If you have an iron deficiency, you may not even be aware of the diagnosis but you could certainly suffer the consequences if your body does not have the iron it needs to function properly.

Consequences of Low Iron

Iron is the mineral that provides the body its energy. The iron absorbs the oxygen you intake from breathing and delivers it to the cells throughout the body. Without the proper levels of iron, the body can not function efficiently. Not having enough iron, or being "anemic," can cause:

• Excessive fatigue
• Problems with concentrating or staying focused
• Irregular heartbeats
• Shortness of breath

Who's At Risk?

Pregnant women are very prone to becoming anemic as their babies take their own nutrients from their mothers. In fact, about half of all pregnant females will develop anemia during their pregnancies. 20 percent of women and 3 percent of men are estimated to have low iron levels. Many individuals have no idea they are anemic because the condition develops slowly over time. It generally flies under everyone's radar until the symptoms begin to become noticeable.

How To Test For Low Iron Levels

If you suspect an iron deficiency, consult a professional medical provider as soon as possible. In the meantime or if you don't have any symptoms you can look at your own hands for signs of iron issues.

To test your hands, hold them out palm-side up. Spread your fingers wide. Check the creases of your skin for any paleness. No matter what the color of your skin is naturally, if you notice any paleness in the palm's creases, it may signal reduced circulation within the small blood vessels that are housed close to your skin's surface due to low levels of iron. You can also test the insides of your eyelids or your gums for signs of paleness.

How to Treat Anemia

Your doctor can conduct blood tests to determine your iron levels and determine the proper treatment for your anemia based on your medical history. Dietary changes can also be incorporated into your daily lifestyle. Add foods that contact iron-rich nutrients. Some foods that provide needed iron include:

• Liver (beef and pork)
• Mussels
• Clams
• Shrimp
• Turkey
• Beans
• Lentils
• Baked potato and potato skin
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Strawberries
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Tomato
• Peppers (green and red)
• Enriched breakfast cereals
• Enriched pasta

You can also add iron supplements to your diet if recommended by your health care provider to keep iron levels consistent. Remember to always see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The symptoms that accompany anemia can also indicate other health problems. Proper blood tests will help determine the root cause of your symptoms. Follow your doctor's recommendation for treating low iron levels to ensure your nutritional needs are balanced for good health.