Dos & Don'ts
Treatment
Begin treatment as soon as possible; the earlier your treatment begins the
better your chances of staying healthy.
Follow your doctor‚s treatment plan and make sure to get therapeutic
phlebotomies when you need them.
Ask your doctor about the best way for you to get your results, so that
you may keep them for future reference.
Consider getting a second medical opinion if you are not satisfied with
the treatment you are receiving.
Educate yourself about your condition and alert immediate blood
relatives of their need to get tested.

Diet
Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Avoid foods fortified with iron, such as many breakfast cereals and
some breads.
Do not take supplements containing iron. If you take multi-vitamins,
find a brand that does not contain iron.
Avoid supplements that contain large amounts of vitamin C as it increases
iron absorption. However, do not avoid consuming fresh fruits and
vegetables containing vitamin C.
Drink high-tannin tea with meals, as it inhibits iron absorption.
Do not eat raw shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) as it may be contaminated
with bacteria (vibrio vulnificus) that can be fatal to people with iron overload.
Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating.
Reduce intake of red meat and offal (liver, kidneys, pate, black pudding,
etc.), as they are high in iron. However, do not feel that you must
eliminate them from your diet unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Avoid cooking with cast iron skillets or other iron vessels.
Check the labels of processed foods for their iron content.

Lifestyle
Incorporate a routine exercise programme into your lifestyle.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as alcohol increases iron absorption
and can tax an already compromised liver. Don‚t smoke (or at least try to
cut down); tobacco contains high amounts of iron that is directly
absorbed upon inhalation