Main Treatment Methods for High Iron
At the moment, there is no cure for hemochromatosis, but there are a few treatment exercises that can help correct iron overload in the body. This treatment method can significantly improve the symptoms and reduce the risk of health complications.
There are three main treatment methods for this condition.
Phlebotomy is a medical procedure [6] to draw blood from the patient to reduce iron overload. The patient is usually required to donate up to 500ml of blood which equals at least 20g of iron. For best results, this procedure can be undergone twice per week. Your doctor will decide on the amount of blood to be drawn per time. He can ask you to undergo therapeutic phlebotomies or a routine blood donation.
When a patient is unable to undergo phlebotomy, iron reduction therapy may require chelation. Chelation is the removal of heavy metals from the body, like iron using special drugs, known as chelating agents.
It is best to avoid some iron-rich foods to avoid including liver, red meat, chicken, seafood, lentils, prunes, figs, and apricots. You can replace these foods with grains, nuts, and seeds.
Most grains, seeds, beans, and nuts contain phytic acid, a natural substance that helps to absorb minerals like iron. Sticking to a diet that consists mainly of foods that are high in phytic acid can significantly reduce [7] total iron levels in the body.
Alcohol is a common cause of hemochromatosis. A long-term alcoholic has a high risk of developing this condition due to excessive alcohol consumption. Heavy and frequent drinkers are at a high risk of developing the disease compared to those that drink responsibly. A significant reduction in alcohol consumption would minimize the risk of having the condition, or from worsening the severity.
References:
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemochromatosis/symptoms/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846224/#:~:text=Hemochromatosis%20patients%20develop%20diabetes%20mellitus,impaired%20insulin%20synthesis%20and%20release.
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14971-hemochromatosis-iron-overload
[4] https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/blood-conditions/7-symptoms-never-to-ignore-with-hemochromatosis#:~:text=Pain%20in%20your%20joints%20is,place%20you%20will%20feel%20pain.
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemochromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351443#:~:text=Hemochromatosis%20can%20also%20cause%20abnormal,the%20menstrual%20cycle%20in%20women.
[6] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemochromatosis/treatment/#:~:text=Phlebotomy,a%20vein%20in%20your%20arm.
[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/hemochromatosis-diet