How Iron Overload affects your Digestive System
Iron is an essential and a mineral that helps in the movement of oxygen in your blood. Nevertheless, it does not mean that too much iron in your body is good. It is what is known as iron overload and it may include a variety of organs including your digestive system.
We proceed in this article and provide an explanation as to how iron overload may develop, the impact of iron overload on your gut and liver, signs to watch out and the measures to take to protect your digestive health.
What is Iron Overload?
Iron overload is a condition that is caused by the body accumulating more iron than the need. The extra iron is stored within your organs especially, your liver, pancreas, heart, and gut. This can end up being harmful in the long run.
The most common one is the hereditary hemochromatosis that is a genetic disorder. Patients of this disorder attenuate the excess iron in their diets despite non-utilization of supplements.
Why the Digestive System Matters
Because of the importance of iron absorption, the digestive system functions with it. Most of the iron that is absorbed in the small intestine is incorporated in food. When there's too much iron:
- The small intestine becomes congested.
- The liver which is a repository of nutrients in addition to a filter of toxins gets overworked.
- Intestinal flora is put in an unbalanced state which affects digestion.
All this may result in the issue of the symptoms that may affect your everyday life.
How Iron Affects the Liver
The liver helps in the digestion of the nutrients and purifying the unhealthy materials. It also stores extra iron. But too much iron can lead to:
- Toxicity: Over dosing of iron causes oxidative stress resulting in liver swelling and irregularity.
- Liver Scarring (Cirrhosis): Scarring is developed with time due to iron deposition and this impairs the functioning of the liver.
- More Cancer: In the long term, iron overload increases the chances of cancer of the liver developing in people with cirrhosis.
Gut Health and Iron
This can also have an impact on your gut microbiome - the bacteria on your skin in your digestive system.
Diseases caused by excess of iron:
- Lack of iron is known to increase the rate of growth of harmful bacteria.
- The reduction in good bacteria leads to an enhanced gut imbalance.
- Inflammation of the bowel may occur in the abdomen.
- They may worsen such conditions as the leaky gut or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
GIT symptoms of Iron Overload
Many of the symptoms of iron overload have an impact on the digestive system. These include:
- Pain or discomfort of the stomach in the upper part
- Bloating or excess gas
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Poor appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms may either be present or absent and increase with time. They tend to be confused with other conditions and that is why iron test is important.
Iron Supplements and Digestive Issues
Even in non hemochromatotic individuals, iron supplements can cause digestive issues.
Common Side Effects:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Black or tarry stools
If you take iron and feeling uncomfortable, consult your doctor. You have not a certain number you want, or you are making more gains than you are aware of.
Diagnosing Iron Overload
Physicians just apply basic blood tests to eliminate iron levels.
Key Tests:
- Serum ferritin - reservoirs of iron
- Transferrin saturation - means how much Iron is in your blood
- Genetic test - screening of the HFE gene mutation
- Liver tests - may include imaging or organ biopsy of organ destruction
Diagnosis should be done at an early age. Once caused it is hard to be undone.
How Iron Overload Is Treated
1. Phlebotomy (Blood Removal)
This is the commonest type of treatment. Your doctor regularly removes blood in order to decrease the quantity of iron.
2. Iron Chelation Therapy
This is a medication that releases excessive amount of iron in urine or feces. It is dropped in case you are unable to undergo phlebotomy.
3. Diet Changes
Certain foods can also aid in the growth of iron overload. Others help protect your gut.
Best Foods to Digest (iron Oversaturation)
Eat More:
- Veggies: Citrus fruits (high in anti-oxidants)
- Leafy greens: Low Iron, High Fiber Spinach, kale (green, evergreen)
- Whole grains: Brown rice, oats
- Fermented foods: Kimchi, yogurt, kefir (good for the gut)
Limit or Avoid:
- Red meat and liver: Very rich in Iron
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Iron with ascorbic acid (enhances absorption of iron in vampires)
- Alcohol (hard on the liver)
Life Hacks: How to make your gut healthy
- A risky person is advised to undergo regular tests
- Do not stuff irrelevantly with iron supplements
- Eat a good healthy diet with high content of fiber
- Exercise to help metabolism
- Talk to your doctor prior to initiating new intake of vitamin or mineral
When to See a Doctor
Call your doctor if you:
- Feel tired all the time
- Experienced stomach pain
- Psychologic - change of appetite or weight
- Have a history of hemochromatosis in the family
- Pills of iron and feel worse
A simple blood test can help people to check the level of iron in their blood and prevent the development of additional complications.
Final Thoughts
Balance is the most important yet the other is iron. Over absorption by the body can lead to liver, gut and health related complications.
The good news? By means of early diagnosis and quality treatment, you will be able to contain the iron overload and save your gastrointestinal system.
Your doctor should be asked in case you do not know whether your symptoms are related to iron. The outcome of a simple test can be the permanent happiness and health improvement.
