Month: June 2020

A bit about Hemochromatosis

Todays post is about a condition called Hemochromatosis. A topic I was discussing recently with a colleague.

Interestingly, this condition is usually considered a blood disorder, however it seems a little more complicated than that.

So what is Hemochromatosis?

Also known as Inherited Iron Overload Disorder, is caused by gene mutations.
This means that usually hemochromatosis is hereditary. There are however, some cases where the condition can be a result of another illness.
Only a small number of people who have the gene mutation develop serious problems.

Our body has specific genes that regulate the absorption, transport and storage of iron. The mutated genes impair the intestines control of the absorption of iron from foods during digestion. They alter the distribution of the iron to other parts of the body. As a result, the amount of total body iron is increased.

Because the human body cannot increase the excretion of iron, the iron accumulates. Too much iron can be toxic and over time the buildup causes damage. The liver, heart, pancreas, endocrine glands, and joints are the organs most affected.

What are the symptoms?

Hereditary hemochromatosis is actually present at birth, however some people with the condition never have symptoms. Many early signs and symptoms often overlap with those of other common conditions.

Most people don’t experience signs and symptoms until later in life. Usually after the age of 40 in men and after age 60 in women. Women are more likely to develop symptoms after menopause. This is because they no longer lose iron with menstruation and pregnancy.

Early symptoms of the condition may include extreme tiredness and fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of sex drive. As the condition worsens, affected individuals may develop arthritis, liver disease (cirrhosis) or liver cancer, diabetes, heart abnormalities, or skin discolouration.

Environmental and lifestyle factors such as the amount of iron in the diet, alcohol use, and other illnesses can affect the severity of the symptoms.

How is it treated?

Doctors diagnose hemochromatosis based on blood tests to check levels of iron and certain proteins in the blood. Followed by checks for gene mutations that commonly cause hemochromatosis. In some cases, doctors may also use a liver biopsy to confirm iron overload is present.

Treatment includes regularly removing blood from your body. Because much of the body’s iron is contained in the red blood cells, this treatment lowers iron levels.

The amount of blood removed and how often it’s removed depend on several factors. A persons age, overall health and the severity of iron overload all have an impact.

Dietary changes are also recommended to reduce iron intake. Within our diet we consume two types of iron: heme iron, which is contained in meat and non-heme iron, which is contained in plants and supplements. Heme iron is the most easily absorbed, whereas non-heme is absorbed less well.
Calcium is the only known substance that can impair the absorption of both heme and non-heme iron. Whereas eggs, fibre and the tannins found in coffee, tea and chocolate impair absorption of non-heme iron.

Recommended dietary changes can include:

  •  avoiding supplements that contain iron and vitamin C
  •  reducing iron-rich and iron-fortified foods
  •  reduce red meat intake
  •  alcohol intake,
  •  avoiding uncooked fish and shellfish

If you’re concerned about your iron levels, reach out to your doctor and start with a blood test.

I hope that you found this information interesting.

Till the next post,

Live clean n Prosper

Sources – U.S. National Library of Medicine,
Mayo Clinic, Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine,
Haemochromatosis AustraliaOu-

What is Mucuna pruriens or Velvet bean?

Today I’m writing about Mucuna pruriens or ‘velvet bean’.

Recently, a colleague of mine mentioned it to me. As I had never heard of it before, I decided to do some research and share what I found.

What is Velvet Bean?

It is a legume that grows wild in tropical and sub tropical parts of the world. It has many other common names such as Cowhage, Cowitch, and Lacuna bean. Its botanical name is ‘Mucuna pruriens’ and it has long history as a food and a medicine.

The plant is a climber, like many species of bean or pea. It has white, lavender or purple flowers. The mature seedpods are covered in tiny hairs that cause severe itching when they come into contact with the skin. The actual seeds, or beans themselves are shiny black or brown.

The plant is popular as a fodder crop for animals in many parts of the world. It is also used to improve the soil for other crops.

What are its health benefits and uses?

The mucuna pruriens beans can be eaten as a food. The raw velvet bean seeds are rich in protein, essential fatty acids and minerals.
In many Asian countries the beans are used in the manufacture of miso and tempeh. In some countries they are roasted and used as a coffee substitute. The young seedpods can also be cooked and eaten like runner beans.

All parts of the plant, including the beans, have a history of medicinal uses.
The earliest records refer to the beans being used in Ayurvedic medicine over 2000 years ago as a diuretic and aphrodisiac. The leaves have been used for skin disorders and muscle pain. In the 1960’s research found that the beans contain a substance that has been revolutionary in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In 2004, and more recently in 2017, new studies were conducted into the use of mucuna pruriens in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. These studies support the idea that mucuna pruriens is a safe alternative treatment.
The bean has also increased in popularity as a treatment for nervous disorders such as anxiety. It is also used to manage male infertility.

The velvet beans contain substances that are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory. They are also high in antioxidants due to the presence of L-dopa. L-Dopa is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Dopamine is one of the “feel good” chemicals in our brain. Interacting with the pleasure and reward center of our brain. Along with other chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins, dopamine plays a vital role in how happy we feel. In addition to our mood, dopamine also affects movement, memory, and focus

With this in mind, there are several health food & supplement companies producing products containing mucuna pruriens. Many of these products are recommended to assist with mood, focus and stress management.

So if anxiety or stress is hampering your life, it might benefit you to visit your local health food store to see how these velvet beans can assist you.
I personally haven’t tried any Mucuna supplements, however in light of this research, I would consider trying it.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

Sources – The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Science Direct , Wikiped