Iron: can turmeric reduce overload?
Ferritin is a protein used to store iron in your blood. High levels of ferritin usually points to iron overload.
When I got dengue, one of the side effects was an increased in ferritin and haemoglobin. At first glance, more iron may sound like a good thing.
In truth, excess iron is toxic.
It behaves like rust on metal. It oxidizes tissues, damages cells, and fuels inflammation. Over time, it can scar your liver, weaken your heart, and harm your pancreas.
So what can you do?
One way to address this excess is through chelation. Chelation means binding iron so that it can be excreted. Medicines exist for this.
But nature too offers solutions. Among them is turmeric.
Turmeric contains curcumin. Most people know it as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. What is less known is its ability to chelate iron. Studies show that curcumin binds to iron molecules and lowers their reactivity .
In doing so, it prevents iron from catalyzing free radicals that damage tissues. Curcumin also reduces ferritin levels by regulating how cells store and release iron.
Think about it. Iron is essential. Without it, your red blood cells cannot carry oxygen. But too much and it can turn against you.
Turmeric does not strip away all your iron. Instead, it helps restore balance. It regulates availability, taming the very element that sustains life.
For those with high ferritin, this matters. Regular turmeric in the diet may ease oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect organs.
Curcumin also improves liver function, which is often compromised in iron overload .
How should you consume it?
Curcumin is best absorbed with fat and pepper.
Adding turmeric to your food is simple. A pinch in curries, lentils, or warm milk can go a long way. It is not about large doses. It is about steady, consistent use.
That is what I used to reduce my ferritin levels back to normal.
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