Mmm.
Be careful with iron laden foods. Also, if you have an iron overload ( as I have had through treatment so far), you need to avoid taking supplements like Calcium and Vit C, as they help your body to metabolize the iron in foods. I threw a lot of my body's natural stores of Vitamins out by doing this. When I ceased taking VitC supplements etc, everything went back to about normal. Get your Ferritine etc checked.
My old Chinese doctor advised me to eat spinach to help with constipation (and it worked a treat), when my HVC symptoms were worsening; he also said it wouldn't affect the iron counts..
Yeah, this thread wore me out!
Thanks : )!!! Glad someone could answer that question.
DWBH
Plus, we do not even know if she has iron overload at this point. She may be processing iron perfectly normally.
Yes you can eat spinach. I have hemochromatosis and my Dr said that what you eat is not the issue! You dont want to eat red meat 3x a day but that is not the problem. The body is storing the iron in the liver and the only way to reduce it or return to normal range values is through phlebotomies. That is a total myth about spinach!
"what FDA approved drug is out there for this condition?"
-----------------------------------
I am not sure which "condition" you are referring to. If you are referring to Hepatitis C, then there are drugs to treat Hepatitis C. The current drugs have a high cure rate depending on several factors. You first need to go to a Hepatologist (liver specialist) or a qualified Gastroenterologist and be seen and examined. The doctor will order tests to find out which Genotype you have, how high your viral load is, and many other blood tests. The doctor will also most likely order an Ultrasound and probably want to do a Liver Biopsy. After you get the results of all of your tests, then the doctor will discuss treatment options with you. Your Genotype will determine which treatment you will need to be on.
The current treatment for Hepatitis C Genotype 2 or 3 are Interferon and Ribavirin. The current treatment for Genotype 1 is Interferon, Ribavirin, and a Protease Inhibitor (Either Telaprevir or Boceprevir). The cure rates are very good.
There are also drugs in study trials which may be available next year.
Sorry...yes you are pink. Incivek and Vetrelis are the two FDA approved drugs. You can go to Hepatitis.va.gov/ and read the treatment booklets for both these treatment drugs. You really need to see your doctor and get a
current viral load count and a biopsy. This will tell you if you can wait, treat
or eat spinach. Take the time and go. See where your at. So many people
don't and should. It's really important you are monitored by a doctor.
DWBH
I'm a women thought it would be a great handle name. :-) what FDA approved drug is out there for this condition? Need to start taking care of this problem..
"Can he eat spinach or not?"
Poohs answer,
"Ask your doctor to check you for iron overload or iron metabolism problems."
Seems pretty clear to me........
Can he eat spinach or not?
Whether you need to avoid foods rich in iron depends on if you have iron overload or iron metabolism problems. If you are not cirrhotic and you do not have any iron metabolism or storage problems, then you do not need to avoid foods high in iron. You can find out if you have iron metabolism problems through a few blood tests which your doctor can order. Ask your doctor to check you for iron overload or iron metabolism problems.
"The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of iron since it is the primary organ in the body that stores this metal. The average American diet contains about 10- 20 mg of iron. Only about 10% of this iron is eliminated from the body. Patients with chronic hepatitis C sometimes have difficulty excreting iron from the body. This can result in an overload of iron in the liver, blood, and other organs. Excess iron can be very damaging to the liver. Studies suggest that high iron levels reduce the response rate of patients with hepatitis C to interferon. Thus, patients with chronic hepatitis C whose serum iron level is elevated, or who have cirrhosis, should avoid taking iron supplementation. In addition, one should restrict the amounts of iron rich foods in their diet, such as red meats, liver, and cereals fortified with iron, and should avoid cooking with iron coated utensils."
http://frontline-hepatitis-awareness.com/diet.htm
http://www.bta-journal.net/sites/default/files/journals/fulltext/92_1/921-09-Sikorska.pdf
I have never had any problems with iron metabolism and I have never avoided any iron containing foods. I eat a lot of spinach as well as red meat and other iron containing foods. However, if I was cirrhotic or if lab tests indicated that I had a problem with iron metabolism, then I would alter my diet accordingly.
I hope my doctor says I can eat it! But I know I'm cirrhotic and this was the only food I was going to ask him about! Before treating I ate it 4 x a week lol! So I'm hoping he says go for it!!! Kitty
my dr says, iron from food is great, you need some iron. iron supplements and vitamins or cereals that contain iron are not allowed. i had my ferritin checked 3 times during 48 weeks of tx.. middle of the road on all tests. barry
Welcome.
Can I eat spinach I eat a lot of it am I damaging my liver?
Don'tworry--behappy1 responded saying: It really depends on the condition of your liver.
Good luck to you!
Thanks my live count had always been liw it wad no need for concern, However your right I need to monitor my condiction.. Thanks never answer the spinach question:-)
It really depends on the condition of your liver. I'm assuming that you have hepatitis C. It's important that you monitor your hepatitis C under the supervision on a Doctor. If you haven't had a biopsy to see what stage your liver is at....you need to do this as soon as possible. Once you know your stage and your viral load, you can make educated decisions about your
Hep C.
DWBH