Enter the world of iron, a minuscule yet mighty element ensuring the smooth operation of our bodies. Here’s a little secret: many of us are missing out on its superhero powers, leading to iron deficiency. Let’s find out why we need iron in our daily diet, what items we eat thattrouble it, and how can we manage to take all this under control.
The Basics of Iron and Why We Need It
Iron is like the superhero of minerals in our bodies. It plays an important role in the production of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. So, you can imagine, that without enough iron, our bodies can’t make sufficient haemoglobin, and our cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function properly.
Not Enough Iron in Our Diet
One of the primary reasons people experience iron deficiency is simply not getting enough iron from their diet. Iron is present in various foods, but some people may not consume enough iron-rich foods regularly. These foods include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals.If you find yourself skipping these iron-rich foods, your body might not be getting the nutrients it needs. It’s like expecting a car to run smoothly without putting gas in the tank – it just won’t work!
Absorption Issues
Even if you’re loading up on iron-rich foods, there might be some problems that can interfere with iron absorption. One of these culprits is calcium. While calcium is excellent for building strong bones, it can block the absorption of iron when taken together. So, if you’re having a calcium-rich meal, it’s a good idea to space out your iron-rich meals. Beverages like tea and coffee contain compounds that can hinder iron absorption. Don’t worry; you don’t have to give up your morning coffee or tea entirely. Just be mindful of when you’re consuming them about iron-rich meals.
Blood Loss
Blood loss might not sound like a common cause of iron deficiency, but it’s more prevalent than we realize. Women, in particular, experience blood loss during their monthly periods. If the blood loss is heavy or if periods are irregular, it can lead to a gradual depletion of iron stores.Similarly, internal bleedingwhether from an ulcer, polyp, or other conditions can also be harmful. If you notice unexplained fatigue or weakness, it’s essential that you visit a doctor.
Iron Needs in Different Life Stages
Just like a growing plant needs more nutrients, growing humans, especially children and teenagers require more iron. Rapid growth spurts demand an increased supply of iron to support the production of new red blood cells.Pregnancy is another life stage where more iron is required. The developing foetus relies on the mother’s iron stores, and if the mother doesn’t get enough iron through her diet or supplements, it can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also contribute to iron deficiency. Conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to decreased iron absorption.In some cases, the body may have difficulty using iron properly even if it’s consumed in sufficient quantities. This can happen in conditions like hemochromatosis or certain chronic diseases.
Iron deficiency is a common health concern, but the good news is that it can be prevented and managed if proper care is taken. By including a variety of iron-rich foods in our diet, and by looking at our health issues in the right manner, we can have a healthy body.
