In these modern times, we live busy lives where productivity is essential. With duties in the workplace, at school, and at home, there’s just a lot of work to be done. And let’s face it, we can be more productive on some days than others. But if you have more unproductive days than fruitful ones, this may be a sign of iron deficiency.

A Look into Blood Health

Iron is essential in blood production. It is part of the protein hemoglobin which transports oxygen from the lungs to muscles and other body organs. If there is not enough oxygen in our blood, this can lead to a compromised immunity system and low energy levels, both of which affect our productivity.

In terms of gender, there is generally less iron in women than men. This is especially true for women who menstruate. Since women bleed on a monthly period, there is essentially a significant loss of iron since there is about 70% of this mineral in our blood.

In learning how iron works in our bodies, you get an idea of how it can lead to poor mental and physical capabilities. And for you to really get the picture, we’ve also identified symptoms that can help you recognize if you’re a candidate for iron deficiency.

Physical Capacity

In a busy world, feeling tired is so common that sometimes we think it’s normal, especially after a long day at work or school. What we don’t know is that fatigue is also one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. As iron helps in transferring oxygen all throughout the body, a lack of this element means that your organs need to work a little harder. This is what causes you to feel tired.

Experiencing breathlessness during regular physical activities such as walking and climbing the stairs may also indicate iron deficit. Muscles that don’t have enough oxygen tend to compensate in obtaining air by increasing your breathing. And just as these muscles (like your heart) have to work hard, you may also encounter palpitations.

Another organ that can be affected by the lack of oxygen in the body is your brain. When you get chronic headaches, this may be because of the pressure from swelling blood vessels in your head. Iron supplementation may ease this.

Mental Performance

A well-prepared mental state helps in a productive day. But with persistent headaches and other physical complications, you may experience irritability, poor concentration, bad memory, and decreased motivation.

Neurological operations were also found to be affected by iron. This is because of iron’s connection with the brain by way of oxygen transport. The brain regulates mood, emotions, and other psychological behaviors. With difficulty in these cognitive functions, our productivity may decrease.

Thinking, motivation, and energy–we all need these for a productive workday. But iron deficiency can hinder these, and this is mainly because of reduced oxygen transport in the body. To aid this, you can look into iron augmentation through the help of Iron Supplements.

For the best possible treatment, consult with your doctor.

Sources:

https://blog.insidetracker.com/do-you-need-more-energy-look-to-your-blood-for-some

https://www.carlisledigestive.com/2018/06/22/how-can-anemia-affect-your-daily-life/

https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/8-causes-behind-fatigue-anxiety-depression/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-iron-per-day#bottom-line