Having the proper iron level is so vital to your health and energy!
Neurological symptoms of low iron include:
- lack of concentration
- fatigue
- irritability
- mood swings
- depression
- anxiety
- dizziness
- foggy thinking
- headaches
- slowed growth & development
- behavioral problems in children
Other symptoms of low iron include:
- weakness
- restless legs
- coldness in hands and feet
- low sex drive
- pale skin
- arrythmias
- chest pain
- heart murmur
- enlarged heart
- shortness of breath
- hair loss
Recently, I saw a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with ADHD. Her symptoms were irritability, impulsiveness, mood swings, anger, hyperactivity, restlessness, headaches and sometimes fatigue.
She had seen her pediatrician and a psychiatrist. Apparently, her blood tests were “normal” and she was prescribed ADHD medication as well as counseling.
The first thing I did was order more complete lab testing including Ferritin (stored iron). As it turns out, her level was 19 ng/ml, which was within the lab normal range 10-143 but way below optimal levels of 70-120. You can have many symptoms as Ferritin levels drop below 50.
After putting her on a personalized nutrition program which included our iron supplement, just six weeks later her symptoms were gone and she had been able to go off her ADHD medication.
It’s important to note that, taking iron is not the answer for everything, and you can actually have too much iron which can cause a whole host of other problems. So I would not recommend just taking iron without first getting a blood test to see if and how much you need.
You want to have your Ferritin level checked, which measures how much iron is stored in your body. This is the most accurate measure of whether you have optimal iron levels.
Another patient I saw, a woman in her early 40’s, was experiencing hair loss and low energy. And if you are a female with hair loss, you know that depression and anxiety about this can soon follow.
Her doctor couldn’t find anything wrong and prescribed Rogaine. She did not want to take this or any other medication so she came in for a more holistic approach. After thorough lab testing, we found that her Ferritin level was only 10. Again, within her “normal” lab ranges of 10-232 but way below optimal levels of 50-80.
I put her on a comprehensive, personalized nutrition program which included the FreeDiet™ and our iron supplement and within two months, no more hair loss and she was feeling great!
Be aware, many iron supplements on the market are not well absorbed, can cause stomach irritation & constipation, and contain aluminum dyes.
I have found a highly absorbable, non-constipating iron that is well tolerated by most everyone; and the cost is just pennies a day. Click here to take a look.
So, make sure you have the proper iron levels; a simple solution for more energy and better brain function!
If you have any questions or would like your or a family member’s Ferritin level checked, email us at info@nmcwellness.com or call us at 561-627-5800. We would be happy to help.
Yours for Vibrant Health,
Dr. Tom Rofrano