S04E20. The Real Reason You're Iron Deficient: What Your Doctor Missed

Getting told your iron is low and handed a supplement isn't the whole story — and for a lot of people, it's actually making things worse.

Katie and Cris are diving deep into one of the most misunderstood minerals out there: iron. In this episode, they break down everything iron actually does in the body (hint: it's way more than energy), why low iron is rarely just about low iron, and why blindly supplementing without understanding the root cause can backfire fast. From gut infections and low stomach acid to estrogen dominance and pathogen load, this episode will completely change the way you look at your iron labs.

In This Episode We Cover

• What iron actually does in the body beyond energy and oxygen transport.
• Why low stomach acid is one of the most overlooked reasons you can't absorb iron.
• How gut infections like H. pylori, candida, and parasites steal your iron.
• Why supplementing iron with an active gut infection can make things worse.
• What a complete iron panel actually looks like and which markers matter.
• How heavy periods and estrogen dominance contribute to iron depletion.
  
  

Resources & Links Mentioned

• The GI Map Testing Package
• The HTMA Testing Package
• Functional Blood Lab Bundle
  
  

Work With Us + Connect

• Ready to start working on your skin? Clearer Skin in 30 Days is your next step.
• Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiestewartwellness
• Loved this episode? Leave us a review, it truly helps more people find the show! 🙏
  
  

What is Keep It Clear?

Struggling with acne, hormones, or gut issues that no one seems to explain in plain English? Keep It Clear is the podcast that cuts through the noise. ✨

Hosted by Registered Holistic Nutritionists and acne experts Katie Stewart and Cris Brown, who've helped 3,000+ clients across 15+ countries clear their skin from the inside out.

Every episode breaks down what your skin and body actually need, across the 5 things that drive breakouts: gut health, detoxification, hormonal balance, nervous system regulation, and nourishing skincare. You'll get practical tips, real client stories, and clinical answers to the questions you've been Googling at 1am. 💜

Because clear isn't just about your skin. It's about feeling confident, balanced, and aligned in every part of your health.

In a world that makes women's health way too complicated, this show keeps it simple: clear skin, clear body, clear mind, clear life. Tune in and let's Keep It Clear.

(Formerly The Clear Skin Chronicles.)

💻 Website: katiestewartwellness.com

📱 Instagram: @katiestewartwellness