Ep. 100: Why Constipation Is Blocking Your Iron (And You Don’t Even Know It)

If you’re constipated… and your ferritin won’t improve… this episode is for you. Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable, it's often a sign that your digestive system, minerals, and stress response are all under strain, and when that happens, iron can be one of the first things to stall. In this episode, I connect the dots between: Constipation Fatigue Low ferritin Slow stomach acid Mineral depletion Sluggish bile flow Stress (both internal and external) Because ferritin doesn’t improve just because you take iron. Ferritin improves when the whole system improves. If iron has made you feel worse… If your ferritin only improves while supplementing… If you’re bloated, sluggish, and exhausted despite “normal labs”… This conversation will make things click. In This Episode, We Cover: Why low stomach acid affects both iron and B12 How slow motility disrupts iron recycling Why constipation isn’t a side effect, it’s a signal The connection between bile flow, SIBO, and iron storage How mineral depletion makes iron harder to tolerate Why stress shifts your body out of storage mode 🎁 Giveaway Announcement To celebrate this being the 100th episode and our upcoming live training, I’m doing a giveaway! One listener will win a free Lume Box! This is my favorite red light therapy device I use every day! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Listen to this episode 2️⃣ Leave a rating and review 3️⃣ Screenshot your review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [100th giveaway] as the subject line --> Bonus entries for sharing the podcast and tagging @drheatherfinley on Instagram The winner will be announced on next weeks podcast! Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!