It is easy to brush off tiredness as just a busy week at work or a few late nights, but chronic fatigue is often a major red flag. Madeline Calfas explains that iron is a critical mineral because it helps your red blood cells carry oxygen to every part of your body.
When your iron stores are low, a state known as iron deficiency or anaemia, your heart and lungs have to work much harder to pump oxygen around your system.
The Sneaky Symptoms Of Low Iron
Beyond just feeling exhausted, iron deficiency can show up in some unexpected ways. Madeline notes that you might notice:
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Brittle Nails and Hair Loss: Your body prioritizes oxygen for your vital organs, meaning your hair follicles and nails are the first to suffer.
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Pale Skin: A lack of haemoglobin can leave your complexion looking washed out or dull.
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Shortness of Breath: Even a simple flight of stairs can feel like a mountain climb.
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Poor Concentration: "Brain fog" is a common complaint when your brain isn't getting the oxygen it needs to function at its peak.
Who Is Most At Risk?
While anyone can experience low iron, Madeline points out that certain groups in our community need to be extra vigilant. "Women of reproductive age, pregnant mums, and those following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet are often at a higher risk," says Madeline. "It is also common in active folk who lose iron through sweat and intense physical training."
The Best Sources Of Iron
To keep your levels topped up, you need a mix of iron rich foods in your diet. Madeline suggests focusing on two types:
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Haem Iron: Found in animal products like lean red meat, chicken, and fish. This is the type your body absorbs most easily.
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Non Haem Iron: Found in plant based sources like lentils, chickpeas, spinach, and fortified cereals.
"A great Aussie tip is to pair your plant based iron with a source of Vitamin C, like a squeeze of lemon or some fresh capsicum," Madeline advises. "This simple trick can massively boost how much iron your body actually absorbs from your meal."
The GMC Approach To Wellness
At GMC Cosmedical, we believe that aesthetic beauty is built on a foundation of health. If you are feeling constantly run down, it might be time to have a yarn with your GP about a blood test to check your levels.
Reclaim Your Vitality
Don't let low iron keep you on the sidelines. Madeline and the team at GMC Cosmedical are dedicated to helping you look and feel your absolute best by addressing both your internal health and your external skin goals.
