How long feel better anemia

Iron can be toxic Iron overdose happens when you take too much iron in the form of supplements. Diagnosis and treatment for iron deficiency Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may be iron deficient. Diagnosis methods include: physical examination medical history blood tests In adults, treatment for iron deficiency depends on your iron status, and the underlying cause: If you have iron depletion , your doctor will give you information about including iron-rich foods in your diet.

You will have another blood test in around six months to check that your iron level has improved. If you have iron deficiency , your doctor will give you dietary advice and closely monitor your diet.

They will encourage you to have iron-rich foods and discourage you from having foods and drinks such as bran, tea and coffee that can interfere with iron absorption with meals.

They will regularly review your iron status and may prescribe supplements. If you have iron deficiency anaemia , your doctor will prescribe iron supplements.

It may take six months to one year for your body to restock its iron stores. Your iron levels will be regularly reviewed with blood tests. If you have an underlying problem that is causing your iron deficiency, it is very important that the cause is investigated. If it is a medical cause, it is important that it be treated appropriately.

Preventing iron deficiency How much iron your body absorbs can be affected by: how much iron you consume the type of iron you consume for example, whether it is haem or non-haem iron other dietary factors — for example, vitamin C can help your body absorb iron, but tea can make it harder to absorb your current iron levels — when your body is low in iron, it absorbs a higher percentage of iron from your food.

Some suggestions include: Wholegrain cereals, meat, poultry and fish are good sources of dietary iron. Liver is an especially rich source of iron, but avoid liver if you are pregnant because of its high vitamin A content. Choose iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads. If you are vegetarian and have no animal tissue in your diet, you may need almost twice as much dietary iron each day as non-vegetarians.

Plant-based sources of iron include: dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, raisins, nuts, prunes, dried apricots, seeds, dried beans and peas, and iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas. Vitamin C increases iron absorption, so eat more brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. Cut back on the amount of tea and coffee you drink, especially around mealtimes, since the tannins in tea and coffee bind to the iron and interfere with absorption.

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Health and Wellness. Wellness Library. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Red Blood Cells Reticulocytes. Condition Basics What is iron deficiency anemia? What causes it? What are the symptoms? How is it diagnosed? How is iron deficiency anemia treated? How can you prevent it? Cause Cause Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the body. You might have low iron levels from: Blood loss, such as: Heavy menstrual bleeding. Bleeding inside your body. This may be caused by problems such as ulcers , hemorrhoids , or cancer.

It can also happen with regular aspirin use. Bleeding inside the body is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and in women after menopause. Not getting enough iron in food.

This can happen in people who need a lot of iron, such as small children, teens, and pregnant women. Not absorbing iron well in your body. This problem may occur if you have celiac disease or if you've had part of your stomach or small intestine removed. Prevention Prevention Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin. Learn more Getting Enough Iron. Symptoms Symptoms Iron deficiency anemia develops slowly, and the symptoms may be mild.

If anemia is severe, symptoms may include: Feeling weak and tired more easily. Feeling short of breath during exercise. Trouble concentrating. Being grumpy or cranky. Feeling dizzy. Pale skin. Craving substances that aren't food pica.

In particular, a craving for ice can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Other signs may include: Rapid heartbeat. Brittle fingernails and toenails. Cracked lips. Smooth, sore tongue. Muscle pain during exercise. Trouble swallowing. Babies and small children who have anemia may: Be fussy. Have a short attention span. Grow more slowly than normal. Develop certain skills, such as walking and talking, later than normal. What Happens What Happens Iron deficiency anemia develops slowly, and the symptoms may be mild.

Exams and Tests Exams and Tests Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and past health. Your doctor may ask about: Any medicines that you take. Your eating habits. Any current or past conditions or diseases that you or a close family member has had. Your history of pregnancy, menstruation, or other sources of bleeding. Tests include: A complete blood count CBC.

But your doctor will still want you to find ways to avoid triggers of a fast heartbeat or shortness of breath. Triggers might include caffeine, stress, and overexertion. You can reduce triggers by utilizing relaxation techniques yoga, meditation, or deep breathing and avoiding stimulants, including caffeine and nicotine. While IDA does cause a fast heart rate and shortness of breath, you should still pay attention to these symptoms and know when to reach out to your doctor or call The single most important thing you can do to manage IDA and to better cope with the condition is to prioritize your diet.

Iron deficiency anemia can produce symptoms such as fatigue that impact your daily life. It can increase your risk of anxiety and depression. You can use strategies to manage the fatigue, including changes to sleep, diet, and activity. You may need help and support from family, friends, and medical professionals. Iron deficiency anemia is rarely a long-term condition. But as you wait for your iron levels to improve, be patient with yourself.

You will have times where your symptoms, including fatigue and depression, are worse and other times where they are better. Changes to diet, remembering to take supplements and other treatments, and conserving energy might seem challenging at first, but it will eventually become second nature. Take on changes one step at a time, and keep moving forward. Ask for help if you need it—from loved ones or a medical professional. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Psychiatric disorders risk in patients with iron deficiency anemia and association with iron supplementation medications: a nationwide database analysis. BMC Psychiatry. American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. Updated July 31, Sleep Foundation.

Alcohol and sleep. Updated September 4, Harvard Health Publishing. Fight fatigue with fluids. Updated November 21, National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Iron deficiency anemia. Cleveland Clinic. My hands and feet are always cold — should I worry? Updated September 30, American Heart Association. Tachycardia: fast heart rate. A 1-h time interval between a meal containing iron and consumption of tea attenuates the inhibitory effects on iron absorption: a controlled trial in a cohort of healthy UK women using a stable iron isotope.

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