The Real Root Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome (That No One’s Talking About)
Let’s get one thing straight. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) isn’t random. And it definitely isn’t just about iron.
If you've been popping iron supplements like candy and still feel like your legs are on a mission of their own at night — or worse, you're still tired all day long — this blog is your wake-up call.
Because I was you. Diagnosed with RLS in middle school. Exhausted. Confused. Gaslit by conventional medicine.
Here’s the truth: restless legs are a symptom, not a root cause. And today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s REALLY happening.
The Truth About Restless Leg Syndrome (and Why the Iron Pill Isn't Enough)
Most doctors stop at "low iron."
Here’s what they miss:
- Low iron isn’t always about intake
- Poor absorption is the real issue
- Your iron levels may be low for good reason (hint: your body is trying to protect you)
RLS is often a warning sign. Your body is saying: "Hey, I can't breathe."
The most dominant theory around RLS? It’s an oxygen issue. When your body slows down at night (heart rate, breath, circulation), oxygen becomes scarce.
And your brain goes into panic mode. Cue the fidgeting.
But what’s blocking oxygen?
Let’s break it down.
Root Cause #1: Low Stomach Acid Blocking Iron Absorption (Even If You're Supplementing)
Low stomach acid is one of the TOP reasons I see clients with low iron.
No one talks about it. But without strong stomach acid, your body can't break down or absorb iron. Period.
And if you're on a PPI (like I was in middle school)? Your stomach acid is definitely suppressed.
Other signs of low stomach acid:
- Bloating
- Reflux
- Constipation
- Undigested food in stool
Real talk: Taking more iron won’t help if you can’t absorb it.
Need proof? Try the baking soda burp test (instructions in my free constipation guide). If you don’t burp within 5 minutes? Your stomach acid is probably too low.
Want a deeper dive? Listen to Episode 72 of the Better Belly Podcast: Why Your Iron and Vitamin D Are Still Low.
Root Cause #2: Airway Dysfunction = Brain Starved of Oxygen While You Sleep
This one’s BIG.
Poor airway development is a sneaky but MAJOR driver of RLS.
Here’s why: when your airway collapses or narrows during sleep, oxygen can’t reach your brain. Your body panics. Cue restless legs.
Even without full-blown sleep apnea, signs of airway dysfunction include:
- Mouth breathing (especially at night)
- Snoring
- Chronic congestion
- Crooked teeth or narrow palate
- Needing teeth removed for braces
Yep. Your dentist might’ve missed this too.
Solutions:
- Myofunctional therapy (aka PT for your mouth)
- Airway-aware dentists
- Tongue tie release
- Nasal surgery for deviated septum
Want more? Check out Episode 48: Got Snoring, Sleep Apnea, TMJ or Teeth Grinding?
Root Cause #3: Hidden Gut Infections and Low Dopamine
New theories point to dopamine deficiency as a factor in RLS. But guess what you need to make dopamine?
Iron.
Which brings us full circle. But here’s the kicker:
Low dopamine isn't just about brain chemistry. It’s also about gut health.
Why?
- You need protein to make neurotransmitters
- Protein digestion depends on stomach acid and bile
- Hidden infections (like H. pylori or parasites) can sabotage absorption
If your gut is inflamed, infected, or overloaded with toxins, dopamine tanks. And so does sleep.
In the Better Belly Blueprint, we run functional labs to uncover all this.
Electrolyte Imbalances: The Overlooked RLS Trigger
Tingling? Twitching? Crawling sensations?
That’s not just iron. It could be your electrolytes crying for help.
Many clients with RLS find relief simply by restoring:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
I recommend IQ Mix as a cleaner, more balanced electrolyte option than Gatorade or Element. Two a day can be game-changing.
Why low electrolytes?
- High coffee intake
- Excess sweating
- Diuretics
- Low-sodium diets
This is the simplest fix with the biggest upside. Start here.
Your Next Step: Test, Don't Guess
Still struggling with restless legs, fatigue, or weird gut symptoms?
You deserve more than another supplement. You need a strategy.
Inside the Better Belly Blueprint, we run targeted labs to uncover:
- Iron absorption issues
- Gut pathogens
- Airway and fascia dysfunction
- Stomach acid and bile levels
So you can finally know what’s going on. And fix it.
Learn more about the Better Belly Blueprint.
Quick Recap
- RLS is often a sign your brain is starving for oxygen
- Iron supplements won't work if you can’t absorb them
- Look at root causes: low stomach acid, airway dysfunction, gut health, electrolytes
- Stop guessing. Test for clarity. Heal faster.
FAQs
Can low stomach acid cause restless leg syndrome? Yes. Low stomach acid blocks iron absorption, which can lead to RLS.
What’s the best supplement for RLS? It depends. Many people need more than iron. Look into magnesium, potassium, and gut health support.
Can airway problems cause RLS? Absolutely. Poor oxygenation during sleep can trigger restless legs.
How do I test for stomach acid levels? Try the baking soda burp test or get functional testing through a practitioner.
What if nothing has worked for my RLS? Then you haven’t found the real root cause. Functional lab testing can uncover it.
Written by Allison Jordan, FDN-P — gut health specialist and founder of Better Belly Therapies.
EPISODES MENTIONED:
- 72// Why Your Iron and Vitamin D Are Still Low – Even After Taking Supplements
- 285// 2 Steps to Reversing Your Acid Reflux (for good!)
- 48// Got snoring, sleep apnea, TMJ, or teeth grinding? You may need an Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist! – with Madison Scott, RDH, Myofunctional Therapist
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