Some Do and Don't with hemochromatosis symptoms
Here are a couple more things to consider in the long-term management of your hemochromatosis. First of all, avoiding iron-rich foods is a good idea to a certain extent. This can partially be offset by eating iron-blocking foods such as drinking black tea. Also, keep in mind that some foods aid in the absorption of iron (such as vitamin C) so that an iron-rich meal and a glass of OJ can really push things. A funny story I heard when once giving blood was about a girl who is anemic (opposite of what we have…) and couldn't donate blood due to low ferritin levels.
She started eating a high iron diet and drinking a half gallon daily of Orange juice. Pretty soon, her iron levels were off the charts. So she reduced the iron-rich foods. No change, iron levels were still high. She then eliminated the OJ and her iron levels dropped again. My takeaway: I look at my overall diet, and avoid the foods that aid iron absorption and take those that block iron absorption, and give myself a break and eat my normal diet. Please, please, consult your physician on what is the appropriate diet for you and your condition.
Some things to avoid when your iron levels are high: alcohol and raw fish. Alcohol and iron combine in the blood and put a significant strain on your liver. It can lead to rapid scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and permanent liver damage.
When I was first diagnosed, I eliminated alcohol completely from my diet, and only resumed the occasional glass of wine once my iron levels had normalized. I have also read that people with hereditary hemochromatosis are susceptible to infection from eating raw fish.
Regardless of the amount of iron in your blood, if you have the disease, eating raw fish can be dangerous. I will look for some credible sources for this info and link to it soon.
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