What is the cause of hemochromatosis?
Haemochromatosis is caused by a faulty gene that can be passed on to a child by their parents. Most cases are linked to a fault in a gene called HFE, which affects your ability to absorb iron from food. Normally, your body maintains a steady level of iron.
Is hemochromatosis fatal?
If not caught and addressed early, severe hemochromatosis can cause serious problems. These complications can include organ damage and possible death.
Can haemochromatosis be cured?
There’s currently no cure for haemochromatosis, but there are treatments that can reduce the amount of iron in your body. This can help relieve some of the symptoms and reduce the risk of damage to organs such as the heart, liver and pancreas.
What foods to avoid if you have hemochromatosis?
6 foods to avoid in a hemochromatosis diet
- Vitamin C-rich foods. Dr.
- Red meat in excess. Nutritionist Best says animal sources of protein, like beef, contain heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body.
- Raw fish and shellfish.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sugar.
- Iron-fortified foods.
Does hemochromatosis make you gain weight?
Hemochromatosis may cause belly pain, weakness, tiredness, and weight loss. It also can scar the liver, cause joint pain, and darken the skin. In late stages, it can damage the heart and joints, and can cause diabetes.
How do you flush iron out of your body?
Iron chelation therapy involves taking oral or injected medicine to remove excess iron from the body. Medications can include a drug that binds the excess iron before the body excretes it. Although doctors do not tend to recommend this as a first-line treatment for hemochromatosis, it may be suitable for some people.
What happens if your iron is too high?
Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Over time, iron can accumulate in the organs, and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain.
How can I lower my iron levels quickly?
Dietary changes can include:
- avoiding supplements that contain iron.
- avoiding supplements that contain vitamin C, as this vitamin increases iron absorption.
- reducing iron-rich and iron-fortified foods.
- avoiding uncooked fish and shellfish.
- limiting alcohol intake, as this can damage the liver.
Can high iron make you tired?
Too much iron (not too little) can cause serious health problems like fatigue, joint pain, diabetes and liver disease.
What foods to avoid if iron is high?
What to avoid
- Red meat. Most red meats, including beef, lamb, and venison, are a rich source of heme iron.
- Raw shellfish. Shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, and clams, sometimes contain Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.
- Vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the absorption of nonheme iron.
- Fortified foods.
- Alcohol.