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Heads up! I’m NOT a doctor or nutritionist. I’m not giving you any medical or dietary recommendations here. Check with your doctor before you make any changes to your lifestyle, diet, or supplement regimen.
COOKWARE & BAKEWARE
The Iron Disorders Institute recommends that people with hemochromatosis use cookware and bakeware that is made from glass or ceramic in order to lower iron levels, as other materials can contribute to total iron content in food. Learn more about cookware and bakeware (and what NOT to use) here.
Did you know that the extremely trendy and popular "nonstick ceramic" pots and pans aren't actually made from ceramic?
Xtrema is the only brand that I've found that's made from 100% real ceramic. Built to last a lifetime, Xtrema touts "Unlike metal or non-stick cookware, pure ceramic does not leach heavy metals or unwanted toxicants into your food. With us, you’ll never find Teflon, PFOA, PFAS, non-stick coatings, or a metal core." Check out the Xtrema starter set here.
This translucent amber cookware that was popular in the 80s may still have a home in your kitchen! Crafted out of a glass-ceramic material for healthier cooking, "the non-porous glass-ceramic won’t absorb food odours or flavours or react with acid-based foods."
This is a GREEN flag for anyone with hemochromatosis. The reason why other types of cooking materials leech iron into foods is frequently due to reactions with acidic foods because the acid pulls iron from the metal pan into the food.
Another option to experiment with, this casserole dish is made from a special glass-ceramic material that may be ideal for those with iron overload.
These glass baking dishes are microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and pre-heated oven safe. The glass has been tempered to resist chipping and it can handle temperatures up to 425 F. Easy to clean sturdy, thick glass.
KITCHEN TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Here are some of my go-to kitchen essentials for a hemochromatosis-friendly, iron-fighting kitchen.
Drinking more coffee and tea is one of the easiest ways to block iron absorption. So get yourself a good electric kettle for Sunday morning coffee, summer iced teas, and cozy winter nights with your favorite mug full of steaming tea. Features of this Oxo kettle include:
- temperature control
- will stay at any designated temperature for 30 minutes
- kettle body is made of borosilicate glass (I like the minimal use of plastic and metals that can leech toxins into water)
Super easy way to brew loose leaf tea. Just scoop the leaves into the infuser basket, set the basket into a mug full of freshly boiled water, wait a few minutes, and tea is served.
Buying bulk tea in loose leaf form tends to be more economical than buying bagged tea. Glass tea infusers allow you to watch as the tea steeps and strain out the leaves when it's finished.
This whisk is helpful for blending matcha tea so you don't have any clumps. Fun way to incorporate more matcha into your life!
Learn more about the benefits of matcha and green tea for hemochromatosis here.
A more modern whisk than the traditional bamboo version. Fast and easy way to make matcha tea, as simple as pressing a button.
Learn more about matcha and green tea for hemochromatosis here.
If you're looking for an elite juicer, the Omega squeezes every last drop of juice from your produce (including celery)...nothing gets wasted! I really like that Omega offers a 15-year warranty, way longer than most juice companies.
Hear my thoughts on the celery juice trend and see other options for juicers here.
This is great starter juicer that's gentler on the bank account than a fancier option.
Hear my thoughts on the celery juice trend and see other options for juicers here.
SUPPLEMENTS & TINCTURES
Milk thistle is one of the most highly recommended supplements for hemochromatosis. Benefits include:
- blocks iron absorption
- anti-inflammatory
- protects liver
Learn more about milk thistle's benefits for hemochromatosis.
If you don't like swallowing pills, then tinctures are for you. Try adding milk thistle drops to your water or beverage of choice. Tinctures are also super convenient for throwing into a backpack or purse and bringing with you on the go. I like Mary Ruth's Milk Thistle Seed Extract because it's alcohol free.
Learn more about milk thistle's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Full of antioxidants - especially the almighty EGCG - green tea extract can be useful for anyone with hemochromatosis.
- aids in cellular functioning
- helps to prevent oxidation caused by excess iron
- improves organ health
Learn more about green tea's benefits for hemochromatosis.
If you want the mood-boosting and stress-relieving benefits of L-theanine in green tea, then this one's for you.
- supports nervous system health
- helps to relieve feelings of fear and anxiety
- may mitigate mood changes associated with iron overload
Learn more about L-theanine's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Turmeric is an iron-chelator, meaning it pulls iron out of your cells so your body can dispose of it, lowering your overall iron storage levels.
According to Dr. Eric Lewis, turmeric is the “BEST natural remedy shown by clinical research to reliably reduce the build-up of iron in the body.”
Learn more about turmeric here.
Doctors may recommend magnesium as part of a daily supplement regimen for hemochromatosis because of the important role it plays in so many of the body’s daily functions.
Magnesium comes in several different forms. Personally, I prefer magnesium glycinate, which is known for alleviating anxiety and promoting better sleep.
Use this to relax - you'll only need a couple of drops. Studies show vervain relieves tension and even helps you sleep. It's not an herb you commonly hear of, but it's one you'll want to get familiar with.
- lowers iron absorption
- reduces inflammation
- relaxant and sleep-aid
Learn more about vervain's benefits for hemochromatosis.
HERBS, SPICES, & SEASONINGS
Herbs, spices, and seasonings are healing tools that can support a healthy lifestyle with hemochromatosis. There's even some research that shows the power of these plants for mitigating aches & pains, brain fog, low libido, impotence, dizziness, heart flutters, tiredness, and other symptoms that can go hand in hand with iron overload.
Super easy for mixing into meals, snacks, and drinks - try this milk thistle powder as a way to boost the "iron-fighting" qualities of your food.
- scoop a spoonful into smoothies
- sprinkle on salads
- mix into baked goods
- add to coffee, tea, or water
Learn more about milk thistle's benefits for hemochromatosis.
This culinary grade matcha is meant for cooking and baking. You can get creative and incorporate it in your diet in ways you wouldn't normally think to use tea - I love adding it to smoothies and salad dressings.
Read this post for more info on green tea's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Iron-fighting spices:
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Cloves
- Dried chili powder
- Dried garlic powder
- Dried peppermint
- Dried ground ginger
- Turmeric
Read more about spices that may help to lower iron levels here.
OILS
Olive oil can deliver up plentiful health benefits for hemochromatosis because of its phytonutrients. In fact, when used over a period of time, olive oil can even lower total body iron stores. It can also support increased longevity and extended health-spans.
Learn more about choosing the right olive oil here.
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!
Learn more about rosemary infused olive oil for hemochromatosis here.
SWEETENERS
A zero-fructose and zero-calorie sweetener, stevia is actually derived from the leaves of a plant. Stevia leaves are 200x sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way.
You can purchase stevia in its whole leaf form or ground into a powder.
Learn more about stevia and hemochromatosis here.
Monk fruit is a melon-like fruit grown in southeast Asia. The extract from the fruit does not contain any sugar or fructose, a big perk for those of us with hemochromatosis. It's VERY sweet, so you only need a pinch!
Learn more about why I think monk fruit is a great sweetener hemochromatosis here.
A sweet tuber from South America that's been stocked in health food stores for decades, yacon has more recently become trendy due to its low-calorie, low glycemic-index appeal.
Learn more about yacon and hemochromatosis here.
You can get yacon in two forms - either as yacon syrup or yacon powder. Keep in mind that yacon has a much milder sweetness than sugar and a flavor that may require some getting used to.
Learn more about yacon and hemochromatosis here.
Due to the fact that brown rice syrup is all glucose (no fructose at all), it may be a good fit for hemochromatosis.
Learn more about brown rice syrup and hemochromatosis here.
While maple syrup DOES contain fructose, it’s got less fructose than many other sweeteners. I like to think of maple syrup as a fine choice every now and then. Try to moderate how much you use to limit your fructose intake.
Learn more about maple syrup and hemochromatosis here.
Similar to maple syrup, you will find fructose in coconut sugar, but less fructose than you’d find in many other sweeteners. Like maple syrup, coconut sugar is a sensible choice if there aren’t better options available to you, or every once in a while.
Learn more about coconut sugar and hemochromatosis here.
TEA
Dr. Eric Lewis lists green tea as one of the most important elements of a hemochromatosis diet.
Pukka is perfect for every day green tea drinkin' - this is a blend of green teas (Sencha, Jade, Indian, and Matcha) with a light flavor that's not too overpowering. 20 tea bags per box.
Learn more about green tea's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Pique is a brand I can easily say I'm borderline obsessed with. Their tea crystals are ultra convenient. Jasmine is one of my favorite flavors. Jasmine green tea has been infused with jasmine blossoms to give the tea a flowery aroma - and it's one of the more popular green teas because of its slightly sweet and floral taste. A good option if you don't like the taste of plain green tea.
Learn more about green tea's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Matcha green tea has more antioxidants than regular green tea, so it's a must-have for anyone with hemochromatosis. Ceremonial grade matcha is high quality matcha made from the youngest tea leaves that have been ground to an incredibly fine texture. Pique Tea always tests and screens their teas for toxins, ensuring maximum purity. Use a matcha whisk to blend the powder with warm water for a smooth texture.
If you're sensitive to caffeine but still want the benefits of green tea, or if you want to sip on some green tea later in the afternoon or evening without worrying about being wired all night, then decaf is the best option for you.
Learn more about green tea's benefits for hemochromatosis.
Loose leaf tea can save you money in the long run because it's easy to buy in bulk and portion your servings yourself. Numi has great loose leaf options, including both green and black teas. Black tea is abundant in polyphenols which fight free radical damage, repair inflamed tissues, and lower iron absorption. Green tea is considered one of the most important components of a hemochromatosis diet
Make sure to use a tea infuser since this doesn't come pre-portioned in individual bags.
Learn more about tea and hemochromatosis here.
Vervain not only lowers iron absorption - it also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, fights off infections, helps you sleep, and much more. Smallflower offers unique personal care and wellness products from all over the world. They're a great place to look for specialty items like vervain that aren't super popular in U.S. grocery stores and markets these days.
Learn more about vervain's benefits for hemochromatosis here.
BOOKS
Packed with info, this is a hemochromatosis "classic" written by Cheryl Garrison who co-founded the Iron Disorders Institute. She's had a big impact on educating patients and doctors alike on the symptoms, treatment, and implications of hemochromatosis.
Read about all of my favorite books and resources for hemochromatosis here.
This is a touching and inspirational read. It can help anyone understand the difficulties a family can face when someone has hemochromatosis, and one woman's fight to spread the word about this often overlooked disease. (I'm not sure why, but this is a really expensive book to get via hardcover/paperback - it's much cheaper to get the Kindle version)
Read about all of my favorite books and resources for hemochromatosis here.
This is a fast read with unique insight into the dangers of excess iron - not only for people with hemochromatosis, but for anyone wanting to protect their health! P.D. Mangan offers practical advice for ideal iron levels and cites a lot of interesting studies about the damaging effects of excess iron on the body.
Read about all of my favorite books and resources for hemochromatosis here.
Hands down the most fascinating explanation of the development of hemochromatosis and the role iron has played in human evolution. Just FYI - this book discusses a bunch of different diseases, and only the first chapter is dedicated to hemochromatosis.
Read about all of my favorite books and resources for hemochromatosis here.
Offering tips and advice for dealing with hemochromatosis, this book explains how to live best with hemochromatosis from a naturopathic doctor's point of view.
Read about all of my favorite books and resources for hemochromatosis here.
SHOES
For anyone with hemochromatosis, you have to be careful coming into contact with the dangerous bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. That's why walking barefoot or in loose sandals on the beach can be unsafe. If a shell cuts into your skin and the bacteria makes its way into your bloodstream, you could be putting yourself at risk for this potentially fatal illness. If you're looking for a way to enjoy the beach, start with your shoes. Luckily, water shoes are way more stylish than they used to be - they're actually kinda cute! So you might just be setting a new trend. Here are a few options worth checking out:
If you want to learn more about the dos and don'ts with Vibrio vulnificus, read this post.
These water shoes are incredibly light weight, so they're great for swimming and other water activities. Made from quick-drying mesh, you don't have to worry about them retaining odor or getting mildewy. A must-have to protect your feet at the beach!
With a little more durable sole, these shoes are great for more rigorous outdoor ocean adventures. I like them for walking or hiking along the shore.
No laces or elastic here, these shoes have a fun look with the velcro strap. They're light and easy to stuff into a beach bag.
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