Episode 116 - Dr. Christy Sutton - The Iron Overload Problem No One Is Talking About

MEET THE GUEST Dr. Sutton is passionate about identifying the root causes of chronic health problems and developed a deep interest in iron disorders after her husband suffered severe complications from previously undiagnosed hereditary hemochromatosis, including liver disease and a pituitary tumor. Living with Crohn's disease and iron deficiency anemia herself, she has experienced both sides of iron dysregulation firsthand. In her book and workshop, The Iron Curse, Dr. Sutton explores the full spectrum of iron imbalance, from overload to deficiency anemia, covering underlying causes, contributing factors, and evidence-based natural strategies that may help support healthier iron regulation and overall wellness.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT How undiagnosed hemochromatosis can cause liver damage and pituitary tumorsWide range of iron overload symptoms, from fatigue to joint painOrgans most affected by excess iron: liver, heart, pancreas, gonads, thyroid, brainHemochromatosis prevalence and high rate of underdiagnosisCarrier myth debunked, one gene still carries real riskFerritin and iron saturation as key diagnostic markersTarget ferritin ranges for people with a hemochromatosis geneBlood removal and donation as first-line treatmentDiet shifts that lower iron, including calcium-rich foodsSupplements that help chelate iron: curcumin, alpha lipoic acid, EGCG, silymarinQuercetin and berberine for lowering iron absorptionRealistic timelines for bringing iron levels downThree hemochromatosis genes explained, heavyweight, middleweight, lightweightHow iron levels shift with age and gender across a lifetimeRecommended testing frequency for people with a hemochromatosis geneCeliac disease connection to hemochromatosis geneticsEvolutionary reasons hemochromatosis and celiac genes persist in the populationEPISODE RESOURCES  Thrive MarketGluten-free pantry staples delivered to your door, making it easier to stock a celiac-friendly kitchen.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/ThriveMarketQuicksilverMilk thistle helps your body bind and clear excess iron while supporting liver health. Save 15% with code TRAILTOHEALTH.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/QuicksilverScientificCarawayNon-toxic cookware and cutting boards help prevent cross-contamination in a celiac-safe kitchen. Save 10% with code TRAILTOHEALTH10.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/CarawayCookwareBiOptimizersBerberine supplements help lower iron absorption to support healthy iron levels. Save 10% with code TRAILTOHEALTH.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/biooptimizerPrimal KitchenGluten-free snacks and liver support supplements, all in one place. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% off.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/PrimalKitchenCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:http://drchristysutton.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/drchristysuttonFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/drchristysuttonYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@drchristysuttonKEYWORDShereditary hemochromatosis, iron overload, iron deficiency anemia, ferritin levels, iron saturation test, celiac disease, gluten-free diet, liver support, milk thistle, berberine, curcumin, alpha lipoic acid, genetic testing, carrier myth, blood donation, chelation supplements, autoimmune disease, iron chelation