Iron deficiency: Causes and symptoms

Iron deficiency belongs to the most common deficiencies worldwide, about 30%, so two billion people, are affected. Especially women belong to the risk groups. But also the complete renunciation of meat and fish products jeopardized the supply of the trace element. 

Iron is an essential micronutrient that the body can not produce. It is especially important for the formation of the red blood pigment hemoglobin and thus the transport of oxygen, but also part of the power plants in the cells and enzymes. Because the organism per day on average loses 1 to 2 mg of iron, this must be supplied with food every day.

Causes of iron deficiency

Food iron covers only the normal requirement. This is increased, for example during pregnancy or during heavy menstrual period, it comes to an iron deficiency. In addition, a mismatch between the need for iron and iron range can have other causes.

Increased demand: during pregnancy and lactation is the increased need for iron in many cases do not have the food to compensate. In this case, it is necessary to taking iron tablets. The phase of growth and puberty children need more iron.

Low iron intake: people who consume no animal foods, often have a low iron levels. Although enough iron is contained in plant-based foods, but exists in a form, which the body can exploit poorly.

Iron loss: Heavy period bleeding, prolonged bleeding ulcers or chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract bleeding hemorrhoids cause iron loss. Sporting load increases the loss of minerals and trace elements via the kidneys and sweat.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

The body can compensate for an iron deficiency over a certain period of time, however symptoms occur at this stage already mucosal lesions in the mouth and the esophagus and tongue burning such as brittle hair and nails, dry skin, cracked corners of the mouth.

The number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells is less and less, the oxygenation of the cells deteriorates. So has the body for a long time little iron; it comes to an anaemia (anaemia) with typical symptoms: persistent fatigue, decreased performance and concentration, pallor, dizziness and headaches, tingling in the hands and legs. The organism is generally susceptible to disease.

How to get enough iron

1. Eat 3 to 4 times the week a portion of lean meat
2. Whole grains and legumes such as lentils or cannellini beans provide iron and other valuable minerals
3. The meals combine with vitamin C-rich vegetables such as Bell Peppers, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes or enjoy a glass of orange juice for dinner.
4. Iron-rich meal, you should avoid on coffee, tea and milk. At least a keep distance for half hour!
5. In addition take impending iron deficiency herbal blood juice!

Potassium Deficiency

How does potassium deficiency? 
Potassium is an important mineral that plays an important role in the body for the fluid balance and the transmission of electrical impulses to nerve and muscle cells. In the potassium levels is regulated exactly by the body. The required amount of potassium is drawn from the food and what is too much, simply will be eliminated. A shortage of potassium in the blood can occur for various reasons however, what can be sometimes even life-threatening.

Causes of potassium deficiency
Has unique causes potassium deficiency? Typically, an adequate supply of potassium in the body is guaranteed through a normal diet because potassium is in so many foods. Gastro intestinal disorders with severe vomiting or diarrhea, at fistulas in the intestine as well as taking laxatives or diuretics (water tablets) over a longer period of time it can cause but a shortage of potassium in the blood.
Also when excessive salt intake, as well as alcohol abuse, heavy sweating and lack of Flüssigkeitszuführ, it may be that the potassium levels in the body decreases. Therefore athletes, the elderly and patients with bulimia by potassium deficiency (hypokalemia, potassium deficit) are affected most frequently.

Potassium deficiency: Symptoms and signs
A deficiency of potassium in the body is expressed by fairly general symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness or nausea. Striking symptoms are constipation, muscle cramps, paralysis, and cardiovascular problems.
The main functions of potassium in the body are the regulation of fluid balance and the gastro-intestinal tract and the participation in the muscle and nerve function. If so is experiencing pains in these areas, this may indicate a lack of potassium. It becomes dangerous when the potassium deficiency has implications for the function of the myocardium and leading to cardiac arrhythmias.

Potassium deficiency balance
Usually not much effort is needed to compensate for lack of potassium. Sufferers should eat prefers strong potassium-containing foods such as whole grains, dried fruit, avocados, bananas, potatoes and nuts to raise potassium levels in the body. Potassium supplements should be taken only on doctor's orders.
A simpler way to eat a large amount of potassium, is the long boiling potatoes or pulses. Potassium is namely water soluble and will remain so in the cooking water. This may after cooking, be used as the basis for a soup or sauce and at the same time resolve the lack of potassium.