Understanding Iron Deficiency
Iron Deficiency:
Why It Might Be More Than Just Low Iron
By NADA Wellness
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, especially in women and children. It's often contributed to "not eating enough iron-rich foods" and while that's certainly part of it, the full picture is often more complex. If you've been supplementing with iron and still feel tired, foggy, or struggle with low mood or energy, it’s time to dig deeper.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is an essential mineral needed for the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When your iron levels are low, your body can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to symptoms like:
Fatigue and weakness
Brain fog, lack of focus (ADHD type sypmtoms)
Mood disorders
Pale skin
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Hair thinning or loss
Brittle nails
Dizziness or headaches
Increased sensitivity to cold
But here’s the thing: just supplementing with iron isn't always the answer and can do more harm than good.
Possible Root Causes
1. Poor Gut Health
Even if you’re eating plenty of iron-rich foods or taking supplements, your body might not be absorbing it. This is especially common if:
You have gut imbalances like IBS, leaky gut, or H-Pylori infection
You have low HCL which is needed to cleave iron from proteins. Long-term use of antacids or PPI’s lower HCL.
You’ve had past antibiotic use that disrupted your gut flora
Healthy digestion is crucial for breaking down and absorbing iron. If your gut isn’t functioning well, you’re likely not getting the benefit of the iron you're consuming.
2. Hidden Blood Loss
Women often attribute heavy periods to hormones, but heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of iron deficiency. Balancing hormones and clearing through detoxification is important. Other hidden sources of blood loss can include:
Gastrointestinal bleeding (even minor)
Ulcers
Polyps or hemorrhoids
These can be less obvious, so in persistent cases, further testing is warranted.
3. Pathogens
Pathogens use free iron to grow and multiply. As a protective mechanism, your body will sequester iron to limit their growth. Common infections include E-coli, Candida, Blastocystis, EBV, Giardia. You might see the following indicators on pathology - high ferritin / low serum iron / high CRP
4. The Liver’s Role
The liver plays a key role in iron regulation as it produces the transport and regulatory proteins. Poor liver function can hinder the synthesis of these important proteins, making iron bio-unavailable.
5. Co-Factors and Nutrient Deficiencies
Iron doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a bigger mineral orchestra in your body. A deficiency or imbalance in other nutrients, especially copper, vitamin A, zinc and B vitamins, can interfere with how your body utilizes iron.
Interestingly, many people with copper dysregulation show signs of iron deficiency even when their iron levels are technically normal.
6. Emotional and Epigenetic Factors
“What is the body trying to tell us?” Chronic deficiencies can sometimes reflect deeper emotional patterns or stressors. From an epigenetic or holistic perspective, low iron may correspond with feelings of being unsupported, ungrounded, or chronically “drained.”
Supporting the emotional body, through Bach Flowers, homeopathy, or energetic therapies, can be a profound part of restoring balance.
Our Approach
If you’ve been told to “just take an iron supplement” but still feel off, you’re not alone. The conventional approach often misses these deeper layers. Worse, excess iron supplementation can irritate the gut or cause oxidative stress if not properly monitored.
What We Do Differently
Test - Don’t Guess:
We assess full pathology, looking at the complete iron panel and related red cell health, liver markers and proteins. We often include inflammatory markers, B12, copper, and zinc levels also.Look at the Gut:
Gut heath is a core focus, especially if you have symptoms like bloating, irregular bowels, or reflux. A stool test or gut healing protocol might be needed.Balance Your Minerals:
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can provide insight into deeper mineral patterns that affect iron status.Nourish with Food:
Nutrition is foundational. Liver, grass-fed meats, pumpkin seeds, and cooked leafy greens are great sources. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like lemon or bell peppers) for better absorption.Address the Emotional Layer:
Energetic blocks or emotional patterns of depletion can manifest physically. Bach Flowers and homeopathy can gently support the body in restoring energetic balance.
Final Thoughts
Iron deficiency is real, but it’s rarely just about iron. In holistic medicine, we always look for the "why behind the what." If your body is struggling with iron, it’s asking you to go deeper, to heal not just a number on a lab test, but the terrain that supports vibrant energy and well-being.
At NADA Wellness, we guide you toward understanding your body’s deeper messages and supporting healing on all levels - physical, emotional, and energetic.