Love Your Gut

Ep. 99: Why Iron Wasn’t the Answer for My Low Ferritin

6 snips
Feb 6, 2026
A personal postpartum ferritin journey that reveals why simply taking iron can fail or cause worse symptoms. A systems view explores how digestion, motility, mineral balance, and liver function control iron use and storage. Constipation and slow transit are framed as key clues. Practical triggers for when low ferritin is a signal rather than the root problem.
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ANECDOTE

Postpartum Ferritin Surprise

  • Dr. Heather Finley discovered her ferritin was nine postpartum and chose to investigate deeper instead of immediately taking iron.
  • She never took iron and improved ferritin by addressing underlying systems, which boosted energy and digestion.
INSIGHT

Ferritin Follows Systemic Readiness

  • Ferritin improves when the body's systems improve, not simply when you add more iron.
  • Storage depends on coordinated absorption, recycling, and regulation across systems.
ADVICE

Fix Digestion Before Iron

  • Do assess digestion, motility, and bile before relying on iron supplements.
  • Improve stomach acid, enzymes, and transit to reduce side effects and enhance iron handling.
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