Overaccumulation of iron in the body is a symptom of hemochromatosis, a genetic condition. It is among the most prevalent genetic illnesses in the country. Many meals contain minerals, like iron. The average amount of iron your body absorbs from food is 10%. You take in more iron than you need if you have hemochromatosis. Your body doesn’t have an organic method of eliminating the extra iron. It is kept in body tissues, particularly the pancreas, liver, and heart.

 

Introduction:

 

Iron is crucial for good health. It is necessary for the creation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Six percent of Americans (and fifteen percent of young women) require more iron, and supplements are routinely suggested. A disorder of iron metabolism called hemochromatosis causes the gut to absorb too much iron. The condition hemochromatosis has two genes. The patient’s body absorbs up to 25% more iron from the diet if they carry both of these genes than the typical 10% if they only carry one. Significant amounts of iron can be absorbed if multivitamins and iron supplements are used.

Iron cannot be eliminated from the body through the kidneys like most other chemicals can. During menstruation, women lose a substantial quantity of iron through blood loss. Skin cells that are shed lose a small quantity of iron. If the body continues to absorb too much iron despite these little losses, an overload of iron develops, which is linked to cancer, heart disease, arthritis, chronic fatigue, diabetes, liver damage, and impotence. One of the most prevalent inherited metabolic illnesses is hemochromatosis. One in every eight individuals carries just one hemochromatosis gene, and one in every 250 individuals carries both.

The measurement of bloodstream iron levels is necessary for detection. A blood test for genetic testing can determine whether the genes are present if these tests indicate that there may be iron overload. Additionally, a liver biopsy can establish the existence of too much iron. All blood relatives should be tested in the event that a patient is identified as having hemochromatosis.

 

Causes:

 

The primary underlying cause of inherited hemochromatosis is a gene called HFE. Either one of your parents gave you the HFE gene. The HFE gene frequently exhibits the mutations C282Y and H63D. You can find out if you have these alterations in your HFE gene through a genetic test.

• Hemochromatosis may occur if two mutated genes are inherited. The changed gene can potentially be passed on to your offspring. However, not everyone with two genes inherits issues related to hemochromatosis’ iron overload.
• Hemochromatosis is unlikely to occur if only one mutated gene is inherited. You are still regarded as a carrier of the mutation (altered gene, nonetheless), and you can convey the altered gene to your offspring. However, unless they also acquired a different mutated gene from the other parent, your children wouldn’t have the condition.

 

Signs and Symptoms:

 

Not every hemochromatosis patient experiences complications. While some individuals with high iron levels don’t have any issues, others show very severe problems.  Indications typically don’t show up until middle age and frequently resemble other illnesses’ symptoms. These indicators could be:

• fatigue (extreme fatigue).
• weak all around.
• irregular heartbeat or heart flutters.
• “Iron fist,” or discomfort in the middle and pointer fingers’ knuckles.
• Joint discomfort.
• stomach ache.
• Loss of weight without cause.

 

Diagnosis:

 

Your doctor will do the following if you have hemochromatosis:

• Inquire with both of your parents if they ever experienced iron overload, liver illness, or other similar conditions.
• Find out if you take oral or intravenous iron supplements.
• Ask yourself if you are taking extra vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron.
• Look for pain in your joints.
• Check your heartbeat for irregularities.
• To check if the color of your skin is off, look at it.
• To check for pain, press close to your liver.

Your medical professional could prescribe:

• Blood tests to determine the amount of iron in your blood and organs.
• You can get an MRI to get precise images of your organs.
• Liver biopsy: the removal of a tiny piece of liver tissue for microscopic examination.
• Genetic testing is needed to determine if you have hemochromatosis in its inherited form.

 

Homeopathic Treatment for Hemochromatosis:

 

One of the most widely acknowledged medical systems is homeopathy. In homeopathy, treatments are chosen for patients under the assumption that the underlying cause of their problems will heal them. Homeopathy is thought to be the only treatment that can restore a patient’s whole health by eradicating any and all indications and symptoms they may be experiencing. The goal of homeopathy is not just to treat hemochromatosis or iron excess, but also to address the underlying cause of the condition and the patient’s individual vulnerability.

Insofar as therapeutic medication is concerned, there are a variety of treatments for hemochromatosis that can be chosen based on the etiology, sensation, and modality of the symptoms. It is crucial that the patient speak directly with an experienced and trained homeopathic physician when choosing a medicine or treatment plan.

Arsenic Iod, Argentum Nitricum, and Arsenic are just a few of the homeopathic treatments that can be used to treat iron overload or hemochromatosis, as was previously discussed. A few examples of such substances include Album, Bryonia, China, Calcaria Ars, Cuprum Met., Hydrastis, Hepar Sulph, Lycopodium, Muriatic Acid, Nitric Acid, Phosphorus, Rhus Tox, Sulphur, Sepia, and Thuja.

 

Precautions for Hemochromatosis:

 

• Reduce your dietary iron consumption, especially if it comes from heme sources such as raw shellfish, red meat, and liver.
• Avoid vitamin-C-rich foods, such as fruit juice and fruits, with meals.
• To decrease the absorption of iron, sip black, green, or peppermint tea with meals. In addition, green tea has strong antioxidant and iron-chelating properties.
• Iron absorption may be decreased by eating soluble fiber with meals
• To prevent liver and organ damage, a diet high in antioxidants is recommended.
• Limit your alcohol intake to safeguard your liver