Anaemia and Iron Deficiency: Understanding the Hidden Causes and Natural Solutions

By Katrina Ellis N.D. – Naturopathic Doctor, Herbalist, Iridologist and Author

When most people hear the word anaemia, they immediately think of low iron. It’s true that iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common forms, but anaemia is much more complex than many realise. At its core, anaemia simply means that the blood is not delivering enough oxygen to the body. This happens either because there are not enough red blood cells, or because those cells don’t contain enough haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen.

Without oxygen, cells cannot produce energy efficiently. The result? Fatigue, brain fog, and a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms that can affect every system of the body. Over my 30 years in clinical practice, I have seen just how misunderstood anaemia can be. Many people accept their exhaustion as part of “modern life,” when in reality their body is crying out for deeper support.

 

The Many Types of Anaemia

Anaemia is not one single condition. It can develop in many different ways:

• Iron deficiency anaemia – caused by low iron intake, poor absorption, or chronic blood loss.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia) – often due to poor absorption, not diet, leading to nerve pain, mood changes, and memory issues.
• Folate deficiency anaemia (megaloblastic anaemia) – caused by low folate from pregnancy, alcohol use, gut issues, or medications.
• Aplastic anaemia – when the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells.
• Haemolytic anaemia – when red blood cells are destroyed too quickly, often by autoimmune issues, toxins, or inherited conditions.
• Sickle-cell anaemia – a genetic condition where abnormally shaped red cells break down more easily.
• Anaemia of chronic disease – seen in long-term illnesses such as kidney disease, thyroid imbalance, or autoimmune disorders.

Each type requires a different approach, which is why simply “taking more iron” doesn’t always solve the problem.

 

Why Iron Loss Happens

Iron deficiency remains the most widespread form of anaemia. But why do iron levels drop in the first place?

• Heavy menstrual cycles or fibroids
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, when demand is higher
• Digestive bleeding from ulcers, gastritis, polyps, haemorrhoids, or colon cancer
• Gastrointestinal conditions such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis that block absorption
• Parasitic infections like hookworm or giardia
• Frequent blood donation or surgery
• Accidents and injuries with blood loss
• Low stomach acid or long-term use of acid-blocking medication
• Nutrient interactions – excess calcium, dairy, caffeine, and soft drinks can all reduce iron absorption

Understanding why iron is low is just as important as replacing it.

 

Symptoms of Anaemia: More Than Just Fatigue

Anaemia can whisper long before it shouts. Some of the early signs include:

• Pale skin, lips, or eyelids
• Cold hands and feet
• Shortness of breath during light activity
• Dizziness, especially when standing up
• Brittle nails that curve or split easily
• Unexplained hair loss or thinning
• Mouth ulcers, sore tongue, or cracks at the corners of the mouth
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Headaches or light sensitivity
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Brain fog, poor memory, irritability, or depression
• Digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, or poor appetite
• Delayed wound healing or low immunity

The body speaks in many ways. Fatigue is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Simple At-Home Checks

While blood tests are essential, there are some simple ways you can check at home:

• Nail bed test: Press on your fingernail until it turns white. If the pink colour doesn’t return quickly, iron may be low.
• Eyelid test: Pull down your lower eyelid. If the inner lining is pale rather than healthy pink, this may signal anaemia.
• Tongue check: A pale, smooth, or sore tongue can point to low iron or B12.
• Breath test: Feeling short of breath after climbing just a few stairs may suggest oxygen delivery is low.

These are not replacements for lab testing, but they can alert you to seek further investigation.

 

Food as Medicine: Rebuilding the Blood Naturally

Food remains the foundation of treatment. Iron comes in two forms: heme iron, found in animal foods and easily absorbed, and non-heme iron, found in plants and absorbed less efficiently.

Heme Iron Sources

• Grass-fed beef, lamb, venison
• Chicken and turkey thighs
• Liver and kidney (especially calf’s liver)
• Oysters, clams, mussels, sardines

Non-Heme Iron Sources

• Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, soybeans
• Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds
• Cashews, almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts
• Dark leafy greens like parsley, kale, dandelion, nettles
• Beets, asparagus, broccoli, peas, avocado
• Molasses, dried figs, prunes, apricots, raisins
• Spirulina and wheatgrass

Tips to Maximise Absorption

• Pair iron-rich foods with Vitamin C (citrus, kiwi, capsicum, broccoli).
• Avoid tea, coffee, and dairy at the same meal as iron foods.
• Cook with a cast iron skillet to naturally increase iron intake.
• Add blackstrap molasses to smoothies or porridge for an old-fashioned blood builder.
• Beetroot juice and fresh wheatgrass shots can help stimulate red blood cell production.

 

Herbal Allies for Anaemia

Many traditional herbs have long been used to build the blood.

• Nettle leaf – rich in iron and Vitamin C for absorption
• Dandelion root and Yellow Dock – support digestion and liver function while providing minerals
• Chickweed and Red Clover – gentle blood tonics
• Rosehips and Hawthorn berries – antioxidant-rich, Vitamin C sources to aid iron uptake
• Codonopsis and Alfalfa – strengthening and nourishing herbs

A daily tea made from nettle, yellow dock, dandelion, and rosehips can work wonders over time.

 

When Food Isn’t Enough: The Role of Supplements

Sometimes, diet alone cannot keep up with the body’s needs. In these cases, supplementation is essential.

• Iron amino acid chelate or bisglycinate – gentle, effective forms that cause fewer digestive issues
• Vitamin C – always take alongside iron – I prefer liposomal forms
• Activated B-complex vitamins – vital for red blood cell production
• Beef liver and spleen capsules – whole-food sources of iron, B12, and folate
• Methylcobalamin (B12) – best taken sublingually for absorption
• Folinic acid or 5-MTHF – active folate for those with MTHFR gene variants

 

Anaemia is not just a number on a blood test — it is the body’s way of saying that oxygen and energy delivery are compromised. Whether the cause is iron deficiency, low B12, folate depletion, chronic illness, or poor absorption, the body always has a story to tell.

By recognising the signs, testing appropriately, and nourishing the body with targeted foods, herbs, and supplements, it is possible to restore iron and red blood cell levels naturally.

My Fav WHOLISTIC HOUSE Picks IRON INFUSION LIPO SUPER C PRIMAL VITALITY (Beef Spleen and Liver) - Coming soon AGELESS BEAUTY

 

In love, health and happiness,