In this episode of The Vital Spirit Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked lab markers I run in clinical practice: ferritin. While many people associate iron with anemia, ferritin tells us a much bigger story about your body's iron reserves and can offer important clues when you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, anxiety, poor exercise recovery, or simply feeling like something isn't right.
I explain why ferritin is rarely the diagnosis itself—it's a clue that helps us ask better questions. We explore how iron supports everything from energy production and thyroid function to brain health and the immune system, why two people with the same ferritin level may need completely different treatment plans, and how digestion, inflammation, hormones, and nutrient absorption all influence your iron status.
Most importantly, I want to show you how I think through lab work in practice. Because the goal isn't just to correct a number—it's to understand the physiology behind it so we can create lasting healing.
In this episode, we cover:
● 00:49 The patient story that revealed ferritin as the missing clue
● 02:42 Why ferritin matters and what it can tell us about your health
● 07:07 What ferritin actually is and how it differs from iron
● 10:39 The many roles iron plays in energy, brain function, thyroid health, anxiety, and more
● 14:33 Why low ferritin can look different from one person to another
● 18:59 How I interpret iron studies and why lab numbers should never be viewed in isolation
● 25:32 The most common reasons ferritin becomes depleted, from heavy periods to gut health and inflammation
● 33:27 Food, supplements, and supporting iron absorption the right way
● 37:10 When iron infusions may be appropriate and the biggest takeaway from today's episode
Links and resources:
● Episode 2. The Blueprint for Healing: Naturopathic Principles and the Therapeutic Order: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/02-the-blueprint-for-healing-naturopathic-principles/id1790365046?i=1000684966344
● Episode 12. What Your Thyroid Is Trying to Tell You in Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/12-what-your-thyroid-is-trying-to-tell-you-in-midlife/id1790365046?i=1000706641159
● Episode 41 Part 1. SSRIs, Serotonin, and the Truth About Depression: What Women Aren’t Being Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/41-part-1-ssris-serotonin-and-the-truth-about/id1790365046?i=1000739475942
● Episode 11 Part 1. Which Labs Actually Matter for Women in Perimenopause and Menopause?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/11-part-1-which-labs-actually-matter-for-women-in-perimenopause/id1790365046?i=1000704570884
● Episode 39. SIBO Isn’t the Problem: Healing the Terrain, Not the Germ (Bloating & Weight Gain in Midlife): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/39-sibo-isnt-the-problem-healing-the-terrain-not/id1790365046?i=1000737383709
Connect with Dr. Kelly:
Website: drkellylivingston.com
Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/
Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine
YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston
Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast as it helps us reach more women who are ready to awaken their healing potential.
Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.
If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.
Disclaimer:
The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
