How does hemochromatosis make you feel?
You may feel a lack of energy, general weakness, and difficulty concentrating (“memory fog”). Women are more likely than men to report fatigue as an early symptom of hemochromatosis. Fatigue can be a symptom of complications of hemochromatosis, such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or diabetes.
What does too much iron in your blood mean?
Hereditary hemochromatosis (he-moe-kroe-muh-TOE-sis) causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
What are the symptoms of high iron levels?
Symptoms
- tiredness or fatigue.
- weakness.
- weight loss.
- abdominal pain.
- high blood sugar levels.
- hyperpigmentation, or the skin turning a bronze color.
- a loss of libido, or sex drive.
- in males, reduction in the size of the testicles.
How serious is hemochromatosis?
Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron. It’s often genetic. It can cause serious damage to your body, including to your heart, liver and pancreas. You can’t prevent the disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can avoid, slow or reverse organ damage.
What foods cause high iron?
Foods that are rich in heme and non-heme iron include:
- liver.
- lean red meat.
- chicken.
- seafood, including oysters.
- lentils and beans.
- tofu.
- fortified breakfast cereals.
- dried fruits, such as prunes, figs, and apricots.
What foods cause high iron in blood?
The following foods are high in iron :
- iron-fortified cereals and breads.
- leafy green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and watercress.
- pulses and beans.
- brown rice.
- white or red meats.
- nuts and seeds.
- fish.
- tofu.