Like what I did there? EYE-RON… Hopefully that gave you a quick Monday laugh.

You guessed it today at the Exchange we are talking about IRON and how important it is for us.

I have struggled most of my life with Anemia…. being a red head I tend to be naturally deficient in it ( yes this is a fact google it). I can FEEL when I am low on IRON… So I take a daily supplement which keeps me topped up! So much so the doctors haven’t been able to pick up my anemia in YEARS!

Iron is essential essential to human life. About 70% of the iron in your body can be found in a protein in red blood cells called hemoglobin. Iron is essential in making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. These red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body.

To all my ladies out there!? ever get EXHAUSTED around your cycle? Well that CAN be low IRON. As women we should be taking a supplements , like a Multi with iron in it OR be taking at bare minimum a IRON supplement to keep us topped up… especially for those who are still having menstural cycles.

Women between the ages of 14-50 should be taking about 15 mg a day …psstt most multis have about 2-5 mg.

Here are some QUICK facts about IRON and WHY you NEED it!

1. ENERGY GALORE

While iron deficiency can lead to feeling fatigued, the inverse is also true. Getting enough iron can help boost your energy by making sure hemoglobin is able to carry plenty of oxygen throughout your body.

2. HEALTHY HAPPY BABY

During pregnancy, one’s blood volume and red blood cells increase to meet the needs of the baby and the placenta. For this reason, pregnant people have higher iron needs than those who are not pregnant, at about 27 mg per day. It’s important for pregnant people to get enough iron, not only to help meet their needs during pregnancy but also because iron is crucial for the growth and neurological development of the baby.

3. GYM TIME

Your muscles need adequate levels of oxygen to contract, which is a reason why muscle weakness is one of the common signs of iron deficiency. Beyond oxygen needs, iron is important for healthy muscle metabolism. Making sure you’re meeting your iron needs can help keep your muscles functioning at their best and improve your muscle endurance.

4. SMARTY PANTS

Iron is an important nutrient for brain health and cognitive function. When iron levels drop, so does the ability to concentrate and be mentally sharp. Getting enough iron supports a healthy nervous system as a whole and is important for keeping your brain healthy.

5. NO SICKNESS HERE

Iron’s ability to carry oxygen to our cells directly influences how cells can heal from damage and fight off infection. For this reason, having enough iron is important for healthy immune function. Research has shown that people with lower levels of iron are more susceptible to illnesses, including several foodborne illnesses. Studies have also found that those with adequate iron stores can fight off bacterial infections more quickly.

LOW IRON Symptoms

Some moderate or mild forms of iron deficiency might not have any symptoms. However, as deficiency progresses to iron-deficiency anemia, symptoms can become more pronounced. Some common signs of iron deficiency include the following:

• Fatigue
• Feeling cold when others aren’t
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Brittle nails
• Swollen or sore tongue
• Irritability

If you are worried about low IRON, contact your doctor and have a quick blood draw to check.

If your curios about IRON supplements or have more questions feel free to reach out to me! Id love to help you discover how great IRON is!

Email: wellnessexchangeinfo@gmail.com