Episode 451: All About Anemia

Anemia is one of the most overlooked yet impactful conditions affecting energy, mood, cognition, and hormone balance. In this episode, we unpack the many root causes of anemia beyond just low iron—including micronutrient deficiencies, MTHFR mutations, lack of intrinsic factor, and the impacts of vegetarian or low-protein diets. We explore the difference between microcytic and macrocytic anemia and how to interpret key markers on an iron panel, including ferritin, transferrin saturation, and total iron-binding capacity.

You'll also learn about the important connections between thyroid function and iron status, the role of hormones like estrogen and cortisol, and how symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, or irregular cycles may trace back to suboptimal iron levels. Whether you're dealing with diagnosed anemia or suspect you’re trending low, this episode will help you understand how to restore balance from a functional, root-cause perspective.

Also in this episode:

• What is anemia?
• Why does anemia occur?
• Risk factors for anemia
• Symptoms of anemia
• Assessment for anemia
  • CBC
  • Ferritin
  • Serum Iron
  • TIBC
  • % saturation
  • Transferrin
• Other lab considerations
  • Serum B12
  • Serum Folate
  • MMA
  • Homocysteine
  • Stool Occult Blood (GI Map Includes) 
• Ferritin and thyroid function
• Food as Medicine for iron repletion
• Noble Origins Organ Complex use code ALIMILLERD
• Liver Pills
• Force of Nature Ancestral Blends use code ALIMILLERRD
• Foods to watch out for when low in iron
• Supplementation
  • MultiAvail Mama
  • Multidefense with Iron
  • Hemagenics
  • MethylComplete
• Root cause approaches to anemia
• Gut Health
  • GI Map
  • Digestaid
  • GI Lining Support
• Inflammation
  • EPA DHA Extra
  • Super Turmeric
  • Cellular Antiox
• Heavy Metals