Debbie chats with Dr. Matt Angove on what to look for on your comprehensive blood chemistry test and when to dive in deeper to the root cause(s)- specifically today we focus on Iron levels and your ferritin marker. We chat about... Why is iron important for athletic performance? Why are you at increased risk for iron deficiency as an athlete? Signs and symptoms of low iron levels Dr. Matt's WHY... "I believe that age doesn't have to define you as an athlete and even though 40+ athletes have less margin than they used to when they were younger, they can still make gains in their fitness by supporting both their health AND performance. Regularly, I see athletes who are putting out massive physical exertion and yet they are doing it with limited physical resources. Iron is one of those resources that is extremely important for optimal athletic performance. I've had the privilege of helping countless patients optimize their ferritin levels. Most of these patients are female and at critical junctures in their lives such as during pregnancy or training for a marathon that require optimal iron levels. In fact, my wife had low ferritin levels while pregnant with our twins (yes, twins) and Blood Vitality increased her ferritin in just a couple of months without giving her black stools as she was accustomed to with other irons. Unfortunately, many doctors don’t test ferritin levels or if they do, prescribe iron supplements that are not easily absorbed and therefore not assimilated by the body and in the process cause digestive distress. This is why I formulated Blood Vitality which is a whole food form of iron is delivered in a unique form called Hydrolyzed Whole Protein Chelate. This unique form is what makes it easier to digest and absorb without the side effects commonly associated with iron supplements." Dr. Matt Angove Social Links: Instagram @bloodvitality @drwholeness @elitefuel YouTube @drwholeness Listeners can save 15% on a bottle of Blood Vitality with code THELOWCARBATHLETE Are you an ambitious, driven, high charging athlete who is struggling to get the desired results even when doing all the "right" things?  Are you struggling with fat loss, poor recovery and inflammation? You can take ownership of your health to get your body and VIBRANT self back again! I can help you. We will dive in to not only WHAT to eat, but WHEN, HOW, and WHY as well as the other elements of what Debbie calls "The WHOLESTIC Method". We are talking about how to match your fueling with your training, as well as mapping out the hormone cycle with fasting, nutrition and training for the FEMALE athlete! Are you ready to start your fat loss, performance and health journey ...and N = 1 experiment? There is not a once size fits all solution. We are all unique. The struggle is real and I understand the challenges as well as frustrations in finding the right answers to feeling and looking your best -especially when you think you are doing everything "right". Doctors may tell you that your lab results are "normal" and there is nothing is wrong with you - but you know that you are off and not performing your best in life or sports. Let's investigate what is actually going on under the hood by looking at the WHOLE picture and put a personalized program together for the unique YOU! Learn how to BURN FAT, Optimize HEALTH and improve your PERFORMANCE with "The WHOLESTIC Method" coaching program. Coach Debbie Potts interviews guests to discuss tricks and tips to transform the WHOLE you from the inside out to be fit and healthy on the inside and out while you improve fat loss, performance and longevity! Self love is self care. Let's strive to thrive and not survive the day...its your choice. Train for your races this year but learn how to train the FUTURE you 20-30-40 years from now as a fit and healthy athlete!