Overview of High Iron
High iron, a condition known as hemochromatosis, is when the body absorbs too much iron from the foods. The excess iron usually accumulates in the organs, including the liver, heart, and pancreas. When iron stores overtime in these vital organs, it can lead to life-threatening conditions, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes.
When excess amounts of iron are stored in the vital organs, it significantly increases the risk for cirrhosis, cancer, heart failure, diabetes, arthritis, and in some cases, death. Iron overload can worsen symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Hemochromatosis can be passed down through the genes of a parent that is carrying the illness. It can also be acquired, usually by receiving numerous blood transfusions or getting frequent iron injections. Having a diet that consists mainly of iron-rich foods or taking excess amounts of iron supplements can also cause an overload.
The common symptoms [1] of hemochromatosis include;
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Weakness (fatigue)
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Joint pain
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Abdominal pain
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Liver problems
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Diabetes
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Cardiovascular diseases
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Low sex drive
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Missed periods (menstruation)
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Hair loss
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Osteoarthritis
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Osteoporosis
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Erectile dysfunction (in men)
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Enlarged organs, including the liver or spleen
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Infertility or barrenness (in women)
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Irregular heartbeats
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Pale skin
Now, let us examine eight out of the symptoms of hemochromatosis: