There are two types: Primary and Secondary. Primary hemochromatosis has a genetic cause and is hereditary. One can be a carrier (can pass it on) and have no symptoms. Secondary hemochromatosis is an acquired condition, caused by another disease, such as thalassemia, or sideroblastic anemia, is not uncommon in individuals who have received a large amount of blood transfusions. Primary hemochromatosis is more common. 

Too Much of a Good Thing
Although iron has numerous benefits within the body, you can most definitely get too much of a good thing. Typically, we absorb about 1 mg or iron per day to meet our body's needs. Individuals with hemochromatosis can absorb up to 4 times that amount each day. Excess iron is absorbed through the small intestine and builds up in various organ throughout the body, most commonly affecting the liver. In the liver, as in other organs such as the thyroid, testicles, pancreas, pituitary gland, heart and joints, the excess iron can cause scarring and damage that can effect the functioning of the organ. Liver disease (cirrhosis and even liver Cancer), heart disease, arthritis and diabetes can all be a symptom of excess iron and its impact on these relevant organs. If caught in time, some of this organ damage can be reversed with aggressive treatment.

Treatment Options
Therapeutic phlebotomy is the most effective method of removing excess iron from the body. Based on initial hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels, a specified amount of blood is removed from the body at regular intervals, sometimes weekly. This treatment continues until the iron levels are shown to be normal. This can take years for some individuals. Phlebotomy is required much less often once levels are normal, and individuals may be asked to come in every 2-3 months for maintenance blood draws.

What it looks like
Although not all individuals with hemochromatosis will experience symptoms, some of the more common symptoms/warning signs include; abdominal pain, fatigue or lack of energy, generalized darkening of the skin (called bronzing), joint pain, loss of body hair, loss of sexual desire, weight loss and weakness.

Natural interventions
Diet do's and don'ts

There is not supplement that can reverse or 'cure' hemochromatosis, BUT, along with phlebotomy, there are some specific guidelines that can help to minimize absorption of excess iron and potentially decrease need for phlebotomy, as well as help to protect and reverse organ damage due to excess iron.

First and foremost, there are a few dietary recommendations that can support healthy iron levels. Through diet, we consume two types of iron, iron contained in heme (primarily from meat) and non-heme iron, usually found in plants and most supplements. Heme iron is the most easily absorbed and the type we want to be careful to keep to a bare minimum in our diet. This means avoiding meat like beef, venison and lamb, as well as pork. Some fish/seafood, such as mussels, lobster and shrimp are also very high in heme iron. These should also be avoided. All raw shellfish can carry a bacteria that feeds off iron and can cause fatal infection. These should also be avoided by these individuals.

Many meats are also high in animal fats, which should be kept to a minimum. Fats combined with iron can generate free radical activity, which can mean extra damage for organs and cells (including DNA) in general. Some hot cereal products are highly enriched with iron, like instant oatmeal and cream of wheat. Be sure to read the label on various cereal and grain products and opt for those with a lower or no iron content. Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar, as sugar enhances the absorption of iron and can lead to free radical damage.

The same goes for alcohol. If there has already been damage to the liver, alcohol should be eliminated altogether. If not, keep alcohol to a minimum, as it also increases iron absorption. Moderation in terms of alcohol means mo more than 2 drinks per day, with a maximum of 9-14 drinks/week. In terms of supplementation, do not take an iron supplement and look for a multi vitamin that does not include iron. There are a number of them on the market. Also, limit or avoid supplemental vitamin C, which also enhances the absorption of iron.

It may seem like a long list of things you should AVOID...

So just what can you eat?
Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, high in antioxidants, to fight free radical damage, and fibre, which will decrease iron absorption. Spinach, which we often hear is high in iron, also contains oxalates which actually impair non-heme iron absorption, so there is no need to avoid this nutritious leafy green. There also seems to be no research to support an elimination of vitamin C containing fruits and veg, so continue to eat your citrus. Include various nuts, grains, rice and beans, these again are high in fibre and can provide protein if you are limiting your protein intake from animal sources. If you are a tea drinker, have a cup a day or one with each meal! The tannins in tea can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Green tea is especially high in antioxidants, as well. Consider supplementing with products geared at supporting the liver and preventing (in some cases reversing) oxidative stress. L-glutathione, n- acetyl cysteine, milk thistle, SAMe, and vitamins E and A are all effective antioxidants and many of these have a specific affinity to the liver.

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