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Iron is a mineral that your body uses to make hemoglobin, a protein on red blood cells that carries oxygen all through your body. It serves multiple purposes, including boosting the immune system, promoting clear thinking, converting blood sugar to energy, and making some of your hormones. Additionally, it is important for strong hair and nails.
It makes sense why people would be concerned about low levels of iron. Low iron gets a lot of attention. But…always remember there are two sides to every story.
It’s never good to have too little or too much of ANYTHING, including iron.
High levels of iron (another VERY important topic that can greatly affect your health) is rarely discussed. I see a significantly higher number of people in my office with health issues related to HIGH levels of iron than low levels of iron. In one study of over a 1,000 people, only 3% have iron deficiency and 13% had iron overload.
To make the situation even trickier, a person can have low levels of iron in their blood so from the results of blood work they will appear anemic (having low iron), but really the iron is stuck inside their cells, causing major problems. Patients are then given an iron supplement, making the situation even worse.
Approaching illness or chronic disease from an integrative approach can be complicated. When we are looking for the underlying cause of a problem, it can become a “chicken and egg” situation. You know the analogy. Which came first: the chicken or the egg? When I am investigating the true cause of a person’s condition/illness/chronic disease there are a few simple yet significant lab values to consider… and the first and usually most important is their iron status. Often when we ensure iron is being used and stored appropriately, many issues “upstream” will begin to correct themselves.
Any doctor or provider can help you find out your iron levels. The lab work for this can be done at any regular blood lab. But you must make sure a full iron panel is ordered; if only the iron level is “sent iron,” iron overload can be missed. Transferrin, UIBC, and ferritin need to be measured as well.
What are the problems associated with high iron?
Too much free iron will awaken dormant microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These microbes all require iron for growth. And…so do parasites. Extra iron is like a gourmet feast for parasites.
High iron levels can lead to free radical production that damages neurons in the brain. Iron is known to accumulate in the areas of the brain that affect memory and thought process. Research has shown (in mice) that reducing iron levels in the brain will reduce Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Measuring iron in the brain has been suggested as prevention for Alzheimer's disease.
High levels of iron have been linked to the development of tumors. Studies have found a statistically significant association between almost ½ of the 61 genes involved in iron metabolism and breast cancer prognosis.That is huge! How many people with concerns or a family history of breast cancer are paying attention to their iron levels?!
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become a major problem in our country due to the increased consumption of sugar and carbohydrates. One-third of those diagnosed with NAFLD have a disturbance with their iron metabolism.
What causes excess iron?
Genetic predisposition
Regular consumption of alcohol
Excessive red meat consumption
Cooking in cast iron skillets
Processed foods fortified with iron
Supplements that contain iron
Iron synergists that increase absorption (vitamin C)
Any type of hepatitis
Abdominal injuries
What can I do if I find out I have excess iron?
If you find out your iron is high...it’s ok! There are many ways to bring it down and reverse the inflammation if the iron is causing other problems.
Start with the list above. If you have any of those causes in your lifestyle, start by changing or removing them. Also, one of the easiest ways to get rid of extra iron is by donating blood…and you will be doing your good deed for the day by helping those in need! I’m always hearing we have blood shortages.
There are herbs and spices, such as rosemary and green tea, that can help reduce iron absorption. Curcumin can also be helpful because it acts as an iron chelator. Astaxanthin has many benefits and one of them may be to help reduce damage induced by iron.
In our IV room at Down to Earth Wellness, we have additional infusions that will help with iron chelation if necessary. We also offer “blood dumps” if someone prefers to not give blood or has been turned away for one reason or another.
There is hope.
There are so many people out there struggling with their health. Sometimes the symptoms are all over the board. You might feel like you’re being sent from specialist to specialist. Eventually, you begin to feel hopeless and start to believe you will never feel better again.
My purpose is to give you hope! Our bodies are never going to feel bad without a cause. That means there is a reason for how you’re feeling and an answer to be found. So if you are feeling bad, start with iron. Find out where you are. If your iron levels are high, start implementing some of the suggestions I gave you. And hang in there with it…often it has taken years for the things to happen that are making you feel so bad, so most likely it won’t be reversed overnight.
Stay positive, be hopeful, and believe in healing.
With love,
Sarah Godsave, FNP-C
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