While minerals are necessary for all people to consume regularly, there are a few that some people need to avoid.
Iron
Iron overload is a condition where the body absorbs too much iron from food. It causes iron to accumulate in areas of the body such as the heart, liver, joints and pancreas, which in turn can lead to heart problems, liver disease, arthritis, diabetes and can increases the risk of cancer. Iron overload usually happens as a result of genetic conditions such as hereditary haemochromatosis, however, it also may come about from severe thalassemia, due to the requirement of multiple regular blood transfusions.
If you suffer from hereditary haemochromatosis, iron slowly builds up in your body over the years, because the body doesn’t have an effective way to eliminate excess iron. It is caused by a mutation in the HFE gene, which controls the absorption of iron from the intestine. Symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, weakness, joint pain and arthritis, erectile dysfunction, irregular periods, brain fog, mood swings, depression and anxiety.
Thalassemia is a blood disorder where the body produces less haemoglobin than usual, leading to anaemia. It can vary in severity, with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath and heart problems. In severe cases, the treatment is regular blood transfusions which can result in iron overload requiring chelation therapy. For this reason, people that have thalassemia and are currently being treated for it with blood transfusions will probably be told to avoid iron supplementation.
Diagnosis for haemochromatosis and thalassemia can be obtained through blood tests from your GP or specialist.
Sulphur
Sulphur is a vital mineral found abundantly in muscles, skin and bones. Our bodies require a constant stream of sulphate in order to create protein in cells, tissues, hormones, enzymes and antibodies. Some people suffer from a sensitivity to sulphur – this may manifest in digestive issues, respiratory issues, hives and other skin reactions, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, high or low blood pressure and anxiety. Usually, a sulphur intolerance is as a result of having too much stored sulphur in the body due to poor metabolism of sulphur to sulphate. Treatment for sulphur intolerance is simply avoiding food, supplements and medications that may contain sulphur or sulphites, while also embarking on a gut repair protocol with the help of a natural health professional.
Generally, if you need to avoid consuming iron or sulphur you will likely already know about it and know why you’re avoiding it. If you have any of the above symptoms and are concerned that you may be suffering from haemochromatosis or a sulphur intolerance, see your health professional for testing.