If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, foggy-headed, or have noticed thinning hair and pale skin, iron deficiency could be the cause. It’s one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide — affecting both men and women, but especially women of reproductive age.
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, oxygen delivery to tissues decreases, leading to symptoms such as:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Weakness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin or dark circles
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Cold hands and feet
In Canada, up to one in five women of childbearing age experience low iron levels. Despite its prevalence, the cause of iron deficiency is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. That’s why a naturopathic, root-cause approach is so powerful — it focuses on identifying why your iron is low, not just replacing it.
Why Iron Levels Drop: Common Causes
Iron deficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It develops gradually, often due to one or more underlying factors:
- Blood Loss
The most frequent cause of iron loss is heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). Many women experience this from fibroids, hormonal imbalances, or endometrial disorders. Over time, even mild monthly losses can deplete your body’s iron stores.
Other sources of blood loss may include gastrointestinal conditions, ulcers, or chronic inflammation.
2. Inadequate Intake or Absorption
Even with a balanced diet, your body might not absorb iron efficiently. Low stomach acid, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel conditions, or long-term antacid use can all reduce absorption.
Naturopathic care focuses on restoring gut health — since digestion is key to proper nutrient uptake.
Treating a 20-Year-Old Patient with Low Iron and Hair Loss
I had a 20-year-old patient with very low iron storage or ferritin-20 – 20, along with all the B vitamins, to be significantly low. She was always tired and experiencing significant hair loss. After adding the proper form of iron, which I call “MAGIC FORM,” in conjunction with adjusting the diet and lifestyle, the iron went up to 110 in 16 days. Additionally, her hair loss significantly reduced, and her energy was restored. The gain in energy also contributed to the active form of B vitamins at the therapeutic dosage.
The Best Forms of Iron Supplementation for Absorption and Effectiveness
My favourite form to address iron deficiency is LIPOSOMAL iron, which bypasses the stomach acid and gets absorbed in your small intestine. Once the level reaches what I want, I maintain it with the gentlest form of iron, iron glycinate. I especially begin this protocol seven days (or prior) to the start of the menstrual cycle, up until the fourth day of the cycle.
I tend to use Chinese herbs when the anaemia is caused by reduced production of red blood cells in your bone marrow. I have seen symptoms improve after a week of using the herbs, and a significant improvement in blood count within six weeks.
How Acupuncture and Naturopathy Can Help Treat Anemia
Acupuncture complements all these treatments perfectly. I always use it as a synergistic treatment to nourish the spleen and liver. Naturopathic treatments involve multifaceted approaches and do not consider only a singular aspect of an individual’s health and well-being.
I always compare my profession to a curious detective who is looking to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This is how I approach anaemia cases, considering nutrients, infections, pancreatic hormones, kidney, and liver functions.
If you take initiative toward your health, you will be rewarded with a healthy and joyful life later in life. It is never too late to take your health into your control by making an important decision about how to live longer through the right journey.
