Many people suffer from low iron levels and turn to iron supplements or iron-rich foods. But what if, even after consistent efforts, your iron levels remain low? That’s a sign that the issue may not be iron intake—but low ferritin levels and poor liver function.
Let’s understand what ferritin is, how it’s connected to iron, and what can be done to address this persistent deficiency.
What is Ferritin and How is it Linked to Iron?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body and releases it when needed. Low ferritin means your body doesn’t have enough stored iron, regardless of how much iron you’re consuming. This typically indicates a deeper issue—such as improper absorption or liver problems.
Causes of Low Ferritin Levels
1. Poor Digestion
If your digestive system isn’t working well, your body can’t absorb iron properly. Nutrient absorption depends heavily on a healthy gut.
2. Liver Dysfunction
A fatty or inflamed liver slows down metabolism and affects how iron is processed and stored in the body. If the liver isn’t functioning optimally, iron absorption drops significantly.
3. Chronic Inflammation or Infection
Long-term inflammation or infection, whether in the liver or elsewhere in the body, can suppress iron metabolism and reduce ferritin levels.
4. Excessive Blood Loss
Conditions such as heavy menstruation, ulcers, or hemorrhoids can lead to regular blood loss, rapidly depleting iron stores.
5. Overuse of Antacids and Poor Diet Choices
Frequent use of antacids for acidity, excessive intake of tea, coffee, or dairy products at the wrong time can block iron absorption and reduce ferritin.
How to Improve Iron Absorption
If your body isn’t absorbing iron effectively, the solution lies in strengthening digestion and liver health:
- Drink warm ginger water every morning
- Consume warm cumin (jeera) water daily
- Avoid cold and raw foods that slow digestion
- Do not consume dairy products right before or after meals
- Eat slowly, chew your food properly
Habits to Avoid
- No tea or coffee with meals
- Avoid combining milk or curd with iron-rich foods
- Stay away from sugar, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods
- Avoid over-exercising or extreme physical strain
In Conclusion:
If you’re still feeling tired, weak, or breathless despite taking iron supplements, the problem may not be iron itself—it may be poor ferritin levels or an underperforming liver. To permanently fix low iron, you must focus on healing your digestion and liver first. Only then can your body truly absorb and utilize iron efficiently.