Those suffering from an iron deficiency may have been alerted to the fact by some common telltale signs. These include feeling exhausted, having heavy periods, pale skin and a pounding heart.

But there are some other not so obvious signals that could mean your body is lacking in iron. Read on to find out the weird ways your body may be crying out for some more iron.

Craving clay or dirt

It’s not just pregnant women who like to sink their teeth into unusual non-food sources; those needing some iron also have strange cravings. Specifically the want to chow down on clay, dirt and chalk is an indicator you may be anaemic. Researchers still aren’t sure why these cravings come on, but the technical term is called pica. On many occasions suffers are too embarrassed to admit the problem, and therefore the condition can go undiagnosed. Craving ice can also mean an iron shortage.

Swollen tongue and cracked lips

If you’re tongue is prone to swelling, making it difficult to chew, swallow or talk, this could be your body’s way of telling you all is not well with your iron levels. The tongue can swell enough so the usual bumps that are there disappear, leaving a smooth looking surface. The colour may also be drained. Cracked lips are another warning sign, though this can be hard to pinpoint as environmental factors can also cause cracks. However if the corners of your mouth start to crease, this may be a surefire way of calling out iron problems.

Tingling and restless legs

Restless leg syndrome can be a symptom of iron deficiency, especially if you constantly feel tingles. For some people it can be even more severe than just a tingle, with sufferers complaining of a burning and tugging sensation, or even feeling like bugs are crawling inside your legs.

Feeling anxious

Another horrible side effect of an iron absence is feeling anxious. This is because a lack of oxygen in your body, which speeds up the sympathetic nervous system. Iron deficiency can also make your heart pound which only adds to the problem.

Nails that sink in

If your nails are dry, brittle and look almost spoon-like with how they sink in, it may be time to look at your iron levels. Nails say a lot about your health, so it’s important not to ignore any warning signs.

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