Can’t think about the duty at hand or feel sluggish beyond the afternoon slump? One possible cause: iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Around 3 million Americans According to the US Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), they suffer from anemia, and these are only the individuals who have been diagnosed. Many others live with the disease for years without realizing it.
“I think I’ve been iron deficient for years,” says Lisa Taylor, a 42-year-old business owner from McKinney, Texas Assets. “I remember going to offer blood in my early twenties and almost fainting. I began to sweat somewhat and felt somewhat dizzy. I didn’t say anything.”
Like Taylor, many individuals with IDA overlook or downplay their symptoms before receiving a correct diagnosis.
“When someone has anemia, they don’t have enough circulating red blood cells, so their body can’t function at 100%,” says Maya Bloomberg, a nurse within the division of hematology on the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Assets. “Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, heart palpitations, pale skin, dizziness, cold hands and feet.”
When less oxygen is delivered to the brain, brain fog can even occur. Bloomberg adds: “This symptom can cause difficulty thinking, concentrating, processing information, problem solving, forgetfulness and feelings of mental sluggishness.”
For many working people, productivity is their top priority. If problems with IDA prevent you from completing your projects or meeting certain deadlines, it could impact your profession.
The first step in combating these symptoms and treating the condition is to make an appointment along with your doctor to seek out out what’s causing the anemia.
What is anemia?
Get a correct diagnosis
Describe your symptoms to your doctor and don’t trivialize them.
“If you even feel like you’re not feeling well or that something’s wrong, don’t dismiss it as nothing,” suggests Taylor. “Just go in, get a blood test and make sure your levels are OK.”
Your doctor will perform tests and check the dimensions and color of red blood cells, check the share of your blood volume that’s made up of red blood cells, and monitor your hemoglobin and ferritin levels.
For Taylor, her exam revealed her IDA diagnosis. “My hemoglobin was about 10.0 or 10.1,” Taylor says. “So pretty low.”
Identify the underlying cause
If you might be diagnosed with IDA, it’s important to know what causes the disorder.
“Anemia can be caused by malnutrition, bleeding and certain medications, and some forms can be inherited,” says Nikka Kanani, a naturopath in Costa Mesa, California Assets. “Menstruating women, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are often most at risk of anemia.”
Unfortunately, some doctors don’t dig deep enough for answers.
“My biggest pet peeve is when people are diagnosed with iron deficiency and are told to take iron supplements,” says Bloomberg. “However, they are never investigated for the actual cause of the anemia.”
If your panel indicates anemia, your doctor may order additional tests to find out the underlying cause.
Taylor, who owns a laser engraving shop, attributes her anemia to her period.
“I have a pretty heavy and long menstrual cycle,” she says. “That’s probably the cause because they did every other test.”
Find the proper solutions
After the underlying cause is discovered, the following plan of motion is treatment. For many, iron supplements are the answer. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter iron tablets to replenish iron stores in your body. However, these tablets usually are not a universal solution.
“I tried taking iron orally, but my body wouldn’t process it,” says Taylor. “I tried different forms of it and it just didn’t work.”
Now the mother of two children, who had to pay attention particularly hard to do her job successfully, is receiving Venofer iron infusions. When administered intravenously, the consequences take up to 3 weeks to be felt and last for about six months.
“I feel normal afterwards and it definitely clears the brain fog,” says Taylor.
Make lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes also help to maintain brain fog at bay. “Lifestyle habits contribute to brain fog, particularly high levels of stress, which can negatively impact all aspects of our lives,” says Bloomberg. “Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga and simply spending time in nature can help reduce stress levels.”
Taylor knows this primary hand. In addition to her iron infusions, she stays lively through the use of an elliptical machine at home. She also includes iron-rich foods like beef and lentils in her food regimen.
“A diet rich in nutrients necessary for red blood cell production can help relieve symptoms of anemia, including iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid,” says Bloomberg. “Taking vitamin C along with iron-rich foods can increase iron absorption.”
Increase energy and increase productivity
With the proper treatment, individuals with IDA will experience improvement of their on a regular basis lives. Their energy levels can increase, as can their productivity.
“If my hemoglobin is high and my iron is good, there is basically no brain fog,” says Taylor. “I can think clearly and process things clearly.”
Taylor adds: “You just don’t know how bad you are until it’s corrected.” It’s like a veil has been lifted. I’m a special person.”
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