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High Ferritin Levels: How can I lower my levels?
Since having Covid in fall of 2021, my ferritin levels have remained high. They were close to 600 immediately following Covid and are now lingering between 300 and 400 over a year later. Prior to, I was always in the normal range and my iron levels have remained normal throughout. Curious how to lower my levels—have been exercising but that doesn’t seem to be working.
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Hi @frank0508, Mayo Clinic offers some "Lifestyle and home remedies" in this article. Scroll down about half the page
– Hemochromatosis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemochromatosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351448
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1 ReactionHi Frank. I'll state up-front that I'm not in the medical profession and not giving medical advice. When I see posts like this and want to try and help out, I turn to ChatGPT and feed it basic info, then provide the output it provides. Keep in mind ChatGPT is an advanced AI bot, so don't rely on this reply alone. Always work with your healthcare provider.
With that said, here's what I asked ChatGPT: How can I lower my ferritin levels?
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Below is the output ChatGPT provided. Again, this is not medical advice. Please be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before making a decision on what to do. I hope this helps.
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Lowering ferritin levels can be achieved through various strategies. However, it's important to note that ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and elevated ferritin levels often indicate excessive iron storage in the body. If you suspect high ferritin levels, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can properly diagnose and guide you through the process. They will be able to provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
That being said, here are some general approaches to help lower ferritin levels:
Phlebotomy: This method involves regularly drawing blood to reduce iron levels. It is commonly used to treat conditions like hemochromatosis, where excess iron accumulates in the body. Phlebotomy should only be done under medical supervision.
Dietary changes: Adjusting your diet can play a role in managing ferritin levels. Decreasing iron-rich foods, such as red meat, liver, and fortified cereals, can help lower iron intake. Additionally, avoiding vitamin C-rich foods when consuming iron-rich foods can limit iron absorption.
Avoid iron supplements: If you're taking iron supplements, discuss with your healthcare professional about discontinuing or adjusting the dosage. Iron supplements can contribute to elevated ferritin levels, and it's important to use them only if prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider.
Avoid vitamin C supplements: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the body. If you're taking vitamin C supplements, it's advisable to avoid or minimize their use while you work on reducing ferritin levels.
Regular blood donations: Donating blood can help reduce iron levels and ferritin over time. However, this should be done in consultation with your healthcare professional and blood donation center, as eligibility and frequency may vary based on individual circumstances.
Treating underlying conditions: High ferritin levels can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as hemochromatosis, liver disease, or chronic inflammation. Treating these underlying conditions may help normalize ferritin levels.
Remember, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of high ferritin levels and to develop an appropriate plan tailored to your specific needs. They will monitor your progress and provide guidance throughout the process.
High ferritin can be hemachromatosis. Do you also have high red blood cell and hemoglobin values? It’s important to get a proper diagnosis. For folks with very high ferritin values with hemochromatosis we do therapeutic phlebotomies in the hospital- that is when we remove a pint of blood at given intervals. There may be nothing you can do to lower high ferritin levels naturally depending on the cause.