If you’re like many people, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about how much iron you have in your system. However, once you become iron deficient, your thoughts will definitely turn to how the condition developed and how you can get more iron into your system.
At Renal Clinic of Houston, we understand how important it is to reach and maintain proper iron levels. That’s why we offer customized treatment for residents of Houston, Texas, and beyond, and why we’re proud to offer some insight into how to know if you don’t have enough iron and what you can do about it.
Iron is an essential part of human health and plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Your immune response empowers you to fight off a wide range of infections and prevent serious illness, and when it isn’t working as hard as it could be, you’re at an elevated risk of harm.
Your body requires iron to manufacture new hemoglobin, which is a protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin works to support healthy muscle tissue, organ function, and bone marrow. Iron is even part of the process of developing hormones. Iron is critical in the transportation of oxygen throughout your bloodstream.
Your body does not create iron and relies on gathering this essential mineral from the food you eat. Without sufficient iron, you can develop iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that can have serious adverse health effects.
Knowing what to look for can help you know when it’s time to take action and seek medical help for low iron, or anemia. Some of the changes you might experience if your iron stores become depleted include:
If you experience these issues for more than a couple of days, you should consider working with a health professional to determine if you are anemic and might require treatment.
A number of different things can lead to iron deficiency. Some causes are easier to identify than others, and far too many people live with anemia for years before they’re diagnosed.
Some of the issues that can cause or worsen anemia include:
Determining the cause of your iron deficiency is the first step in treating the condition. Resolving the underlying issue can help you reach and maintain normal iron stores.
If you are diagnosed with anemia, your first line of treatment may be daily iron supplements to help build up the levels of iron within your blood. There are a number of different supplements to choose from, and some are more easily tolerated than others.
For some people, the best way to restore optimal iron levels quickly is through an intravenous infusion, or IV therapy. Most people begin to feel better within a few days of IV iron treatments.
If you’re concerned about symptoms of low iron or are ready to explore new treatments for managing anemia, the team at Renal Clinic of Houston can help. Simply give us a quick call to schedule an appointment, or spend a few moments on our easy online booking page to find a time that works for you.
