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Brits have been told to watch out for several signs of a potentially worrying condition this week as a mini-heatwave hits the UK. The Met Office has everyone on alert for a mini-heatwave that’s bringing a ‘wall of heat’ with temperatures set to soar into the heady twenties this week.
But it’s not just about finding your sunnies – health gurus are highlighting concerns over potential dangers like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, pesky hay fever, and even iron deficiency during this sizzling spell. Nutritionist Cara Shaw of BlueIron said to keep an eye out for signs of iron deficiency.
There is an estimated 4 million Brits running low on iron and she cautions that the heat could intensify or trigger symptoms. Cara said: “Hot weather naturally places extra demands on the body.
“We lose more fluids through sweating, blood vessels dilate to help us cool down, and our cardiovascular system works harder to regulate our core temperature. If your iron levels are already low, this additional strain can tip the balance and make symptoms much more noticeable,” reports Surrey Live.
Symptoms to look out for iron deficiency include feeling faint and shortness of breath
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Symptoms of iron deficiency: tiredness breathlessness pale skin dizziness restless legs at night unusual paleness feeling faint shortness of breath Iron tackles the critical job of hemoglobin production in red blood cells, crucial for oxygen transport around your bod. Cara highlighted that women are “at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to monthly menstrual blood loss”.
She urged people to act on any worrying signs, saying: “If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional and request a blood test to check your iron levels. It’s important not to self-diagnose, as similar symptoms can overlap with other conditions, and iron supplementation should only be started under professional advice to ensure it’s appropriate for your needs.”
Stressing the broader impact, Cara said: “Taking care of your iron levels can make a significant difference not just to your summer energy, but to your overall wellbeing. If you’re feeling more wiped out than the warm weather alone can explain, don’t ignore it – a simple blood test and the right nutritional support could help you feel like yourself again.”
Foods such as dried fruit and red meat can be good sources of iron but only in moderate amounts
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The NHS provides tips beyond supplementation on how to boost iron intake through dietary choices. They recommend foods rich in iron, including:
Nuts Soy bean flour Beans such as red kidney beans, chickpeas, and edamame beans Dried fruit Red meat It’s also mentioned by the NHS that although liver is high in iron, it’s not suitable for pregnant individuals. Warnings are issued around the consumption of red and processed meats too, referring to the possible connections with bowel cancer.
The Department of Health and Social Care advises on the best ways to incorporate iron into your diet, stating: “Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.
“Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”
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