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Low Iron Meals

post #1 of 15
9/12/08 at 1:07pm
Thread Starter 
Hey. . This is my first post. I'm a little short on time so i'll stop by the welcome board later :p


Anyways, My girlfriend was recently diagnosed with a type of liver cancer that causes her body to hold alot of iron, so she can't eat alot of foods that she'd like to. I'm adept at a variety of cooking styles, so if anyone knows any good recipes, or ethnic styles of cooking that generally involve low amounts of iron i'd like to hear it!

I'm not asking for miracles here, perhaps a link to another site, or a nutritionists post somewhere, but i'd really just like to cheer her up with a good meal.

I know this may be askin alot but i figured i'd come out and ask anyways. Whats the harm in trying? the nutritionists appointment isn't for another week though, so I need help!
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post #2 of 15
9/12/08 at 1:29pm
high iron foods are things like offal meats, deep red meats, mussels,leafy greens
so stay away from those, things like very white fish, chicken breasts white veges,carrots, cheeses etc are good

what kinds of flavours does she like , there are going to be days where she may not feel like food, so nice gentle easily digestible things would be best, give us some more info about what kinds of flavours of things she likes and you will just get so much help off here
my thoughts are with you and your girlfreind
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post #3 of 15
9/12/08 at 2:30pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you.


She has always had a taste for heavier meals, like pastas, or food with lots of sauces. Always been a fan of spicy foods like chicken wings or thai food. A fan of red meats and pork in general. I've never really tried to describe anyone's preferred sense of flavour before though so forgive that its a little vague there.


Are any kinds of sauces/Dressings full of iron? I wouldn't think so.
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post #4 of 15
9/12/08 at 4:26pm
From what I understand almost every food in market has iron. In fact unfortunatly one would have to almost go on a starvation diet to avoid it. True some have more then others. None of us , I dont think are as qualified as a Nutrionist or Medical Doctor who BOTH should be consulted. In many cases Iron is linked to Hemoglobin production in the body.
There are sights on the web that discuss the overproduction of iron. I suggest you look at these. Good Luck
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post #5 of 15
9/12/08 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
Again thank you for your responses. Its true thats its nearly impossible to avoid, but it must be kept to a minimum as she has 1.5 times the average amount of iron as a 35 year old male whereas she is 18 and under 110 lbs.

This is not my only source of information, but i was wondering if anyone had experienced a similar problem, or by off chance had some knowledge. Asking never hurt my chances any.

Thanks again for responding!
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post #6 of 15
9/13/08 at 1:01am
I have a condition called hemochromotosis which means my body does not process iron like it should, so I also have to avoid iron. Be aware of items that say fortified on the label. The biggest offenders are breakfast cereals and commercially prepared bread that all manufacturers seem to think need to be iron fortified. You need to do a lot of research on every food item in order to know what it consists of. My condition is not as serious as hers because if my iron gets too high, they just draw blood to bring the level down. It does seem for some unknown reason that iron that occurs naturally in food doesn't seem to affect me as much as iron that has been added to something. You will probably have to prepare a lot of her food from scratch to avoid the iron added thing. Good luck to you both.
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post #7 of 15
9/13/08 at 4:58am
Correct me if I am wrong, but is this condition sometimes heredatary?
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post #8 of 15
9/14/08 at 8:20am
This is my favorite website for information about nutrients and how to add more to your diet (or in your case avoid them). This link will show you the top iron containing foods.

WHFoods: iron

I also have some nutrition software that I can plug in the foods I'm eating along with my own recipes to see the nutrient levels. This type of software may also be helpful for your girlfriend.

Good luck,
Emily
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post #9 of 15
9/14/08 at 6:48pm
This website is very informative.
Nutrient Search – NutritionData.com
You can actually find foods by their nutrients (foods with the highest or lowest in a particular nutrient).

Luc H.
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post #10 of 15
9/14/08 at 10:10pm
Ed: Yes, it can be hereditary. My dad died when I was 3 months old (he was 27) from acute pancreatitis. I remember my aunt telling me that the last time she saw him, he was copper colored. Of course he was part Indian, so no one thought much about it. Hemochromotosis can have that effect when it starts attacking the organs, which untreated, it will. I don't know that he had it, but would be willing to bet he did. At the time they thought he had the flu because there was a very bad epidemic at the time he died.
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post #11 of 15
9/24/08 at 9:44pm
Well I do not think that spicy food in any kind of disease is good option. In disease period people love to eat those things which prohibited.

Once in a week is ok but you should take of her. I am sure whatever you will cook that will put smile on her face (if she is a good actress :)

Best of luck my mate.
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post #12 of 15
11/11/09 at 1:40pm

eating low to no iron foods

  • Dairy products: cottage cheese, yogurt, butter, puddings
  • Eggs
  • Raisins
  • Dates
  • Apples
  • whole meal bread
  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Blueberries
  • Beets
  • Cabbage
  • Almonds
  • Cauliflower
  • Hazelnuts
  • chocolate bars
  • pineapples
  • squashes
  • kidney beans
  • fish
  • watercress
  • soy beans,
  • Almonds
  • Campbell soups

Caffeine and high fiber foods decrease the absorption of iron in the body.

Other considerations

· Caffeinated beverages, chocolate, antacids, phosphate salts, high-calcium foods and excessive consumption of high-fiber foods decrease iron absorption in the body.

Additionally, foods containing vitamin C, such as vitamins and citrus fruits, should also be avoided as vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.

DISHES SOON.


hope this helps
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post #13 of 15
11/11/09 at 1:43pm

thinking low to no iron foods

As the level of iron in the body is high, the patient must avoid iron supplements as well as multivitamins that contain iron. Vitamin C although an antioxidant, increases the ability of the the body to absorb iron, hence consumption of vitamin C supplements should be strictly avoided. However, drinking vitamin C rich juices in between meals will not cause any harm. Including food in the diet that contains vitamin C, is also not a cause for worry. One should avoid alcohol or drink it in moderate amounts, as the iron and alcohol combine to form harmful substances that may cause further damage to the liver.

Eating raw shellfish can further deteriorate the health. This is because bacteria present in raw fish can cause severe infections in people with high levels of iron. However, well cooked fish or shellfish can be tolerated by the body as cooking kills the germs that cause infections.

An easy way to decrease the body's capability to absorb iron, would be to drink coffee or tea during meals, as these beverages contain high amount of tannins that restrict iron absorption. Reduce the intake of red meat, as it contains heme iron that can be easily absorbed by the body. Also avoid eating foods rich in animal fats as iron and fats combine and enhance free radical activity. This can damage tissues and the DNA of the body.

Doctors often advice plenty of veggies and fruits in a diet as these foods contain non-heme iron which is not easy to absorb. Vegetables when consumed with fiber, eggs or supplemental calcuim can further decrease the absorption of iron.

Eating nuts, beans, rice and grains is often recommended because these foods do not contain non-heme iron. As sugar also stimulates the absorption of iron, hence it is essential to avoid sugary foods.


Things like very white fish, chicken breasts white veggies, carrots, cheeses etc are good
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post #14 of 15
6/29/10 at 10:54am

For low iron diets, check any website for Hemochromatosis. There is a lot of information. And don't cook with cast iron anything.

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post #15 of 15
7/1/10 at 2:46am

High in Protein, Calcium, Vitamin C and Omega-3, no bad fats and a boost of fiber

 

 

Ingredients

2 Tsp Whole Flax Seed
1 scoop (22.2 grm) Whey Protein Isolate (Bioplex)
1/4 cup Craisins
1 1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries


Directions

You won't believe how good this is!

In blender at high grind flax seed and whey powder together. Added craisins and blend. Added a few strawberries at a time and whip at high until it looks like a thick cream. Freeze in heaping cup portions for 30 minutes.

A serving has 1/4 your daily protein, all your vitamin C, 1/2 your calcium, Omega-3 and fiber to boot! 2008 (c) KGWinder
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