Animals, like people, need just the right amount of iron, with each species having different iron requirements and iron metabolisms. From horses to bats and every living thing in between; all critters and creatures can develop both iron deficiency and iron overload when daily sustenance isn’t in balance. So if you’re wondering who your animal counterparts are, here’s a compilation of animals that are far more similar to you than you may have thought.
Continue readinghemochromatosis and COVID-19: the basics (part 1 of 4)
For those of us with hemochromatosis, the unknowns of COVID-19 can be nerve-racking. We’re not sure how the infection could potentially affect us. It’s still such a new virus that doctors and researchers haven’t had time to study the relationship between COVID-19 and iron. Here’s the current info on how infections and viruses tend to show up in people with iron overload.
Continue reading11 foods to avoid when you have hemochromatosis
What’s the best diet for hemochromatosis? Unfortunately for anyone with hemochromatosis, a good ol’ standard American diet could steer you toward some dangerous side effects of iron overload, such as diabetes, arthritis, or cancer. Here’s a list of foods that anyone and everyone with hemochromatosis needs to be careful consuming.
Continue readingMy favorite oil for hereditary hemochromatosis
Stay sane by focusing on what you CAN eat instead of what you can’t. With each meal, “supercharge” the meal’s iron fighting capabilities by incorporating more ingredients and cooking techniques that block iron absorption, so you can worry less about what you should be “cutting out.” One of my favorite ways to do this is with rosemary infused olive oil. Olive oils infused with herbs have a higher polyphenol concentration than plain olive oil, making infusions like this a necessary staple in the iron-fighting kitchen. Not only that, this rosemary infusion is a tasty upgrade to enhance the flavor of foods. I like to drizzle rosemary infused olive oil onto salads, roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms, toasted bread, and even popcorn!
Continue readinghemochromatosis and COVID-19: the specifics (part 2 of 4)
For those of us with hemochromatosis, the unknowns of COVID-19 can be nerve-racking. We’re not sure how the infection could potentially affect us. It’s still such a new virus that doctors and researchers haven’t had time to study the relationship between COVID-19 and iron. Here’s the current info on how infections and viruses tend to show up in people with iron overload.
Continue reading9 diet tips for lowering your iron levels (plus the one thing you’re doing wrong)
Are you exhausted from searching for recipes that “work” for hemochromatosis? In your attempt to lower your iron levels, you may be scanning food labels and googling ingredients online – it’s easy to start thinking you should “avoid” pretty much everything, leaving you wondering how on earth you’re going to keep this up for years to come. Thankfully, there are solutions – simple tricks help to minimize your intake of iron. Here are nine straightforward, easy-to-understand mealtime tips for anyone with iron overload.
Continue readingThe best sweeteners for the hemochromatosis diet
What are the best (and worst) sweeteners and sugar substitutes for hemochromatosis? Let’s be real – no sweetener is perfect. There are consequences to using any and all sweeteners and sugar substitutes. But…we’re only human! It’s inevitable that we’re going to want something every now and then to satisfy our sweet cravings. By cutting out the worst sweeteners and replacing them with better alternatives, we’re taking a step towards better health. It’s time to clean out your pantry, and re-stock it with these healthier options.
Continue readingbest resources for learning about hemochromatosis
After probing the internet for articles, books, scientific research, opinions, guidelines, tools, and basically anything that’s got the word “hemochromatosis” in it, I’ve rounded up the ones that I found most helpful. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned pro in the world of hemochromatosis, I hope this content can assist you!
Continue readinggrow your hair back! part 4 of 4
No matter how frustrated and discouraged you’re feeling about your hair, know this: since hair loss is such a prevalent phenomenon, it’s also becoming a highly studied one, and scientists have been able to pinpoint certain substances and treatments as clear and proven solutions. Every day, more studies reveal promising applications of plant extracts, chemical compounds, and cutting edge technologies, as well as age-old remedies. So let’s crack the books and find out which ones perform the best!
Continue readinggrow your hair back! part 3 of 4
Let’s chew over the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that…
a) you need to grow hair
b) are safe for the hemochromatosis diet.
Good nutrition plays a part in healthy hair. Many of us – due to a busy work schedule, or kids who are picky eaters, or our own darned sweet tooth – have far from a “perfect” diet. Here are the nutrients you should eat more of that are beneficial not only in terms of hair growth, but also in regard to healthy outcomes for people with iron overload.