Hemochromatosis Diet

Hemochromatosis is a hereditary disorder in which the body has abnormally high levels of iron. This happens because the body absorbs iron from the food we eat, in a higher quantity than required. Normally our body absorbs 10% of the iron found in a variety of foods. However, in hemochromatosis, the person absorbs extra iron, that can interfere with the normal functioning of the body. In this condition the body's ability to break down the iron decreases. As a result, the excess iron gets accumulated in different organs of the body, especially the pancreas, heart and liver. This extra iron build up can cause considerable damage to these organs.

Along with the prescribed treatment for hemochromatosis, diet can help to speed up the healing process. Changes in the diet can definitely improve the health of the patient. Here are some dietary changes suggested for people suffering from hemochromatosis.

As the level of iron in the body is high, the patient must avoid iron supplements as well as multivitamins that contain iron. Vitamin C, although an antioxidant, increases the ability of the the body to absorb iron, hence consumption of vitamin C supplements should be strictly avoided. However, drinking vitamin C rich juices in between meals will not cause any harm. Including food in the diet that contains vitamin C, is also not a cause for worry. One should avoid alcohol or drink it in moderate amounts, as the iron and alcohol combine to form harmful substances that may cause further damage to the liver.

Eating raw shellfish can further deteriorate the health of a hemochromatosis patient. This is because bacteria present in raw fish can cause severe infections in people with high levels of iron. However, well cooked fish or shellfish can be tolerated by the body as cooking kills the germs that cause infections.

An easy way to decrease the body's capability to absorb iron, would be to drink coffee or tea during meals, as these beverages contain high amount of tannins that restrict iron absorption. Reduce the intake of red meat, as it contains heme iron that can be easily absorbed by the body. Hemochromatosis patients should also avoid eating foods rich in animal fats as iron and fats combine and enhance free radical activity. This can damage tissues and the DNA of the body.

Doctors often advice plenty of vegetables and fruits in a hemochromatosis diet as these foods contain non-heme iron which is not easy to absorb. Vegetables when consumed with fiber, eggs or supplemental calcium can further decrease the absorption of iron.

Eating nuts, beans, rice and grains is often recommended because these foods do not contain non-heme iron. As sugar also stimulates the absorption of iron, hence it is essential to avoid sugary foods.

An effective treatment combined with a diet recommended for hemochromatosis can ensure the best possible health. You can take the help of a dietitian and come up with an effective diet plan to manage an iron overload.