Low Ferritin Alert: Feeling Exhausted Despite Normal Levels? Time to Check!

Many women feel very tired, lose a lot of hair, and can't focus, even when their haemoglobin report is normal. The real culprit could be low 'ferritin', which is your body's iron storage. You need a special test to find this out.

What is Ferritin?

Think of ferritin as a protein that acts like your body's 'iron bank'. Haemoglobin shows the iron currently in use by your blood cells, but ferritin levels show your iron reserves. These levels start dropping long before you get full-blown anaemia, giving you an early warning.

Some Important Symptoms:

You might have low ferritin if you experience these signs: feeling tired no matter how much you rest; losing a lot of hair as the body prioritises oxygen for vital organs; frequent headaches or feeling dizzy when you stand up suddenly; pale skin, gums, and brittle nails that look like spoons (Spoon nails); and getting breathless after climbing a few stairs.

What are the main causes?

Several factors cause low iron stores in women. Heavy bleeding during periods is a major reason for iron loss each month. Not eating enough iron-rich foods like leafy greens and lentils also contributes. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body's need for iron increases manifold. Sometimes, even with a good diet, intestinal issues can prevent the body from absorbing iron properly.

What to do to increase iron:

You can naturally increase your iron levels with simple diet changes. Include iron-rich foods like moringa leaves, dates, spinach, chickpeas, lentils, figs, and eggs in your daily meals. If you eat non-veg, liver is a great source. To help your body absorb this iron, you need Vitamin C, so add a squeeze of lemon or have amla or oranges with your meals. Also, avoid drinking tea or coffee right after eating, as their 'tannins' block iron absorption.