{"id":35650,"date":"2021-06-28T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T13:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=35650"},"modified":"2024-12-04T15:48:49","modified_gmt":"2024-12-04T20:48:49","slug":"hemochromatosis-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hemochromatosis-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"The best diet for hemochromatosis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hemochromatosis, aka iron overload, is a serious condition that affects more than <\/span>one million people in the United States.<\/span><\/a> The good news? Regular visits with your healthcare provider, treatments like chelation agents and phlebotomy, and following a hemochromatosis diet to decrease your iron intake can help keep iron<\/a> levels in check. Great foods to incorporate include eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is hemochromatosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are two types of hemochromatosis: primary and secondary. Primary hemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes the body to absorb too much iron. Most people absorb about 1 milligram of iron per day, which gives the body what it needs. However, people with hemochromatosis absorb about two to four times that amount, leading to a buildup of iron in the blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondary hemochromatosis<\/span><\/a> can be caused by a number of different mechanisms. Examples include the consumption of too much iron from food or supplements or treatments like multiple blood transfusions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When iron levels get too high, excess iron can find its way into vital organs like the pancreas, liver, and heart, explains <\/span>Marvin Singh, MD<\/span><\/a>, a triple-board certified gastroenterologist and founder of Precisione Clinic. This can cause long-term damage and lead to life-threatening conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Singh says treatment for hemochromatosis usually involves phlebotomy, which helps keep iron levels lower in the bloodstream. Dietary modifications may also help manage iron levels. However, he does point out that dietary therapy or restrictions are not a replacement for standard therapies in this condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How a hemochromatosis diet works<\/span><\/h2>\n

A hemochromatosis diet will include foods to eat and ones to limit. This type of eating plan can be followed long-term under the guidance of a health professional. Following the principles of a healthy diet for hemochromatosis will help you lower your intake of heme iron (found in animal sources) as well as understanding which other foods affect the absorption of iron. You may also try to lower iron levels through medication, supplements, and other lifestyle modifications. When following a hemochromatosis diet, you will:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n