Iron Deficiency Anemia
Gabriel investigates WHY iron is low, not just repleting iron.
9 identified
7 recommended
10 to test
1 modalities
Gabriel's Approach
Gabriel investigates WHY iron is low, not just repleting iron. He tests for celiac disease, H. pylori, inflammatory bowel disease, checks for GI blood loss (occult stool blood, endoscopy/colonoscopy if indicated), assesses for heavy menstruation or endometriosis, optimizes stomach acid and absorption, uses highly absorbable iron forms that don't cause constipation, pairs with vitamin C, addresses gut health, and monitors ferritin to ensure adequate repletion (ferritin >50-70, not just 'normal'). Root cause investigation prevents recurrence.
Root Causes
Why Conventional Fails
Oral iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate - often causes constipation), IV iron infusion if severe or not absorbing, blood transfusion if critically low, investigation for sources of bleeding if cause unclear, treat underlying conditions.
Often prescribes iron without investigating cause (bleeding, malabsorption), uses ferrous sulfate which causes severe constipation and GI upset (poor compliance), doesn't optimize ferritin adequately (repletes to 'normal' >12 but optimal is >50-70), doesn't address gut health or stomach acid for absorption, misses celiac disease and H. pylori commonly, doesn't pair with vitamin C or avoid iron blockers, doesn't monitor adequately after repletion (recurrence common if cause not addressed).
Your Complete Protocol
A comprehensive, tiered approach combining supplements, herbs, and advanced therapies
Your Protocol for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Choose the level that's right for your healing journey
Essential Protocol
What's Included
- Iron bisglycinate 25-50mg daily (or as directed - gentle form)
- Vitamin C 500-1000mg with iron (enhances absorption)
- B-Complex (B12 and folate support RBC production)
- Copper 2mg (needed for iron utilization)
- Iron — Essential mineral to rebuild red blood cells
- Vitamin B12 — Supports red blood cell production
Available through Fullscript
Practitioner-Grade Protocol
Practitioner-Grade — Not Available on Amazon
What's Included
- Standard Process whole food protocol
- Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) — Classic blood-nourishing formula for anemia
- Restore the Spleen Decoction (Gui Pi Tang) — Strengthens spleen to build blood and improve absorption
Whole food supplements by Standard Process
Complete Protocol
What's Included
- All Practitioner-Grade supplements & herbs
- BPC-157 (tissue repair + gut healing)
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (immune modulation)
Standard Process + Matter peptides
Recommended Supplements
Key Lab Markers
Dietary Guidance
Iron-rich foods: grass-fed red meat, liver and organ meats (highest bioavailable heme iron), dark leafy greens, lentils, beans, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, blackstrap molasses, pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C foods (citrus, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli) to enhance absorption, avoid iron blockers (coffee, tea, dairy, calcium supplements) within 2 hours of iron-rich meals or supplements, cook in cast iron pans (increases iron content of food), adequate protein for hemoglobin production, if vegetarian/vegan: supplement is often necessary despite good diet.
Lifestyle Factors
Address heavy menstrual bleeding (consider hormonal issues, fibroids, endometriosis), avoid NSAIDs if possible (cause GI bleeding), space out blood donations if frequent donor, optimize stomach acid (avoid PPIs unless absolutely necessary, use bitters, apple cider vinegar with meals), treat constipation from iron gently (magnesium, fiber, probiotics), adequate sleep (body produces RBCs during sleep), moderate exercise (improves but intense exercise can increase iron losses through foot strike hemolysis and sweat).
Recommended Treatments
Mind, Body & Spirit
Evidence-based practices that complement physical treatment protocols
Mind
Stress Management
moderateManaging anxiety and fatigue from chronic anemia.
Body
Energy Management
moderatePacing and rest during acute anemia to conserve energy.
Gentle Movement
moderateLight exercise appropriate for energy levels, avoiding overexertion.
Iron-Rich Meal Planning
strongEducation on food combinations and timing for optimal absorption.
Spirit
Foods That Help
Curated for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Supplements + Chinese herbal medicine
Standard Process + classical TCM
Standard Process + advanced peptide therapy
Find a Practitioner
Connect with specialists who treat Iron Deficiency Anemia using root-cause approaches.
Browse PractitionersEducational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.