day.
Fatigue. Tiring easily, and waking up tired even after a good night's sleep, are common and potentially serious symptoms of anemia. This is due to reduced and compromised red blood cells that naturally cannot carry the required levels of oxygen to the organs – which, in turn, cannot function efficiently.
Sweating more or feeling hotter than usual can be due to medication, hormonal changes, stress, or an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
Iron and hot flushes – information from one study investigated found that serum ferritin levels (the amount of iron in the blood) are parallel with the prevalence of hot flushes, indicating that an increase in iron may play a role in hot flushes.
In the long-term, iron deficiency can also cause severe heart problems; talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any irregularities in your heartbeat. Hemoglobin is what makes blood red, which in turn makes your skin flushed.
Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia.
Some foods can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. These include coffee, tea, milk, egg whites, fiber, and soy protein. Try to avoid these foods if you have iron deficiency anemia.
Foods to avoid
milk and some dairy products. foods that contain tannins, such as grapes, corn, and sorghum. foods that contain phytates or phytic acid, such as brown rice and whole-grain wheat products. foods that contain oxalic acid, such as peanuts, parsley, and chocolate.
A large 2020 study in BMC Psychiatry found that people with iron deficiency anemia had a significantly higher incidence and risk of anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorder, and psychotic disorders.
Undernutrition is linked with a higher risk of anemia, and lower dietary iron intake might be the possible reason.
When the body is deficient in iron, it becomes harder to transport oxygen to the cells that stimulate the growth of your nails and hair. This causes your hair to become thin and fall out. Research suggests that hair loss associated with iron deficiency may be a cause mainly in females of reproductive age.
Severe iron deficiency anaemia may increase your risk of developing complications that affect the heart or lungs, such as an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure, where your heart is unable to pump enough blood around your body at the right pressure.
Tea, coffee and wine contain tannins that reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body. Phytates and fibres found in wholegrains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.
Untreated iron deficiency anaemia: can make you more at risk of illness and infection – a lack of iron affects the immune system. may increase your risk of developing complications that affect the heart or lungs – such as an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure.