The human body is supposed to absorb a milligram of iron per day. People with either types of hemochromatosis can have their bodies absorb up to four milligrams of iron in just a day. The human body requires a milligram of iron in a day to function normally. For this reasons, your daughter needs to take foods that contain lesser amounts of this mineral.
You need to understand that there are two types of iron that our bodies utilize. The first type is iron from animal meat and iron from plants. Usually, iron in animal meats is quicker to absorb compared to the one in plants. Your daughter therefore needs to eat more plant foods rather than animal products.
Your daughter’s diet should also contain foods high in calcium because it slows down further the absorption of iron by the body. Vitamin C foods should however be avoided because they increase the absorption.
Bearing that in mind, these are some of the mineral rich foods that you can feed your daughter on:
Oxalates. This is a compound found mostly in vegetables like spinach, kales, nuts, wheat bran, parsley and basil. Oxalates slow down absorption of iron by the body.
Calcium. Foods like cheese, milk and yoghurt contain calcium which also inhibits the absorption of iron.
Phytate. Foods like almonds, dried beans, peas, cereals and whole grains contain phytate which reduce iron absorption significantly.
Fibre. Foods rich in fibre include nuts, grains, beans and rice. Fibre inhibits iron absorption.
Beverages. Give beverages like tea and coffee to your daughter together with her meals. They contain tannin which also inhibits iron absorption.
Feeding your daughter with foods rich in these minerals will ensure that she stays healthy even if she takes animal products. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional doctor or dietician before settling on a specific type of diet. You also need to put in mind the type of hemochromatosis your daughter suffers from. Also consider the severity of your daughter’s condition and act accordingly.
This information may not be the perfect solution for every patient’s condition. Caution should be exercised when using this kind of information.
You need to understand that there are two types of iron that our bodies utilize. The first type is iron from animal meat and iron from plants. Usually, iron in animal meats is quicker to absorb compared to the one in plants. Your daughter therefore needs to eat more plant foods rather than animal products.
Your daughter’s diet should also contain foods high in calcium because it slows down further the absorption of iron by the body. Vitamin C foods should however be avoided because they increase the absorption.
Bearing that in mind, these are some of the mineral rich foods that you can feed your daughter on:
Oxalates. This is a compound found mostly in vegetables like spinach, kales, nuts, wheat bran, parsley and basil. Oxalates slow down absorption of iron by the body.
Calcium. Foods like cheese, milk and yoghurt contain calcium which also inhibits the absorption of iron.
Phytate. Foods like almonds, dried beans, peas, cereals and whole grains contain phytate which reduce iron absorption significantly.
Fibre. Foods rich in fibre include nuts, grains, beans and rice. Fibre inhibits iron absorption.
Beverages. Give beverages like tea and coffee to your daughter together with her meals. They contain tannin which also inhibits iron absorption.
Feeding your daughter with foods rich in these minerals will ensure that she stays healthy even if she takes animal products. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional doctor or dietician before settling on a specific type of diet. You also need to put in mind the type of hemochromatosis your daughter suffers from. Also consider the severity of your daughter’s condition and act accordingly.
This information may not be the perfect solution for every patient’s condition. Caution should be exercised when using this kind of information.
