Fix Iron First: The One Change That Could Transform Your Energy, Mood & Life

by Kristina Karlsson

If you’ve been feeling tired lately - not just the “I need a nap” kind of tired, but a deep exhaustion that no amount of coffee seems to fix - this blog post is for you.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend Dr. Libby Weaver on Your Dream Life Podcast to talk about something that could truly change everything: iron.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you may not have realised just how central iron is to almost every aspect of how we feel and function. Energy, focus, sleep, motivation, even mood - all of it is affected when our iron stores run low.

And the reality is, so many women are living depleted, being told their blood tests are “normal” when they know something isn’t right.

This conversation with Libby was not only eye-opening, but also practical and hopeful. So in today’s post, I’m sharing the highlights, the insights, and the gentle encouragement to take action if any of this resonates with you.

Why Iron Matters More Than You Think

Iron is essential for making red blood cells, which transport oxygen all throughout the body. Without enough iron, oxygen delivery is compromised, and fatigue is one of the first symptoms we notice.

But it doesn’t stop there. Iron is also required by the thyroid gland to produce hormones. It’s needed for neurotransmitters like dopamine (motivation), serotonin (happiness), and melatonin (sleep).

When iron is low, it’s not just your energy that suffers - your mood, sleep, focus, and resilience all take a hit too.

In other words: if you’re iron deficient, life feels harder than it should.

Common Signs of Iron Deficiency

Most people think of tiredness as the main symptom of low iron, but there are many others. Here are some of the big ones Libby shared:

• Pale skin (beyond your normal tone)
• Shortness of breath or racing heartbeat
• Restless legs, especially at night
• Poor sleep or waking up unrefreshed
• Cravings for ice or very crunchy foods
• Anxiety or low mood
• Heavy periods - or in severe deficiency, periods that stop altogether

If you’re nodding along to any of these, it might be worth getting tested.

The Problem With “Normal” Test Results

Here’s something really important Libby highlighted: normal doesn’t always mean optimal.

For example, ferritin (which measures iron storage) is considered “normal” anywhere between 20–220 in many labs. But Libby’s experience shows that many women don’t feel truly well until their ferritin is at least 50, and often closer to 80 or 100.

So if you’ve ever been told your results are fine but you still don’t feel right, it’s okay to ask more questions and advocate for yourself.

Iron, Perimenopause, and Mood

Perimenopause is a big topic right now - and rightly so. But one of the most powerful things Libby shared is that sometimes what looks like perimenopause symptoms are actually signs of iron deficiency.

Anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, disrupted sleep - these can all be linked to low iron. That’s why testing matters. And if iron deficiency is part of the picture, correcting it can make the transition through perimenopause a lot gentler.

Emotional Wellbeing and Iron

One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was about the connection between iron and emotional health.

Anxiety, depression, even a loss of motivation can sometimes be traced back to low iron. A 2023 study found that for many people, correcting iron deficiency either alleviated or completely resolved symptoms of anxiety and depression.

This is particularly concerning - and important - for teenage girls. Many start menstruating and, at the same time, experiment with restrictive diets. If they’re not educated about iron-rich foods, it can severely impact both their physical and emotional resilience.

This isn’t about scare tactics - it’s about awareness. Nutrition plays a bigger role in our mood and mental health than many of us realise.

How to Boost Your Iron Naturally

So what can we do if we’re low on iron? Libby shared some wonderfully practical advice.

Food Sources of Iron

• Animal-based (heme iron, best absorbed): beef, lamb, chicken liver, mussels, sardines, eggs
• Plant-based (non-heme iron): chia seeds, seaweed, kale, legumes

A quick bit of science: non-heme iron (from plants) is harder to absorb, but vitamin C helps. So pair spinach with lemon, or beans with tomatoes.

A few extra tips:

• Avoid tea and coffee with meals (they block absorption)
• Don’t combine calcium-rich foods with iron-rich meals
• Aim for whole foods most of the time - processed foods usually contain no meaningful iron

What About Supplements?

Many people resist taking iron supplements because of the dreaded constipation and gut issues they can cause. That’s where Libby’s innovation is so exciting.

She’s developed a ferritin-based iron supplement made from organic peas. This form of iron is gentler, highly absorbable, and doesn’t cause the same uncomfortable side effects. It’s been a game-changer for many.

Five Key Insights from My Conversation With Libby

Here are the biggest takeaways I walked away with - and I think you’ll find them powerful too:

1. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Yet, it’s not being talked about enough.
2. Fatigue isn’t the only sign. Anxiety, restless legs, poor sleep, and low motivation are all linked.
3. Normal isn’t always optimal. Advocate for yourself and aim for what feels best for you, not just what the lab report says.
4. Iron affects emotional health. It’s not just about energy - it’s about mood, motivation, and resilience.
5. There’s hope. With the right food, awareness, and supplements if needed, iron deficiency is correctable - and the difference can feel life-changing.

Creating a Life You Love Starts With Energy

One of the most beautiful things Libby shared is that when we feel better in ourselves, we show up better for others.

That’s the ripple effect.

If you’ve been struggling with energy, mood, or sleep, please don’t ignore it. A simple blood test could reveal that iron is the missing piece. And once addressed, you may be amazed at how much brighter and more empowered life feels.

Living your dream life requires energy, focus, and vitality. And sometimes, it all starts with something as simple as fixing iron first.

💛 If this resonates, I’d encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Libby on Your Dream Life Podcast. It’s practical, soulful, and full of hope.

And if you’d love even more support to create a life you love, take a look at DL Coaching.

It’s designed to help you not just dream, but take meaningful steps toward living the life you truly want.

Dream Big,