If you've been told your ferritin is low even though you’re eating iron-rich foods and you're also dealing with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, you’re not alone. I see this pattern all the time in my practice, and it’s not just a coincidence.

Let’s break down what’s really going on, why iron levels are so hard to restore in these cases, and what you can do about it.

🔍 First, What Is Ferritin?

Ferritin is your iron storage protein, so when ferritin is low, it typically means your body doesn’t have much backup iron. That’s a problem because iron is needed to make energy, transport oxygen, regulate body temperature, and even convert thyroid hormone.

Many clients I work with have ferritin levels under 30 (sometimes way lower), yet they’re eating plenty of iron-rich foods like beef, organ meats, and greens. So what gives?

🧠 Hashimoto’s, Hypothyroid, and Low Stomach Acid

If you have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, chances are you’re not producing enough stomach acid or digestive enzymes. This makes it harder to break down protein and absorb nutrients, especially iron.

This is why I often recommend digestive support like betaine HCl and digestive enzymes alongside meals, especially if you’re eating meat. It helps your body actually use the iron you’re eating.

🔥 The IL-6 and Hepcidin Problem

Here’s where things get really interesting.

Low thyroid function, especially in the presence of inflammation or autoimmunity, often leads to elevated IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. IL-6 stimulates the production of hepcidin, a liver-produced hormone that regulates iron metabolism.

When hepcidin is high, your body blocks iron absorption and traps iron inside storage sites (so it’s not available to cells). This can show up as:

• Low ferritin

• Low percentage saturation

• High TIBC

• But normal iron intake

It’s not that you’re not eating enough iron. Your body simply isn’t letting it in.

🧬 What Causes High IL-6 and Hepcidin?

These are often elevated in response to:

• Autoimmunity (including Hashimoto’s itself)

• Mold or heavy metal exposure

• Infections (microbes & parasites)

• Inflammatory foods (gluten, dairy, possibly soy)

• Spike protein or immune system activation post-infection or vaccination (check out my spike protein detox protocol here) 

That’s why I never just throw iron at a low ferritin problem. We have to ask why the body is rejecting iron in the first place.

🧪 Bloodwork Isn’t Always Enough

It’s important to look beyond ferritin alone. I also like to check:

• TIBC (total iron-binding capacity)

• % saturation

• WBC markers (like total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes & eosinophils)

• Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4, antibodies, reversed T3)

That combo gives us a much better picture of what’s going on beneath the surface.

And fun fact: I often use food tracking (Cronometer) over bloodwork to evaluate nutrient deficiencies, because blood nutrient levels can appear "normal" even when cellular levels are low.

🩺 So What Can You Do?

Here’s a simplified approach I often use in practice:

1. Support digestion
   Add betaine HCl and digestive enzymes to meals if low stomach acid is suspected.

2. Reduce inflammation
   Temporarily go gluten-free and dairy-free (and sometimes soy-free) to lower IL-6 if triggered by inflammatory foods. Re-check thyroid antibodies as they may improve.

3. Open drainage
   Before tackling mold, metals, or parasites, make sure the body’s elimination pathways are working. This is non-negotiable. Check out my Drainage Reset Program here.

4. Investigate root causes
   Consider testing for mold (mycotoxins), heavy metals, and stealth infections if symptoms persist.

5. Use iron strategically
   If labs show very low saturation or high TIBC, a gentle iron supplement like iron bisglycinate may be appropriate, but it should never be your only strategy.

6. Work on circadian health
   Because disrupted sleep and cortisol can worsen inflammation, hormone imbalance, and weight retention. All of these affect iron status too.

💡 Final Thoughts

Low ferritin in someone with Hashimoto’s isn’t just an iron issue. It’s a metabolic and inflammatory issue. Iron won’t “stick” until you calm the immune system, optimize digestion, and reduce the body’s alarm signals.

That’s why every case I see is personalized. But if this post spoke to you, know this: you’re not broken. Your body is protecting you. And with the right strategy, you can rebuild.

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