Can't stop chewing ice

You crunch through one cup of ice, then go back for another. The urge can last all day. Cold, hard crunching may be the only thing that hits the spot.

A strong craving to chew ice even has a name: pagophagia. It often shows up in people whose iron is low. Doctors ask about it for that reason.

Low iron is not the only reason, though. Dry mouth, stress, or plain habit can drive it too. Either way, ice is hard on your teeth, and chips and cracks are common.

When to see someone

See a doctor if you feel short of breath, dizzy, or weak on stairs. Pale skin, brittle nails, a sore tongue, or black or bloody stool need a check. Heavy periods count too, and ask a dentist about cracked, chipped, or aching teeth.

The list below holds traditional and self-care ideas tied to low iron. Each one carries a grade for the evidence behind it. A low grade means little research, so read the grade before you try anything.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

9 options · 2 graded A · 7 traditional or ungraded

Where are you with your iron right now?

My labs came back low and I'm wiped out — I want to rebuild my iron the right way

  1. Iron

    Supported by controlled trials (Evidence grade A · No traditional record)

    Core mineral for red blood cell production

    Why this matches
    When levels are confirmed low, repleting iron directly is the foundational step to restoring healthy red blood cell counts.
    Why try it
    Iron is the essential building block for hemoglobin, and oral iron is the established first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia — meta-analyses of randomized trials show it reliably helps rebuild hemoglobin and iron stores.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    Systematic review and meta-analysis (2025, PMID 40841680): Efficacy of daily versus alternate day oral iron supplementation for management of anaemia among general population — pooled 11 RCTs (1,014 participants), with oral iron raising hemoglobin in iron deficiency anemia and daily and alternate-day dosing both effective and similarly tolerated.
    Caution
    Can cause constipation or nausea; avoid taking with calcium-rich foods or antacids. Keep away from children — iron overdose is dangerous.

  2. Vitamin C

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Boosts absorption of the iron you take

    Why this matches
    When you're rebuilding confirmed-low iron, taking vitamin C alongside your iron helps your body absorb more of each dose.
    Why try it
    Vitamin C converts iron into a form that is easier for the gut to take up, so pairing it with iron-rich food or supplements can improve how much iron you actually retain.
    Dose or use
    Take with your iron source, e.g. a glass of citrus juice or a vitamin C supplement per product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Works per dose; iron stores rebuild over 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    Vitamin C is well recognized for enhancing non-heme iron absorption; no specific controlled trial for this condition is cited here, so it is offered as a supportive adjunct rather than a standalone treatment.
    Caution
    Very high doses can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. If you have a history of kidney stones, check with your provider before taking large amounts.

  3. Copper

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Cofactor your body needs to use iron

    Why this matches
    As you rebuild iron, small amounts of copper help your body actually mobilize and use that iron to make red blood cells.
    Why try it
    Copper is required for the enzymes that load iron into hemoglobin, and low copper can blunt your response to iron on its own.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if also taking zinc.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks alongside iron repletion
    Key study
    Copper is an established cofactor in iron metabolism per the product library; no specific controlled trial for this condition is cited here, so it is offered as a supportive co-nutrient rather than a standalone treatment.
    Caution
    Only small amounts are needed — excess copper is toxic. High-dose zinc can lower copper, so balance the two with your provider.

  4. ST36 (Zusanli)

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Traditional point for energy and fatigue

    Why this matches
    While you rebuild your iron, ST36 is a traditional acupressure point long used to ease the tiredness and low energy that come with anemia.
    Why try it
    In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ST36 is a primary point to tonify energy and support digestion; it's a gentle self-care add-on, not a replacement for actually repleting iron.
    Dose or use
    Apply firm circular pressure just below the outer knee for 1–2 minutes per side, once or twice daily.
    Time to results
    Traditional practice; effects on comfort/energy vary by person
    Key study
    Traditionally used in TCM to support energy and reduce fatigue; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials for iron deficiency anemia.
    Caution
    A complementary comfort measure only — it does not raise iron levels. Keep taking your iron and testing as advised, and avoid pressure over broken or irritated skin.

Regular iron pills wreck my stomach — I need a gentler way to get iron in

  1. Lactoferrin

    Supported by controlled trials (Evidence grade A · No traditional record)

    Gentler iron support for sensitive stomachs

    Why this matches
    For those who struggle with standard iron supplements, lactoferrin offers an alternative pathway to support iron absorption with potentially fewer digestive side effects.
    Why try it
    Lactoferrin is an iron-binding milk protein, and a meta-analysis of trials in iron deficiency anemia found it improved hemoglobin, serum iron and ferritin while causing fewer stomach complaints than standard ferrous sulfate — a reasonable option when conventional iron pills are hard to tolerate.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–8 weeks
    Key study
    Systematic review and meta-analysis (2022, PMID 35276902): Comparative Effects between Oral Lactoferrin and Ferrous Sulfate Supplementation on Iron-Deficiency Anemia — pooled clinical trials found oral lactoferrin improved hemoglobin, serum iron and ferritin, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than ferrous sulfate.
    Caution
    Derived from cow's milk — avoid if you have a dairy allergy. Consult your doctor if you are on dialysis or have kidney concerns.

  2. Iron Ferrous Bisglycinate

    Not yet assessed· We have not reviewed the literature for this one (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised)Recognised traditional use

    Gentler chelated iron form for sensitive stomachs

    Why this matches
    If standard iron pills leave you nauseous or constipated, a chelated bisglycinate form is designed to be easier on the stomach while still delivering usable iron.
    Why try it
    Ferrous bisglycinate binds iron to an amino acid so it is absorbed more smoothly and is widely chosen by people who cannot tolerate ferrous sulfate.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Typically 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    A chelated (glycinate-bound) form of iron commonly used for its improved stomach tolerance; this specific product has not been evaluated in a controlled trial cited here.
    Caution
    Still iron — can cause constipation or nausea in some people. Take away from calcium-rich foods and antacids, and keep well away from children, since iron overdose is dangerous.

  3. Vitamin C

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Boosts absorption of the iron you take

    Why this matches
    When you're rebuilding confirmed-low iron, taking vitamin C alongside your iron helps your body absorb more of each dose.
    Why try it
    Vitamin C converts iron into a form that is easier for the gut to take up, so pairing it with iron-rich food or supplements can improve how much iron you actually retain.
    Dose or use
    Take with your iron source, e.g. a glass of citrus juice or a vitamin C supplement per product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Works per dose; iron stores rebuild over 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    Vitamin C is well recognized for enhancing non-heme iron absorption; no specific controlled trial for this condition is cited here, so it is offered as a supportive adjunct rather than a standalone treatment.
    Caution
    Very high doses can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. If you have a history of kidney stones, check with your provider before taking large amounts.

I'm not sure low iron is even my problem — help me figure out what to test

  1. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Common non-iron cause of anemia to rule out

    Why this matches
    If you're uncertain iron is the culprit, low vitamin B12 is a leading alternative cause of anemia and fatigue that's worth checking before over-supplementing iron.
    Why try it
    B12 is essential for making red blood cells, and a deficiency causes a distinct (megaloblastic) anemia — so confirming or ruling it out helps target the real problem.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare provider for a vitamin B12 level, ideally alongside your iron and CBC panel.
    Time to results
    Results from testing typically within days
    Key study
    This is a root-cause differential to check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your B12 alongside iron.
    Caution
    Neurological symptoms from B12 deficiency can become permanent if left untreated, so don't ignore numbness or tingling — get tested rather than guessing.

  2. Copper Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    A look-alike cause of iron-resistant anemia

    Why this matches
    If you're not sure iron is really the issue, copper deficiency is worth ruling out because it can cause an anemia that mimics low iron and won't improve with iron alone.
    Why try it
    Copper is needed for your body to use iron, so a shortfall can produce anemia that looks like iron deficiency but responds only when copper is restored — making it a smart thing to check.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare provider whether copper testing is appropriate, especially if iron therapy hasn't helped.
    Time to results
    Results from testing typically within days
    Key study
    This is a root-cause differential to check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to evaluate your copper status if anemia persists despite iron.
    Caution
    Don't self-supplement copper without confirmed results — excess copper is toxic and high zinc intake can be an underlying cause worth investigating.

  3. Iron Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Rule out deficiency as the root cause

    Why this matches
    If you're unsure whether low iron is driving your symptoms, checking your iron status first ensures you're addressing the actual root cause.
    Why try it
    If you're low in iron, correcting that deficiency can help restore energy and red blood cell health — but a blood test is the right starting point to confirm.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare provider for a ferritin and complete blood count (CBC) test.
    Time to results
    Results from testing typically within days
    Key study
    Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.
    Caution
    Never self-diagnose or supplement heavily without confirmed lab results — excess iron can be harmful.

I've been taking iron but I'm still dragging — I want to know why it isn't working

  1. Vitamin C

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Boosts absorption of the iron you take

    Why this matches
    When you're rebuilding confirmed-low iron, taking vitamin C alongside your iron helps your body absorb more of each dose.
    Why try it
    Vitamin C converts iron into a form that is easier for the gut to take up, so pairing it with iron-rich food or supplements can improve how much iron you actually retain.
    Dose or use
    Take with your iron source, e.g. a glass of citrus juice or a vitamin C supplement per product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
    Time to results
    Works per dose; iron stores rebuild over 4–12 weeks
    Key study
    Vitamin C is well recognized for enhancing non-heme iron absorption; no specific controlled trial for this condition is cited here, so it is offered as a supportive adjunct rather than a standalone treatment.
    Caution
    Very high doses can cause stomach upset or diarrhea. If you have a history of kidney stones, check with your provider before taking large amounts.

  2. Copper

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Cofactor your body needs to use iron

    Why this matches
    As you rebuild iron, small amounts of copper help your body actually mobilize and use that iron to make red blood cells.
    Why try it
    Copper is required for the enzymes that load iron into hemoglobin, and low copper can blunt your response to iron on its own.
    Dose or use
    Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if also taking zinc.
    Time to results
    Typically several weeks alongside iron repletion
    Key study
    Copper is an established cofactor in iron metabolism per the product library; no specific controlled trial for this condition is cited here, so it is offered as a supportive co-nutrient rather than a standalone treatment.
    Caution
    Only small amounts are needed — excess copper is toxic. High-dose zinc can lower copper, so balance the two with your provider.

  3. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    Common non-iron cause of anemia to rule out

    Why this matches
    If you're uncertain iron is the culprit, low vitamin B12 is a leading alternative cause of anemia and fatigue that's worth checking before over-supplementing iron.
    Why try it
    B12 is essential for making red blood cells, and a deficiency causes a distinct (megaloblastic) anemia — so confirming or ruling it out helps target the real problem.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare provider for a vitamin B12 level, ideally alongside your iron and CBC panel.
    Time to results
    Results from testing typically within days
    Key study
    This is a root-cause differential to check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your B12 alongside iron.
    Caution
    Neurological symptoms from B12 deficiency can become permanent if left untreated, so don't ignore numbness or tingling — get tested rather than guessing.

  4. Copper Deficiency

    Centuries of traditional use· Human evidence not yet assessed (Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing)Long-standing traditional staple

    A look-alike cause of iron-resistant anemia

    Why this matches
    If you're not sure iron is really the issue, copper deficiency is worth ruling out because it can cause an anemia that mimics low iron and won't improve with iron alone.
    Why try it
    Copper is needed for your body to use iron, so a shortfall can produce anemia that looks like iron deficiency but responds only when copper is restored — making it a smart thing to check.
    Dose or use
    Ask your healthcare provider whether copper testing is appropriate, especially if iron therapy hasn't helped.
    Time to results
    Results from testing typically within days
    Key study
    This is a root-cause differential to check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to evaluate your copper status if anemia persists despite iron.
    Caution
    Don't self-supplement copper without confirmed results — excess copper is toxic and high zinc intake can be an underlying cause worth investigating.

Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Iron Deficiency Anemia, not a promise of results. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.

These suggestions come from our full page on Iron Deficiency Anemia, where you can see every option and how it is graded. Evidence grades are explained in our methodology, and every phrasing we cover is listed under health topics.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Download today our free mobile application for iOS and Android

⭐️ Customer Reviews

(from verified users)

hero_img4.8
coma

This app is so cool! I've always wanted there to be a hub for all NATURAL remedies and preventative options but l've always had to do loads of digging to find the info I wanted for different natural products. HealisticMD has all the info I need in one place. It gave me various natural supplemental options for a condition I looked up, including what each remedy does and how much is usually recommended to take. It also gave me exact products I could buy for the problem I had looked up. It makes my process SO MUCH easier when I need to find non-pharmaceutical solutions to my needs.

user1

Olivia J.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

The tremendous value we have seen in this app and a lot of information and accessibility to the product that is natural and helped us finding a new ways to heal. I have came from a family filled with doctors. And we all prevented using pills as well all the pharmaceutical path and tried healing naturally The only thing we lacked of was information and research so when I saw this app, I definitely know it has a values we were looking for as well as my children enhance their immune system!!

user2

Audrey Mae.

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0

coma

There is a wealth of information on the app! I recently had bloodwork done and found I was deficient in a handful of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, etc.) HealisticMD made it simple for me to find out what foods to eat/ supplements I needed to improve these deficiencies. It gives you so many ideas on prevention, natural health tips, where to buy the vitamins, when to take them, why, etc. I love how easy the app is to use too. I am currently working on getting pregnant. I was pleasantly surprised to find compelling data along with supplement suggestions to aid in the process, some of which my fertility doctor wasn’t even aware of. Highly recommend downloading, after all health is one our greatest gifts!

user3

Rachel

tick

Verified User

rating_starts

5.0