Iron Overload Can Be A Contributing Factor To Men’s Health Problems

It’s not uncommon to hear of anemia or low iron in women. Since women menstruate, their monthly blood loss decreases their iron levels. Pregnancy also depletes the body of iron. Other major factors that may contribute to low Iron levels in women are the lack of consumption of meat and/or gut microbiome imbalance, which contributes to a lack of absorption of iron. 

Men, on the other hand, do not have the natural ability to eliminate a certain volume of blood every month and are more prone to excess iron. High iron causes a multitude of health problems and is often overlooked by Western medicine as a cause of male health issues. High iron causes oxidation of the body. If you have high iron levels, you are rusting from the inside out.

Some of the symptoms of high iron are fatigue, hair loss, sleep issues, cancer, high blood pressure, loss of muscle mass, testosterone imbalance, decreased sperm count, joint pain, liver issues, weight gain (or loss), blood sugar issues, gout, hearing loss, mental imbalances, cognitive decline, bone issues, mitochondrial dysfunction, heart imbalances, hyper-coagulation, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, pituitary damage, and endocrine disorders. 

Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by iron overload. The two main genes associated with hemochromatosis are HFE C282Y and HFE H63D. These genes can be identified through genetic testing, and if you are diagnosed with high iron, it is a good idea to get tested for these genes. Usually, a person requires two of these genes to develop hemochromatosis but having even one can make you more prone to iron overload. People who have these genes have lower levels of hepcidin. Hepcidin is a hormone that decreases the absorption of iron. Hepcidin is the body’s check on iron overload. Other things that decrease hepcidin and therefore increase iron absorption are: taking Tylenol, hepatitis, fatty liver, pesticides, heavy metal toxicity, copper level imbalance, and high fructose corn syrup. 

You do not have to have HFE genes to develop excess iron. Those with Irish ancestry are more likely to have these genes, but they are seen in most populations throughout the world. 

Ferritin is the stored iron in the liver and can be measured through blood work. Everyone should get their ferritin levels checked with their annual blood work (even children). Your general practitioner does not normally check this value, so please insist on it. Also, the medical range for safe ferritin levels is much wider than what I think is acceptable. Ideally, ferritin should be between 30 to 70. If your levels are over 100, then you have too much iron stored in your body and want to consciously make an effort to reduce your iron stores.  

If you have high iron, here are some ways to reduce your iron levels:

• The best way to decrease your iron levels is to donate blood. One donation can decrease your ferritin levels by 30 to 40 points. Donating blood two to four times per year for most people is the best frequency. Donating blood takes stress off the cardiovascular system and can have profound beneficial health effects for those with high iron. If you decide to donate blood, make sure that you increase your water intake before and for a week after. Also, take a good quality electrolyte after your blood donation. Every blood donation can help to save three lives, so it is a win-win for you and the people that you are helping. 

• Stop cooking with cast iron and iron cookware. 

• If drinking well water, check the iron levels in your well water. 

• Eat foods high in phytic acid, which decreases iron absorption. All grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts contain phytic acid. 

• Reduce red meat consumption, or pair red meat with phytic acid-containing foods. 

• Certain supplements like milk thistle, Ip6, turmeric, and others can have an iron-lowering effect on some people.

• Calcium-rich foods like broccoli and cauliflower may inhibit the absorption of heme and non-heme iron. 

Do not take large doses of vitamin C. Certain types of vitamin C may increase iron absorption. However, the dosage that influences iron absorption varies depending on the person.

About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is the founder of the Holistic Chiropractic Center and leading national Nutrition Response Testing Practitioner. Learn more by visiting his website.