Feeling Drained, Dizzy, or Losing Hair? It Might Be More Than Just “Low Iron”

After receiving countless messages and questions from my community about persistent fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, and other signs of low iron, I realized how many of you are struggling with anemia—or suspect you might be. I created this article in response to those requests. My goal is to help you understand not just what anemia is, but why it happens and how to approach it from a deeper, root-cause perspective.

As a student of functional medicine, I’m passionate about connecting the dots between symptoms, systems, and solutions—so you can feel empowered, not confused, when it comes to your health.

Iron Is Essential—But Are You Absorbing Enough of It?

Iron is a powerful mineral that supports everything from oxygen delivery to DNA repair—but many people still suffer from deficiency, even when their diet looks “iron-rich.” So, what is the problem? It’s not just what you eat. It’s how your body processes it.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• How iron works in the body
• Why absorption issues are common
• The surprising impact of gut and thyroid health
• What to do to fix and prevent iron deficiency

1. Why You Feel Tired: The Iron Connection

Iron isn’t just about energy—it’s the backbone of your body’s oxygen system and cellular function.

Iron supports:

• Hemoglobin and myoglobin (oxygen transport)
• Mitochondrial energy production
• Cell division and DNA synthesis

Without enough iron, you may feel tired, dizzy, weak, or even short of breath.

2. The Two Types of Iron: Heme vs. Non-Heme

Heme Iron (Animal Sources):

• Found in red meat, poultry, and fish
• Easily absorbed

Non-Heme Iron (Plant Sources):

• Found in legumes, spinach, whole grains
• Absorption depends heavily on your gut health and nutrient pairing

3. Iron In, Iron Out: How Your Body Really Absorbs It

Iron absorption happens mainly in the duodenum and upper jejunum. Here’s how it works:

Non-Heme Iron:

• It must be converted from Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ by the DcytB enzyme—iron from plant foods isn’t ready for your body to use right away. Your gut must first activate iron with the help of a special enzyme (DcytB), which transforms it into a form that your body can actually absorb.
• Transported by the DMT1 protein into intestinal cells—o nce iron is ready to be absorbed, your body uses a special ‘carrier’ (called DMT1) to move it from your food into the cells of your gut.
• Requires an acidic environment and vitamin C to be properly absorbed

Heme Iron:

• Absorbed through heme transporters or receptor-mediated endocytosis—

  Your body has special doorways that help pull heme iron (from meat) directly into your gut cells, kind of like a key fitting into a lock.

Once inside the body:

• Iron is stored in ferritin
• Exported by ferroportin
• Bound to transferrin for delivery throughout the body

4. Why You’re Eating Enough Iron—But Still Deficient

Common root causes of poor iron absorption:

• SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Bacteria compete for nutrients
• GERD or Acid Blockers: Acid is needed for iron conversion—PPIs reduce it
• Thyroid Dysfunction: Low thyroid = low stomach acid and sluggish digestion
• Low Iron = Poor Thyroid Function, and vice versa

5. Missing Pieces: Nutrient Deficiencies That Sabotage Iron

Even with a good iron intake, you may still be missing key cofactors:

• Vitamin C – boosts non-heme absorption
• B12 & Folate – critical for red blood cell production
• Zinc & Copper – imbalances can block transport
• Low stomach acid – impairs iron conversion

6. How to Help (and Hurt) Your Iron Absorption

To Boost Absorption:

• Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C (citrus, peppers, sauerkraut)
• Eat fermented foods to support gut flora
• Cook with cast iron pans

To Avoid During Iron-Rich Meals:

• Coffee and tea (tannins reduce absorption)
• Calcium-rich foods or supplements
• Phytates (in grains/legumes) unless soaked or fermented

7. When Supplements Backfire: The Dark Side of Iron Pills

Iron supplements help—but they’re not always the right solution:

Common side effects:

• Constipation, nausea, cramping
• Disruption of gut microbiome
• Increased inflammation or oxidative stress

Supplementation should be personalized, especially if you have:

• IBD
• Colorectal cancer
• Chronic inflammation
• Obesity

8. A Functional Nutrition Roadmap to Iron Recovery

1. Test your iron, thyroid, and gut function
2. Correct deficiencies and inflammation
3. Start with food-first strategies
4. Monitor progress with your healthcare provider

9. Heal Your Gut, Boost Your Iron: Herbal Allies That Work

A healthy gut = better iron absorption. These herbs help repair and restore gut function:

• Slippery Elm—soothes gut lining
• Aloe vera—reduces inflammation, supports iron transport
• Marshmallow Root—protects mucosa, supports microbiome
• Licorice Root (DGL)—gut repair, anti-inflammatory (use DGL form only)
• Chamomile—calms digestion and supports motility

Bonus Tips:

• Pair herbs with an anti-inflammatory diet
• Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods
• Consider working with a clinical herbalist or nutritionist

10. Still Anemic? Don’t Miss These Hidden Causes

• Chronic Inflammation—raises hepcidin, which blocks iron
• Heavy Periods—Common but overlooked
• GI Blood Loss—ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps
• Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity—damages absorption sites
• B12/Folate Deficiency—leads to megaloblastic anemia
• Parasitic Infections—Nutrient Theft or blood loss
• Genetic Anemias—like thalassemia or sickle cell
• Bone Marrow Disorders—reduce red blood cell production
• Copper Deficiency—Mimics Iron Deficiency
• Medications—PPIs, NSAIDs, chemo, lead exposure

11. Root-Cause Supplement Protocols for Anemia Types

1. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

• Ferrous bisglycinate or heme iron
• Vitamin C (250–500 mg)
• Lactoferrin
• Gut support: aloe, slippery elm, glutamine

2. Anemia of Chronic Disease

• Curcumin (Meriva)
• Omega-3s
• Quercetin
• Vitamin D

3. B12/Folate Deficiency

• Methylcobalamin (1000–5000 mcg)
• L-5-MTHF folate
• Methylated B-complex
• Betaine HCl

4. Heavy Periods

• Iron + Vitamin C
• Chasteberry (Vitex)
• Magnesium + B6

5. Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity

• Gluten-free diet
• Iron, B12, folate, zinc
• Gut repair: glutamine, DGL, enzymes

6. SIBO/GERD

• Prokinetics, ginger, zinc carnosine
• Low-FODMAP diet or antimicrobials
• Gentle iron post-treatment

7. Thyroid Dysfunction

• Selenium, zinc
• L-tyrosine + iodine (non-autoimmune only)
• Iron, B12, vitamin A

8. Copper Deficiency

• Reduce zinc
• Copper: 1–3 mg/day
• Monitor mineral ratios

9. Parasites/GI Bleeding

• Stool testing
• Wormwood, black walnut, berberine
• Rebuild the gut afterward

10. Genetic Anemias

• Folate, B12, L-carnitine
• NAC, CoQ10, vitamin E
• Avoid iron unless clearly needed

Clinical Testing Tips

• Check ferritin, iron saturation, B12, MMA, homocysteine
• Test TSH, Free T3/T4
• Consider GI-MAP or SIBO breath tests
• Retest every 8–12 weeks to track progress

Functional Medicine Protocol for Iron Deficiency

Conclusion: Don’t Just Treat the Symptoms—Treat the System

If you’re feeling drained, dizzy, or losing hair, your body is trying to tell you something deeper than just “low iron.” Iron deficiency is often just the tip of the iceberg—a sign that your gut, hormones, or nutrients are out of sync.

The good news? You don’t have to guess. By investigating root causes, choosing food-first approaches, using herbs and targeted supplements, and supporting your body holistically—you can rebuild your energy from the inside out.

You deserve more than a quick fix. You deserve real answers—and lasting energy.

Final Thoughts: The Real Reason You’re Still Tired

Iron is essential—but only if your body can absorb and use it. Understanding the connection between iron, your gut, and your hormones is the key to lasting energy. Forget the “just eat more spinach” advice—it’s time to go deeper. 

If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into this topic, feel free to join one of my TikTok livestreams—I’d love to help clarify things for you. You can also send me a message anytime; I’m here to support your wellness journey.

About the Author
Written by Delilah Ko, a functional medicine student passionate about uncovering the root causes of chronic conditions. Delilah combines science-backed research with holistic insights to make complex health topics accessible and empowering.

Disclaimer:

This blog is written by a student currently studying functional medicine and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or protocol, especially if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking medications.