CHRONIC LOW IRON?
Low ferritin levels is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies we see in the Florére Wellness Clinic.
Ferritin is the marker that tells us how much stored iron is in your body, and if these levels are low (even from a naturopathic perspective), you can experience an array of symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dry skin, hair loss, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, pale complexion, and cold hands or feet.
Now if these levels are chronically low, determining the reason why is key to getting on top of your deficiency, and getting you back to feeling your best!
So, why are your iron levels chronically low?
· Your iron intake from dietary sources is low (Common in vegetarians, and those who choose not to eat animal based products)
· You are not absorbing iron - Malabsorption is a huge reason for chronic low iron levels. Due to having lower levels of stomach acid, overgrowth of dysbiotic bacteria, or the presence of parasites or fungal infections in the gut could be the reason why your levels are not increasing). Coeliac disease will also cause low iron absorption.
· You are losing too much blood - Heavy menstrual bleeds in women, or blood loss in the stool from stomach ulcers, polyps or bowel inflammation. Hemorrhoids are another consideration due to the persistent long term blood loss they cause.
· Your body is too inflamed - Chronic inflammation will skew your iron results, and provide an inaccurate insight into your actual levels. Iron feeds inflammation and can cause something called Anaemia of Inflammation.
· You are taking a poor quality iron supplement - Sometimes chronic low iron can be the result of simply taking a poor quality iron supplement with limited bioavailability. Or taking your supplement with other factors that hinder its absorption such as calcium, tannins or alcohol.
Dealing with chronic low iron levels, and wanting to get to the root cause as to what could be going on? Reach out to us at the Florére Wellness clinic here.
