|
|
| Author: Peter Whittington |
When the diagnosis of hemochromatosis is made it is important to adjust the diet so that too much iron is not being absorbed because of an improper diet. However such adjustment need not be at the expense of enjoying life and good food.
The biggest considerations are not to take medications which contain iron, consume too much alcohol or Vitamin C. Excessive alcohol consumption which has shown to greatly increase iron absorption in those with hemochromatosis is set at a level of 60g a day. Thus it is important to stay well below this level. The limit should be 30g a day in men and 20g a day in women. When a patient has two copies of C282Y and drinks excessive alcohol there is a multiplying affectnot an additive affecton the absorption of iron. It is deadly to drink too much alcohol if you have hemochromatosis. The effect of excessive alcohol consumption on hemochromatosis cannot be overstressed.
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. It is wise only to consume a moderate amount and not take Vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C has been known to precipitate heart palpitations in those with hemochromatosis.
The ingestion of black tea has been shown to decrease the absorption of iron. African tea which is becoming popular may contain iron so too much should not be consumed.
Patients with hemochromatosis should not take supplements unless there are documented deficiencies. There is evidence that those with hemochromatosis may also have an increased ability to absorb other heavy metals. While iron may be removed by bleeding it is very difficult to remove other excess heavy metals.
Don't take milk thistle which has often been touted as good for the liver. It can cause severe problems in those with hemochromatosis. It is best to avoid herbal medicines with hemochromatosis as the joint effects have not been adequately studied.
Don't eat raw shellfish. They may be contaminated with Vibrio vulnificans which thrives in an iron rich environment. There have been fatalities in the northern hemisphere. Cooking inactivates this organism.
Vitamin Eas an antioxidant may be of some help because too much iron may act as an oxidant. However it is probably important not to exceed 400 to 800 IU a day of Vitamin E.
It is non-heme iron or the iron found in sources such as vegetables that is excessively absorbed in hemochromatosis. Thus a patient with hemochromatosis may consume a steak and not be overly concerned. Meat and blood are sources of heme iron.
It is important not to believe that those with hemochromatosis should overly restrict their diet. With the exception of the above pointers restriction of iron intake doesn't help that much in hemochromatosis. A very strict diet with removal of all other sources of iron will help keep the ferritin level down, however no more than could be achieved by one phlebotomy every 6 months. So it is important to enjoy your foodhemochromatosis is not a barrier to that. |
Author Bio:
Dr. Chris Whittington is a Clinical Associate Professor of Family Practice at the University of British Columbia, practices in Abbotsford, British Columbia and is a Past President of the British Columbia College of Family Physicians. She is a recognised expert in and is currently engaged in ongoing research into hereditary hemochromatosis. Dr Whittington contributes to www.ironic-health.com , a web site she controls with her brother Peter and can be contacted at admin@ironic-health.com |
| You can search for this article using: the cure, medicine, remedy, medications, acne medicine, medicine cabinets, bad medicine |
|
|
 |
| |
Related Articles |
| |
Lowering blood pressure with the help of acupuncture
|
| |
Breast Enhancement without Surgery
|
| |
Vitamins and Minerals - The Role
|
| |
Buy Your Own Massage Chair
|
| |
Know When to Stop Exercising
|
| |
Heart Surgery Costs - Why You Should Consider India
|
| |
Obesity & Social Security: Can One Get Disability for Obesity?
|
| |
Asthma and Exercise: Is It a Deadly Combination?
|
| |
Bodybuilding While Working Full Time
|
| |
What Type of Pilates Studio is Right for You?
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Despite what is being reported about West Nile Virus, we are not doomed. Anyone can protect themselv ... - Dr. N. Rowan Richards |
| |
|
If you have a protruding abdomen, loose skin as a result of weight loss or childbirth, if despite yo ... - Seth Miller |
| |
|
Why not send a Fruit and Vegetable Gift Basket to your favorite senior citizen? - Fern Kuhn |
| |
|
|
| |
|
The Child??s Posture ?C (Balasana)This posture requires the entire body to be folded in on itself in ... - Subodh Gupta |
| |
|
Information on how green tea is helping in treating breast cancer. - Kerris Samson |
| |
|
Baby has been here for some months now and is cute as a button, but you still have a little extra ar ... - Nicole Palacios |
| |
|
Would you like to be able to breathe more easily? A Neti pot may be just what you are looking for. F ... - Della Menechella |
| |
|
How would you like to see a new health care information system, working in conjunction with the pres ... - W.D. Wood |
| |
|
| |
|
|
Site Home
