We do not often consider our iron levels responsible when we feel tired and weak or a little out of breath upon exertion. However, this mineral can sometimes be the root cause of some unexplained symptoms, especially fatigue. Women are more likely to be low in iron during their reproductive years but don't rule out an iron deficiency as the root cause of your low energy if you are older and of the opposite sex. An iron deficiency can affect men or women of any age.
Iron is like a delivery truck that carries oxygen from our lungs to every cell in the body. Our cells then combine oxygen with sugars from our diets to produce a form of energy called ATP. Every action the body does, including moving muscles, thinking, making hormones, and digesting food, requires ATP.
An iron deficiency can reduce ATP energy production, causing the body to work twice as hard to carry out its functions and leaving you feeling tired, weak, faint, dizzy, and short of breath.
What causes low iron?
- Normal processes such as urination, defecation, sweating, and sloughing off skin cells
- Conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, endometriosis, uterine fibroids
- Bowel disorders (diverticulitis, polys, IBC, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)
- Stomach disorders (digestive disorders, ulcers, overuse of antacids, malabsorption)
- Chronic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Diseases (celiac disease, kidney disease, cancer)
- Dietary restrictions and vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate & vitamin C)
Signs of Symptoms of iron deficiency may include the following:
- Pale skin, especially under the eyes, nails and palms of hands
- Brittle hair
- Nails are thin, brittle, flattened and will become spoon-shaped if deficiency continues.
- Pale Mucus membranes, most noticeable when you pull down your lower eyelid
- Fatigue & weakness
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Increased infections (colds and flu)
- Poor concentration
- Poor sleep
- Dizziness/faintness
- Sore tongue/canker sores
- Cold hands & feet
- Ringing in the head or ears
- Chest pain during exercise
- Headaches
- Restless leg syndrome
- Dry and dull hair
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth
Fight Fatigue with Salus Liquid Iron
How well your body absorbs iron depends on the iron source and how healthy your gut is. Most iron supplements or over-the-counter use different forms of Ferrous Iron. Which one you choose sets the stage for unwanted side effects such as nausea, bloating, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, and black/tarry stools.
When choosing an iron supplement, consider a more plant-based option such as Salus Floradix Iron supplements. Floradix Iron contains a combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbs that have been carefully selected to improve the digestion and absorption of iron. It is gentle on the digestive system and reduces the unwanted side effects that are typically associated with taking supplemental iron.
Floradix Iron is a gentle, effective supplement that increases iron levels in the body by promoting the formation of healthy red blood cells. The iron used in Floradix Liquid Iron is called ferrous gluconate, which is effectively absorbed and gentle on our digestion and reduces the unwanted side effects. Floradix Iron also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. These vitamins work synergistically with iron to promote the formation of healthy red blood cells. In addition, B vitamins are essential for converting oxygen into energy once delivered to our cells.
The liquid form of Floradix makes it easy to adjust dosing and is more well-absorbed than pills or tablets. It is free from alcohol, lactose, and artificial additives and is vegetarian-friendly.