Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Northwest Arkansas

Anemia is very often caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the blood. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia could include:

• Sore or smooth tongue
• Pain in one's head
• A lack of strength
• Fatigue that cannot be explained
• Lack of hunger
• Loss of hair
• Cold hands and feet
• Nails that break easily
• A craving to eat ice or clay (pagophagia)
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Iron deficiency anemia is not something you should self-diagnose, and taking iron supplements without medical supervision could be detrimental. Help is available for iron deficiency in Arkansas. See a doctor if you experience any combination of the above symptoms persistently. If you are suffering from these symptoms, we encourage you to call a local GI Alliance of Arkansas team and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.

Treatment plans for iron deficiency anemia are generally pretty simple, with a focus on supplying your body with more iron. However, some other conditions and medications can interfere with the absorption of iron. The most frequently used treatments for iron deficiency anemia are:

• Receiving treatment for conditions that impede absorption, such as Celiac disease or Crohn's disease
• Surgery or treatment for internal bleeding
• Taking iron supplements without antacids
• Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
• Swallowing iron supplements on an empty stomach
• Taking iron supplements at the same time as vitamin C
• Eating more iron-rich foods
• Taking oral contraceptives to reduce bleeding during menstruation

Foods rich in iron:

• Leafy greens
• Beef or other red meat
• Beans
• Seafood
• Legumes
• Dried fruit
• Pork
• Poultry

Vitamin C-rich foods (to aid in iron absorption):

• Broccoli
• Grapefruit
• Leafy greens
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Kiwi
• Melons