Your weekly housecall filled with everything you need to know to live longer and live better—naturally. Missed an issue or want to forward to a friend? Find it all right here.

Hey there, friend!

Happy New Year!

I hope your holidays were peace-filled and that your new year is off to a healthy and happy start!

Each year during my annual physical, I like to get a baseline on my iron levels. Why? Studies have shown that low iron levels, also known as anemia, is a very commonly missed health issue for women, The CDC recommends a blood test for anemia every five to 10 years for women of reproductive age. The CDC recommends a blood test for anemia every five to 10 years for women of reproductive age

Ferritin’s Important Role

Ferritin, a naturally occurring protein in the blood, plays a pivotal role in supporting the creation of red blood cells, responsible for oxygen transport throughout your body. Iron levels vary from person to person.

Certain individuals face a higher likelihood of developing low ferritin levels, prompting the need for regular testing. Those at risk include underweight individuals, pregnant women, those with heavy menstrual periods, and individuals with digestive issues preventing proper nutrient absorption, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

It’s crucial to note that a low ferritin reading does not necessarily mean you have low iron levels. Ferritin stores excess iron, so while low iron leads to low ferritin, the reverse is not always true. A blood test is used to confirm low ferritin levels.

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Recognizing Low Ferritin Symptoms

Symptoms to be on the lookout for if you suspect you may have low ferritin levels include:

• Paler-than-usual skin
• Nervousness, jitteriness
• Difficulty focusing
• Muscle weakness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unusual shortness of breath may manifest

Many health issues can contribute to low ferritin levels, ranging from conditions preventing proper iron absorption to blood loss related to digestive tract problems.

Low Ferritin vs. Low Iron

Understanding the distinction between low ferritin and low iron is crucial. Hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, relies on iron to be produced. Ferritin stores extra iron, but insufficient iron intake forces the body to use ferritin-stored iron for hemoglobin production. Low ferritin can lead to iron deficiency, eventually causing anemia characterized by low hemoglobin levels.

Naturally Boosting Your Ferritin Levels

If diagnosed with low ferritin, there are natural ways to enhance iron stores. Iron supplements and incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, such as beans, tofu, beef, dried fruit, cashews, lentils, kale, pistachios, soybeans, peas, and broccoli, can provide a nutritional boost to elevate your ferritin levels.

Have you been told by past healthcare providers you’re “fine” even though you don’t feel fine?

You are not alone.

I want you to feel empowered with your health in 2024.

I’ve helped many people just like you find relief from symptoms of untreated, undiagnosed, and misdiagnosed conditions through easy, convenient, and painless testing. I call it the ‘test, don’t guess’ method. This holistic approach can help you regain the happiness and calm you once felt before stress and fatigue set in.

If you’re tired of trying to pull all the pieces of your health together alone and feel like you’re not getting anywhere with those 15-minute doctor visits then let’s talk about it on a FREE health coaching call.

Yours in good health,

Angel

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Kale is a nutritious food rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene. It also contains nutrients that can support eye health, weight management, heart health, and more. Loaded with important micronutrients and antioxidants, kale is one of the most nutritious leafy greens available. Kale contains a variety of beneficial compounds, some of which have powerful medicinal properties. Plus, it’s versatile and boasts a nutty, earthy flavor that works well in a wide range of recipes.

Not sure how to cook with kale? Here is a round-up of 33 kale recipes for you to try!

This Week In the News

Why Are Women’s Health Concerns Dismissed So Often? From chronic pain to emergency room visits, women’s medical concerns are often dismissed at higher rates than those of men. Why does this happen? ​ Read article

Upcoming Event

Design The Life You Deserve® Vision Board Party

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Are you feeling the butterflies in your stomach as we inch closer to a brand new year? That’s excitement bubbling beneath the surface because deep in your heart you know that you’re on the brink of a big transformation in your life!

If you are a woman who’s ready to carve a new path, write a new chapter, and ditch the fear and frustration that’s been holding you back this fun-filled creative event is for you!

Join me for an intimate Sunday afternoon filled with laughter, inspiration, motivation, and the joyous buzz of creativity with other like-minded women like you!

Ask Me (Almost!) Anything

Send in Your Questions!

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Do you have a burning question about your health or well-being? Every Friday, I’ll be answering questions LIVE on Instagram. All questions remain anonymous – so no question is too embarrassing. Ask Me (Almost!) Anything will be available for replay following the live session.

New on Seva Stream™

Where Good Health Comes to Life

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What’s In Your Wallet? Prioritizing Wellness With FSA Funds

New Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024 @ 12PM ET – Virtual

It may be early in the year, but now is as good a time as any to get familiar with one of the most powerful tools in your wallet: your FSA and HSA funds.

Plan ahead now so you’re not missing out on big benefits nor scrambling to figure out what you can or can’t use it for at the last minute. If you’re looking for a good way to utilize your FSA funds, wellness care is a great place to start for the whole family.

Join me for my first live broadcast on Seva Stream – your insiders only direct access channel for safe, reliable health information for you and your family.

Seva Stream™ is here for you with practical tips, tools, and strategies that put you in control.

Sign up for FREE access to Seva Stream™ and get your front-row seat for LIVE broadcasts with Angel V. Shannon, MS, CRNP that focus on mental health, NeuroWellness™, HeartMath®, women’s integrative health, sexual wellness at every age, safe supplements, product reviews, expert interviews and so much more.

New on my Shelves

The Science Behind Your Symptoms Feeling sluggish, flat, and easily distracted? Reach out to learn more about how NeuroWellness testing can help. Learn More

Stressed & Exhausted? AdreCor supports catecholamines that play a role in mood, energy, memory, attention and cognition. Bonus – AdreCor contains a boost of Vitamin C, which can help support iron absorption in your body. Get Yours Now

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Big shout-out to our FB friend, Samantha!

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People who thrive in their later years usually adopt these 9 daily rituals

By Eliza Hartley, December 28, 2023

Samantha, I loved reading this good lifestyle advice on thriving, not just surviving. We’re building a movement here so thank you for tagging us on this great read! I’m honored to have you as part of the Seva Health community!

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We Want to Hear from You!

What’s on your bookshelf? Found a great product that’s helping you feel fit and functional? Want to connect to others who are ready to eat, sleep, move, and live better? Here’s your space! Click reply, send us your post and we’ll include it in an upcoming copy of our newsletter.

Let’s connect!

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