Feeling Tired, Cold, or Short of Breath? You Might Be Low on Iron
Iron is essential for your body—it helps carry oxygen in your blood, keeping you energized and functioning properly. If you’re not getting enough, you might feel constantly tired, unusually cold, or even short of breath [(National Institutes of Health, 2021)].
So, what can you do to increase your iron levels?
1. Eat Iron-Rich Foods
One way to boost your iron is through your diet. Some of the best sources of iron include:
- Red meat (like beef)
- Poultry (chicken and turkey)
- Seafood (such as salmon, tuna, and shrimp)
Leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale do contain iron, but your body doesn’t absorb it as well as iron from animal sources [(Cleveland Clinic, 2022)]. This is because animal-based iron (heme iron) is more bioavailable than plant-based (non-heme) iron.
2. Consider Iron Supplements
Even with a balanced diet, many people struggle to get enough iron through food alone. If your levels are low, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement to help bring them back up. Iron pills can be especially important for people with anemia, heavy periods, or certain medical conditions that affect absorption [(Mayo Clinic, 2023)].
3. Get Your Iron Levels Checked
The best way to know if you’re low on iron? Ask your doctor! A simple blood test can check your iron levels and determine if you need to make changes to your diet or take a supplement [(World Health Organization, 2020)].
If you’re feeling unusually tired, weak, or cold, don’t ignore it—low iron could be the reason! A quick check with your doctor and some small adjustments to your routine could make a big difference in your energy and well-being.
References
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Iron: Fact Sheet for Consumers. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Iron-Rich Foods: What You Should Know. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15664-iron-rich-foods
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Iron deficiency anemia. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Anaemia. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/anaemia
