Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a disorder of iron regulation – it is an inherited disease where excess “free” iron is deposited in various organs including the liver, heart, joints and pancreas. The iron is ‘free’ because it is not bound tightly to carrier proteins which would otherwise prevent it from damaging cells.

The iron cannot be broken down and eliminated from the body and this leads to iron overload in the body. The iron accumulates over a long period of time and early diagnosis is vital as the excess iron is stored gradually over a lifetime. The earlier it is diagnosed, the less chance of development of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

The condition occurs more commonly in men – this is due to the fact that women have regular monthly blood and thus iron loss due to menstruation.

Hemochromatosis  is often a silent disorder that is commonly picked up in younger persons during routine blood tests for other problems. However, as iron slowly accumulates in the organs over the years, other complaints may arise such as arthritis, liver problems, heart problems and diabetes.

The presence of this excess iron creates toxic free radicals that damage cells and tissues leading to liver damage (cirrhosis), pancreatic damage (diabetes), heart problems and joint problems. After many years, the risk of liver cancer is high

How do you get this disease?

Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition. The disease may be passed on when 2 people who are carriers of the gene for the condition have a child. There is then a one in four chance that this child may have an active form of the disease. The parents and any unaffected children are carriers of only one gene and will not generally develop problems related to excess storage of iron.

Who should be tested for this condition?

If you have been diagnosed with hemochromatosis it is wise to have your blood relatives screened – and your spouse if you plan to have children. It is found in people of Northern European descent and is most common in the Irish.

Orthodox treatment

Treatment of hemochromatosis consists of regular venesections (removal of blood, similar to a blood donation). Venesection, if done regularly, will prevent the disease completely, provided it is started early enough in the person’s life; thus the importance of early diagnosis. However, it is never too late to start venesections. Treatment is life long.

What are the symptoms of hemochromatosis?

• There may be no symptoms
• Persistent fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Swollen liver/raised liver enzymes
• Joint pains
• Bronzed colouration to the skin
• Elevated blood sugar levels

The triad of bronze skin, enlarged liver and diabetes mellitus is only present in cases of very severe iron overload.

Tests

The test used to diagnose hemochromatosis is the HFE gene analysis for C282Y mutation. This requires a blood sample.

Diet

• Follow the principles of eating in “The Liver Cleansing Diet” book and make these principles a way of life.
• Minimize the intake of foods which are especially high in iron – these include the offal meats – such as liver, heart and kidney, and foods prepared from these such as pate, liverwurst and haggis. Also avoid black pudding – which is made from pig’s blood.
• Avoid foods fortified with iron – Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron, so read the ingredients list on the pack.
• Avoid supplements or tonics containing iron.
• Use caution with alcohol – the recommended level is a maximum of 4 – 5 standard drinks a week.
  For curry lovers it is advisable to avoid ‘balti’ curries cooked in traditional cast iron pots. These meals can contain more iron than the most iron-rich foods such as liver.
• NOTE – You do NOT have to avoid vitamin C supplements or foods high in vitamin C – this is a common myth and will be bad for your health if you are low in vitamin C. You do NOT have to avoid red meat as it has health benefits and provided you are having regular venesections these foods containing iron will not harm you.

General recommendations

• Make sure you have your iron levels checked every 3 months.

Recommended books

• “The Liver Cleansing Diet”. Follow the principles for a healthy liver outlined in this book. This book is essential reading for anyone with liver dysfunction and contains sections on fatty liver, liver function tests, hemochromatosis and high cholesterol, etc. These principles of eating need to be followed as a way of life.
• “Raw Juices Can Save your Life”

Raw juicing

Juices are vitally important as a source of powerful antioxidants. It is good to use both whole fruits and vegetables in the diet as well as the juices, as the juices provide an easily absorbed form of nutra-ceuticals that are beneficial for the liver. Lots of useful and delicious recipes can be found in “Raw Juices Can Save your Life” book.

Recommended supplements for hemochromatosis

• Livatone Plus Capsules
  Take 1 teaspoon stirred in water or juice twice daily, or take 2 capsules twice daily. A combination of St Mary’s Thistle, NAC, vitamins and taurine and natural antioxidants play a vital role in promoting a more vigorous liver detoxification required after toxic overload.
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) 600mg capsules take one to two capsules twice daily

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.