The traditional form of hemochromatosis is an iron overload disease; the body absorbs too much iron, stores it in the pancreas, liver and heart. It can cause these organs to fail if it is not discovered early enough. If left unchecked hemochromatosis can damage the heart muscle. Too much iron can be too much of a good thing. Those afflicted with hemochromatosis can absorb iron up to 20 times the normal rate. In menstruating women hemochromatosis can remain undiagnosed (as menstruating is one of the only ways to get rid of excess iron); symptoms don\u2019t usually come on until menopause.<\/p>\n
The symptoms are persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, swollen liver, raised liver enzymes, joint pains, loss of sex drive and even bronzed skin (too much melanin). A fairly sure sign of hemochromatosis is bronzed skin along with an enlarged liver, diabetes or fatty liver. It is found more in males, more in Scandinavians, dietary iron, or toxic liver (usually from alcoholism).<\/p>\n
Causes of hemochromatosis are usually from an inherited defective gene sequence or a weak or toxic liver that cannot release excess iron. Other problems that may be a consequence of excess iron may be adrenal damage or heart disease.<\/p>\n
The medical viewpoint is that hemochromatosis is incurable and should be easily managed through blood donation on a regular basis, a diet low in iron, and a diagnosis of liver, pancreas and heart health.\u00a0 Blood tests are done on those affected and family members who may be undiagnosed because there may be a hereditary link. Vitamin C as not recommended for hemochromatosis patients as it helps a person absorb iron. Research has shown that excessive iron damages cells and organs.<\/p>\n
The natural viewpoint is that while the hemochromatosis may be genetic, it is a liver weakness as well as adrenal related. Many people use natural therapies along with blood donation and low iron foods.<\/p>\n
It is always important to avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea and foods rich in iron (mostly meat). A vegetarian diet may be helpful as well as healthful.<\/p>\n
Antioxidants are important to support cells, tissue, and organs and are cell protective; Alpha lipoic acid-300 mg a day, and Grape seed extract \u2013 200 mg a day.<\/p>\n
Dr. Walch (doctor famous for his nutrition research) recommends copper to chelate (take out) excessive iron. Try 2 mg of Copper <\/strong>in divided doses during the day. Selenium<\/strong>-200 micrograms and Vitamin E<\/strong> at 1000 IU a day also help to manage iron stores in the body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening\/ tonifying properties.<\/p>\n Herbs<\/strong> Rosemary leaves <\/strong>are antioxidant as well as promote good brain (circulation) and heart protection.<\/p>\n Gingko leaves herb <\/strong>have antioxidant properties protective of veins, arteries, brain, and heart.<\/p>\n Schizandra berries <\/strong>are an adaptogen herb for hemochromatosis protects adrenals liver and respiratory system.<\/p>\n Reishi mushroom <\/strong>is an immune protector, liver protector, nerve and heart protective. Rhodiola root<\/strong> is an adaptogen, antioxidant, heart protective and makes the mind sharper.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nHerbs for Hemochromatosis<\/h2>\n
\nUse a combination of the following herbs in capsule or powder for maximum benefit, and adjust as your condition improves. Therapeutic dose is equal to one capsule of each herb or 1 liquid dropper full of an herbal tincture 3 times a day.<\/p>\n
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\nCordyceps mushroom <\/strong>is an adaptogen, liver protective and improves blood quality.<\/p>\n
\nCell Salts to Help with Hemochromatosis<\/h2>\n