Confessions of an Ex–Cast Iron Frying Pan Addict: Did Overuse Cause Tiredness, Unmotivation and Lower Libido?

World Teacher & Friends / Wrinklebusters

For a long stretch, I thought I was doing everything right. Eating well, exercising, and cooking my meals in what I believed was the healthiest possible cookware: a trusty cast iron frying pan. Twice a day, sometimes more, I’d toss shrimp, vegetables, or whatever else I had into the pan and sizzle away. I even took pride in the extra iron I assumed I was getting.

But slowly, something started to feel off. My energy levels dipped. My motivation thinned. Libido? Let’s just say it wasn’t what it used to be. I chalked it up to stress, overwork, maybe not enough sleep — all the usual suspects. But no matter how many supplements I took or how many green smoothies I blended, something still felt wrong.

Eventually, I stopped using the cast iron pan as much — just as a fluke. Within days, my energy picked up. My thinking felt clearer. I had my “get-up-and-go” back, and honestly, I was shocked. The difference was night and day. That’s when I started digging into the connection between cast iron cookware and health.

Here’s what I found:

Iron Overload: A Hidden Issue?

Cooking frequently with cast iron — especially acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon — can cause significant iron leaching into food. While some iron is essential, too much can be harmful. In fact, iron overload is associated with fatigue, depression, low libido, and sluggish mitochondrial function.

Excess iron is pro-oxidative — meaning it encourages rusting inside the body. It builds up in tissues like the liver, heart, brain, and endocrine glands. It’s hard to remove, and it competes with essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, and copper.

For men in particular (who don’t menstruate), the risk of iron overload is even greater. Once your tissues are saturated, that extra iron can weigh you down — physically and mentally.

Could This Be You?

Many people assume their cookware is a non-issue. But if you’re using cast iron daily and dealing with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, or a drop in libido — it’s worth a second look.

You don’t have to toss the pan entirely, but maybe it doesn’t need to be your go-to for every meal. Try switching it out for ceramic, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron. Cycle it in now and then, not daily.

And if you suspect iron overload, here are a few helpful countermeasures:

• Zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, oysters)
• Copper balancing (via food like cacao, liver, or bee pollen)
• Chelation support (spirulina, chlorella, citrus peels, rosemary, quercetin)
• Blood donation (especially for men, under doctor supervision)

I’m not saying cast iron is evil. But in my case, it quietly sapped my spark — until I stepped back, made the switch, and felt the lights turn back on.

So if you’re feeling off and can’t quite explain it… look in your kitchen. Your favorite pan might just be part of the puzzle.

-Ricardo & Wrinklebuddy

Wrinklebusters isn’t just a system — it’s a full-scale rebellion against aging, fatigue, and the hidden sabotage of your body’s vitality. Through three groundbreaking books — Wrinkebusters: Make Facial Exercises Work, Unblock Your Junk (for men), and Upside Down Brain Wash Detox (coming soon) — Wrinklebusters exposes the root causes of premature aging and health decline, from calcium blockages and fascia restrictions to toxic parasites and brain fog. This isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises — it’s about unleashing your body’s innate power to heal, regenerate, and defy time on your terms. If you’re ready to break free from the status quo and reclaim youthful energy, sharpness, and strength, Wrinklebusters is your blueprint for revolution.