Have you had your iron and ferritin levels tested and they come back low then your doctor gave you an iron supplement and said, “Come back in 6 months, we’ll test you again…”? And when the supplement didn’t work, they moved to infusions?

Do you want to be stuck on infusions for the rest of your life?

Anemia is more common in women than men, so knowing how to pump up your iron stores is important for many women. It’s estimated that 29.9% of women of reproductive age worldwide are iron deficient. It’s time to pump some iron levels up! There are plenty of ways you can boost your iron levels.

So, why are women more deficient? It can happen because of excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle, which you would want to get to the bottom of. It happens a lot when you are pregnant because babies get everything from the body that they need first before the mom does. It can happen if you don’t eat enough iron-rich foods or if your body is having difficulty absorbing iron because of Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, fibroids, gut infections, or even STRESS. It could be other surprising reasons, such as frequent blood donations.

The tests commonly used to diagnose anemia are hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, & iron binding capacity, and ferritin. Looking at ferritin values gives us an idea of how much iron is stored as a backup. Get tested! Ideally, you want your ferritin levels to be between 80-100. These stores are used when your body is under stress- and we all know women are NEVER under stress, right?

Symptoms of Low Ferritin and/or Iron Are:

• Fatigue
• Low energy
• Anemia
• Brain fog
• Paleness
• Dizziness – especially when standing up fas
• Leg cramps
• Restless leg syndrome
• Lowered immunity
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath doing simple tasks
• Craving to chew ice

If you are concerned about symptoms like these, you want to find out the cause by getting tested. It’s always a good idea to eat iron-rich foods like spinach, organ meats, red meats, brussels sprouts, cabbage and beans but we have some tricks up our sleeve to boost iron even more! Check out these tips. We are going to pump you up!

Iron absorption depends on other nutrients, especially Vitamin C. Adding citrus fruits to your meals or water can enhance your iron uptake. Consider using Camu Camu powder in shakes for an extra Vitamin C boost. However, avoid consuming calcium supplements simultaneously with iron-rich foods, as calcium can block iron absorption.

Spirulina, a nutrient-dense algae, contains more iron per serving than steak. While its flavor might remind you of "pond water," you can mix it creatively into smoothies, guacamole, pesto, salad dressings, or even energy bites to disguise the taste.

These tiny berries offer more iron than spinach and are a tasty, convenient snack. Often sold dried, they resemble raisins and have a tangy-sweet flavor that’s perfect for trail mixes or as a topping for yogurt and salads.

Chlorophyll shares a similar molecular structure with hemoglobin, except it's built around magnesium instead of iron. This similarity tricks your body into increasing its iron stores. Adding a chlorophyll supplement to your routine is an easy and natural way to support your iron levels.

Purchase our Chlorophyll here!

Beef liver is one of the richest sources of bioavailable iron. If the thought of eating organ meats isn’t appealing, desiccated liver capsules from grass-fed cows provide an excellent alternative. These supplements make it easier to reap the benefits without preparing liver-based meals.

Purchase our Liver Glandular here!

Chia seeds are not only high in iron but also rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re a versatile ingredient you can sprinkle into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for a nutrient boost that supports energy and overall health.

Try our Almond Butter Chia Seed Pudding recipe!

Iron is only part of the equation; B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell production. Choose methylated forms like Active B12 Folate for better absorption. These supplements are particularly helpful for those with low red blood cell counts or specific dietary restrictions.

Purchase our Active B12 Folate here!

Red meat is one of the best natural sources of iron. When choosing beef, opt for grass-fed, organic options to ensure quality. Regularly incorporating steak or other red meats into your meals is an effective way to maintain healthy iron levels.

Check out our favorite Grass-fed Meat Market!

Cooking meals in cast iron cookware is a simple and passive way to increase your iron intake. The pan transfers small amounts of iron to your food, especially when cooking acidic dishes like tomato sauces. Ensure your pan is properly seasoned to improve cooking performance.

Check out our favorite Cast Iron pans!

Whether you’re battling anemia or simply looking to prevent it, these nine strategies can help you maintain optimal iron levels. From nutrient-packed superfoods like spirulina and goji berries to simple lifestyle adjustments like cooking with cast iron, there’s something here for everyone.

Iron supplements don’t always absorb correctly so you don’t really see the benefits.. & iron infusions really only work short term so you’re stuck getting them every couple of months.

But here’s a different perspectice.. Anemia is a SECONDARY issue!

You need to be finding what is CAUSING the anemia to happen in the first place whether it’s gut malabsorption, SIBO, having a vegetarian or vegan diet, or heavy menses.. You need proper testing to figure it out!

Schedule a free call with one of our doctors to uncover how we are able to help you with your chronic anemia!