Headaches are a common symptom of iron deficiency. In cases where iron deficiency is prolonged headaches may even become chronic. Iron deficiency can also lead to anaemia, which is defined as a decreased number of red blood cells. It occurs when the quantity of iron in the blood is not adequate enough to form haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is found in red blood cells; it transports oxygen from the lungs and throughout the body.
Anaemia
Various anaemia types exist and all entail a scarcity of red blood cells. However, iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common and often affects women due to the iron losses each month from menstruation. In fact, the iron losses due to menstruation may therefore contribute to frequent 'menstrual headaches' that are often solely attributed to hormonal changes.
Iron can be an important mineral in the treatment of migraines and headaches. In iron deficiency anaemia, the blood oxygen is decreased, meaning that its ability to transfer oxygen is compromised. This, in turn, causes blood vessels to dilate and thus changes blood pressure, which then triggers headaches. Some adults with minor iron deficiency may find that headaches are infrequent and mild while others who have a severe deficiency may suffer from intense and highly painful headaches on a regular basis.
Some of the other symptoms of iron deficiency are:
* Extreme fatigue * Pale skin * Circulation: sensitivity to cold * Shortness of breath * Fainting * Loss of appetite * Hair loss * Difficulty swallowing
Treating Iron Deficiency to Prevent Headaches
Iron is a mineral where caution must be exercised when supplementing. Iron is an oxidant and iron overload can be just as harmful as iron deficiency. Only supplement with iron if your doctor has suggested you do so, and be careful that you take any supplements specifically as directed. Some people find that a liquid formula is more palatable and easier to consume and others find it also helps to prevent constipation, a common side effect of iron supplements. If it is determined that iron deficiency is causing your headaches, try to increase your consumption of iron-rich foods. Good sources of iron include:
The form iron takes is very important in the quality of absorption. Non-haeme iron is found primarily in vegetable and grain sources and it not well absorbed. Haeme iron is found in meats and is generally very well absorbed. To increase the absorption of iron, numerous co-factors are indicated; ascorbic acid, otherwise known as vitamin C is a particularly significant one. To increase your absorption of non-haeme iron rich foods, it is suggested that you consume a food rich in ascorbic acid. Citrus foods, for example, would provide adequate ascorbic acid to enhance iron absorption.
Iron Overload and Headaches
As mentioned, do be cautious when consuming supplements. On the flip side, iron overload has been shown to possibly contribute to headaches. Some people may be more likely to suffer from migraines triggered by iron. It is thought that they have a higher accumulation of iron in the body tissues or perhaps an abnormal iron metabolism. Those who do have altered iron metabolism may have suffered from chronic infections or other illnesses but a precise reason is still not known. The important thing to remember is that you don't want to overdo supplementation and end up intensifying the headaches that you were trying to eliminate.
The best way to diagnose an iron deficiency is to see a doctor, however, there are lots of early signs and symptoms that you can be on the lookout for - just in case. An iron deficiency is more than just a lack of iron in your blood, it also decreases your red blood cell count, leaving you tired, pale, and unable to sleep.
At the risk of getting to technical, iron is a requirement red blood cells have to create hemoglobin. The hemoglobin is what carries oxygen around your body to your different body parts. It also is a requirement to make myoglobin, similar to hemoglobin except that it stores the oxygen in your muscles instead of transporting it. Without oxygen, your body doesn't have what it needs to operate. It's like holding your breath - you get tired and a little lightheaded because your body is not getting the oxygen it needs.
There are a number of reasons your body may become iron deficient, or anemic. You may simply not be getting enough iron, your body may not be absorbing it properly or you may have experienced a dramatic loss in blood. There are a few other possible causes such as alcoholism, overuse of aspirin or some other type of anti inflammatory drug as well as a variety of diseases that cause internal bleeding. However, if you suspect an iron deficiency and it's not due to internal bleeding or similar more serious illnesses, an iron deficiency can be relatively easy to reverse and cure.
Women, elderly and young children are at the greatest risk for being iron deficient. Women and teenagers are at a greater risk due to the blood loss caused by menstruation. Young children and babies can be at risk for a variety of reasons including improperly mixed formula or from drinking goat or cow's milk. Premature babies also have a high risk due to their typically rapid growth rate. However, even though certain groups of people are at a higher risk, everyone has a possibility of developing an iron deficiency.
Curing the deficiency Taking iron supplements or simply increasing the amount of iron rich food may be a very easy way to cure an iron deficiency, however, a doctor should always be consulted to determine if it is actually an iron deficiency and not some other type of disease. A doctor can do a simple blood test that will let you know if you are deficient. Iron rich foods include: meat, beans, nuts, raisins, fish and fortified cereals. The iron contained in meat is much more readily absorbed than that in beans and vegetables, so if you are a vegetarian, you may need more than the typical person to assure adequate iron absorption.
Iron supplements Iron supplements can be a powerful way to cure a deficiency anemia, however, too much iron can cause more harm than good. There is a disease called hemocromatosis that actually causes your body to absorb too much iron, making iron supplements a very dangerous product. Taking too much iron can also increase your risk of infections making it even more important to consult a doctor when considering taking an iron supplement. Some signs that you are getting more iron than your body can absorb include dark stools or constipation.
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