Hemochromatosis is an inherited disorder of iron regulation where excess "free" iron is deposited in various organs including the liver. It is 'free' because it is not bound tightly to carrier proteins which would otherwise prevent it from damaging cells. The condition tends to occur more commonly in men and is most likely to be due to the fact that women have monthly blood loss due to menstruation and lower intake of iron in the diet.

On average, most of us have around one gram of iron in our bodies, whereas the person with hemochromatosis stores around 20 grams in their body, meaning permanent damage has already occurred before it is diagnosed. Often times hemochromatosis is misdiagnosed as Chronic Fatigue, delaying treatment. Symptoms will include fatigue, abdominal discomfort aches and pains, loss of sex drive and sometimes bronzed looking skin – so it’s understandable it would be mistaken for other disorders.

If the disease progresses undiagnosed, toxic iron levels will build up in the liver, pancreas, heart, skin, and joints leading to severe damage to these organs; drastically increasing the chances of liver cancer.

Treatments for Hemochromatosis

1.The most common treatment is to draw blood from the person which is known as phlebotomy. The process is very similar to blood donation.

2.Dietary and nutritional factors play a key part in treatment as well. Avoiding organ meats, red meats and vegetables that contain high amounts of iron are typically advised from physicians. Watch out for those ‘fortified with iron’ as well such as breakfast cereals. Eating free range organic turkey and chicken as well as fish and other vegetables are a great alternative and help provide proper nutrition.

3.Black and green tea as well as cabbage help to chelate iron stores and are helpful in reducing iron stores

4.Make sure any supplements you are taking are iron-free is important and limiting vitamin C which can turn iron into a more toxic form is also advised. Instead, eat fresh fruits that contain small amounts of vitamin C.

5.Supplementing with the following can be helpful:

Selenium – Known for helping to reduce liver inflammation and is a strong antioxidant.

Vitamin E – Works well with Selenium and helps when there is excess iron. As always be sure to get a real form of Vitamin E and not the synthetic form. Studies where vitamin E is most effective use the real form, not the synthetic form.

Copper – Helps to chelate iron from the blood

Calcium - Taking 300 mg of calcium per day with one meal is a simple way to block absorbed iron and reduce it around 40%.

Cell Salts To The Rescue

Ferrum Phos 6x helps to normalize iron. It is best to be taken over several months for better success. It can be taken directly in the mouth 3-5 tablets 3 times per day or put 10 tablets in 16 oz water and sip throughout the day.

Homeopathic Remedies Can Help Too

These non-toxic remedies are safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women at 6x, 6c or 30c potencies. It is best to see a professional homeopath who can prescribe constitutionally to improve your overall health.

The one remedy that has been used with great success is Ferrum Metallicum which also helps to normalize iron level. It's also useful for people with blood diseases, exhaustion, and restlessness. It is best to see a professional homeopath who can prescribe constitutionally to improve your overall health.

If you or someone you know suffering from Hemochromatosis you can benefit from alternative approaches by contacting Sima Ash at (800) 669-0358