Excess iron in the body can be the cause of a number of health problems. It is therefore essential to know the grandmother's remedies to regulate iron levels naturally, without the need for medication. In this article, we invite you to discover some of the grandmother's remedies for lowering iron levels.

What is excess iron?

Iron is a trace element that is essential for our bodies to function properly, but like all elements, too much of it can be harmful. Excess iron is known as haemochromatosis and can lead to complications such as cirrhosis of the liver, arthritis and diabetes. Management of this anomaly generally consists of reducing iron intake through the diet, as well as medical treatment if necessary.

Causes of excess iron

Excessive accumulation of iron in the body can be caused by a number of factors:

Heredity: some people are genetically predisposed to accumulating too much iron;
Unbalanced diet: certain foods that are particularly rich in iron (red meats, offal) eaten in large quantities can encourage its accumulation;
Blood transfusions: when repeated or in large quantities, the risk of excess iron increases.

Symptoms of excess iron

The symptoms associated with excess iron are often discreet and can go unnoticed, but they include:

Chronic fatigue;
Joint pain;
Dull, greyish complexion;
Loss of libido;
Irritability and depression.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms and think you may be suffering from excess iron, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, who will be able to carry out a complete check-up and suggest a suitable treatment. However, there are also natural remedies for lowering iron levels in the body.

Grandma's remedies for lowering iron levels: plants and foods to discover

Here is a list of several traditional and natural remedies for lowering iron levels in the blood:

Green tea : This antioxidant-rich beverage is renowned for its many virtues, including its ability to chelate (trap) iron and facilitate its elimination via the intestinal tract. You can drink up to three cups of green tea a day to reap its benefits;
Turmeric: This spice, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help regulate iron levels in the body. It should be eaten in combination with a source of fat, such as olive oil, to aid absorption;
Green vegetables : Their fibre traps some of the iron contained in the food we eat. This reduces its absorption by the body. They are also rich in calcium, which inhibits iron absorption;
Calcium : Provided mainly by dairy products, it has the ability to reduce intestinal absorption of iron. This helps to regulate iron levels in the body.

Grandma's remedies for lowering iron levels: Our other tips

In addition to the above remedies, there are a number of other tips you can use on a daily basis to keep your iron levels under control:

Avoid eating foods that are particularly rich in iron (red meat, offal, shellfish) in large quantities or too frequently;
Limit the use of cast iron saucepans and cooking utensils, as they can increase the iron content of cooked food;
Eat foods rich in phytic acid (wholemeal cereals, pulses), which inhibit the absorption of iron by the intestine;
Drink water low in minerals and avoid iron-rich waters.

When should you consult a healthcare professional?

Even though natural remedies can be effective in lowering iron levels in the blood. It is essential not to neglect consulting a health professional.

Only a doctor will be able to determine whether your excess iron is due to a genetic, dietary or other cause. Depending on the origin and severity of the problem, a specific medical treatment may then be prescribed.