IRON: Just how important is it?

There is “pumping iron” and then there is the iron your body needs to function! Wondering what’s the big deal about iron? Below is a 3-minute read on the ins and outs of this essential nutrient.

 

1) WHAT does iron do?

Iron is essential to myriad physiological functions, allowing you to…

  • Experience optimal energy

  • Think clearly

  • Focus

  • Build muscle

  • Fight infections

  • If pregnant – grow a healthy human

  • Have healthy hormone levels (essential for feeling good, healthy menstrual cycles + fertility)

  • Produce healthy neurotransmitters (essential to mood)

 

2) WOULD I benefit from an iron supplement?

Maybe. But you don’t want to be cavalier about supplementing with iron. Iron is what I like to call a “goldilocks” nutrient.

What do I mean by that?

➡ Too little iron = big problem

➡ Too much iron = big problem

➡ Just the right amount of iron for your body = golden

 

3) HOW do I know if I have enough iron? Isn’t this being tested at my annual exam?

Well…sort of, but not exactly. The most common test for diagnosing an iron deficiency is called a “CBC” (complete blood count). Among other things, a CBC looks at the health of your red blood cells.

But according to research up to 40% of iron deficiencies are not identifiable by a CBC. (!!!)

The most accurate assessment of your iron levels will include a variety of tests including…

  • CBC

  • serum iron

  • transferrin saturation

  • iron binding capacity

  • ferritin

 

4) OKAY, but do you think I have low iron levels?

It is unlikely you have low iron levels if you are…

  • a male

  • a female who is not menstruating

It is possible you have low iron levels if you are…

  • pregnant

  • a menstruating female

  • a male or a female with IBD

  • experiencing any symptoms associated with low iron

  • a male or a female who engages in rigorous exercise

  • a male or a female who does not consume red meat

has an undiagnosed underlying condition that is causing blood loss

 

5) WHAT do you think I should do?

Well, if you have any symptoms associated with low iron, to me, it makes good sense to get tested!

Testing is the foundation of “data-driven natural medicine” and one of the keys that makes my Well Empowered work different from the natural health specialist down the block.

In caring for my clients and patients, I do not guess.

I do not make recommendations based on what has worked for me or Jane or Joe.

I make recommendations, grounded in science, based on your body’s needs as demonstrated by your labs and decades of research and experience.

 

 

Ready to get to the root cause of your most pressing symptoms, conundrums and health challenges?

Schedule a virtual complimentary consultation today to explore taking a data-driven natural approach to reclaim the health and vitality foundational to living the life of your design!

When your health is handled, you bring your gift fully to the world. And that is not to be missed. 💚