Hemochromatosis is a metabolic disorder in which your organs accumulate excess iron, which leads to organ damage. It is a genetic and hereditary disease.
How to define hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis is a disease in which the body absorbs too much iron from food. Excess iron is then stored in various tissues, including the liver, heart, and pancreas. Over time, this can lead to organ damage and other serious health issues. There are two types of hemochromatosis: primary and secondary.
Primary hemochromatosis is hereditary, while secondary hemochromatosis can develop as a result of another pathology or treatment. Treatment for hemochromatosis usually involves removing excess iron from the body through regular blood donations or phlebotomy (a medical procedure that involves drawing blood from a vein). In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help reduce iron absorption. With proper treatment, most people with hemochromatosis can lead normal, healthy lives.
The main signs of the disease are not specific and might include:
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Increase in skin pigmentation.
- Hair loss.
- Impotence and loss of libido.
- Joint pain.
- Memory loss.
More specific symptoms appear when iron builds up in particular organs:
- Iron deposits in the heart muscle can cause arrhythmia or heart failure.
- Iron deposits in the liver can predispose a patient to fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Iron deposits in the pancreas can cause diabetes mellitus.
- Iron deposits in the brain and gonads (ovaries and testicles) can lead to impotence.
The role of diet in hemochromatosis?
Diet plays an important role in the management of hemochromatosis. People with this disease should opt for a diet low in iron. Here is a detailed guide to the foods to favor and avoid to better control the disease.
The most important things to avoid:
- Avoid taking over-the-counter medications that contain iron. These can further raise blood iron levels and cause serious side effects.
- Avoid iron-rich foods.
- Avoid alcohol consumption: it can interfere with the body’s ability to process iron, and it can also damage the liver.
The most important things to add to your diet:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Whole plant foods.
What you need to know regarding combining your foods to limit iron absorption:
First, know that the current medical treatments you are following are the most effective in managing hemochromatosis. Next, “what to avoid” is the most important piece of the equation. Finally, the association and the food choices are of some support, but the first two elements are the most important. As plant foods, namely vegetables, contain a combination of calcium, vitamin C, iron and other nutrients, they will not have as great an effect on the management of hemochromatosis as the foods mentioned above. below.
Foods rich in calcium inhibit the absorption of heme and non-heme iron. If you choose to occasionally consume non-heme iron sources (plant foods), which are more difficult for the body to absorb than heme sources, you can combine them with calcium-rich foods. For example, spinach with grass-fed organic yogurt and chia seeds in a morning smoothie.
Yogurt, kefir, cheese, tempeh, broccoli, leafy green vegetables, chia seeds, almonds, dried figs, white beans, sunflower seeds, edamame, kale, sesame seeds, collard greens, etc.
Consume:
Vegetables and fruits
- 2-3 cups of leafy greens daily (kale, chard, arugula, bok choy, etc.)
- 2-3 cups of Sulfur per day (Onion, Garlic, Broccoli, Cabbage, Asparagus, Mushrooms, etc.)
- 2-3 cups of colorful per day (Berries, Beets, Carrots, etc.)
- 1-2 handfuls of berries per day
Whole grains and legumes
- 1.5 cups of cooked whole grains per day (barley, brown or wild rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, quinoa, etc.)
- 1.5 cups of cooked legumes per day (beans, peas, lentils, etc.).
- Seeds and nuts: ¼ cup of seeds or nuts per day (almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, pistachios, etc.)
Fish, game, poultry (optional)
- 1 to 3 servings of seasonal fish or seafood per week.
- 1-2 servings of grass-fed game or poultry per week (turkey, chicken, quail, pheasant, rabbit, etc.).
- Herbs and Spices: Unlimited number of salt-free and sugar-free herbs and spices (basil, bay leaves, turmeric, chili powder, rosemary, etc.)
- Unlimited quantities of herbal teas (chamomile, peppermint, raspberry, etc.).
- Calcium-rich water: Drink 2 liters daily
Limit:
- Fats: You can eat healthy fats in moderation – extra virgin olive oil, avocados, whole coconut milk, seeds, nuts, etc.
- Eggs: 2 to 3 servings of organic eggs per week.
- Caffeine: 1-2 cups of caffeinated beverages per day (eg green tea)
- Dairy products: (Yogurt, kefir, cheese, etc.)
To avoid :
- Meat, red meat
- Heavily processed meats
- Alcohol
- Fried foods: (French fries, burgers, chicken nuggets, onion rings, potato chips, etc.)
- Processed foods
- White flours and sugars (cakes, breads, donuts, ice creams, biscuits, etc.)
- Sodas (all sodas, energy drinks, etc.)
- Packaged products
- Foods with added sugar
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, nicotine, vaporizers, chews or dips, etc.)