Same Boat

Same Boat

Same Boat

Dude, You’re Bleeding!

Living well with HHT and anemia

A practical guide to living with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Dana Or Eliyahu

DANИA

First edition • October 2026

Start here

What you’ll find inside

  • The 5 common mistakes most HHT patients make
  • Secret natural helpers that help me to stop bleeding
  • My Own way to boost hemoglobin, iron & energy
  • What truly strengthens blood vessels
  • Foods that help stop bleeding or trigger it
  • Simple lifestyle habits that changed everything

Bonuses inside:

  • Bonus 1 A practical grocery list
  • Bonus 2 A week of meal ideas: 7 days — 7-day weighed food diaries suggest patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may spontaneously modify their diet to avoid nosebleed precipitants (Finnamore et al., 2017)

Contents

A letter from me to you

My HHT journey

Dear reader,

This guide was born out of my own journey with HHT and anemia—and a real need to figure out what could actually help, and give me some footing day to day.

Over the years, I’ve read the articles, dug through international communities, talked with doctors, and—more than anything—tried almost everything on myself. Tinctures, dietary changes, supplements, complementary medicine, different kinds of movement. Some of it seemed to help. Some of it didn’t. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, and to learn from you—people navigating the same terrain.

Let’s be honest: living with a chronic condition isn’t simple. Life shifts under your feet. Things that used to be ordinary become complicated, and you find yourself in a reality you didn’t sign up for.

Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t just want answers for myself. I wanted to build something together: a space for learning, hope, and real mutual support. A community that understands what it’s like to live with a condition people can’t always see.

And maybe one day, we’ll even meet in person—on trips, at gatherings, at retreats—in spaces where we feel safe, understood, and free to be exactly who we are.

With love,

Dana Or Eliyahu

Founder of Same Boat

01

Before you begin

This is a guide for adults living with HHT and anemia. It combines practical information with my experience; it is not a complete manual for HHT care.

HHT is an inherited condition affecting blood vessels. It can cause recurrent nosebleeds and bleeding elsewhere, and some people have arteriovenous malformations in organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain. Symptoms and care needs vary. Feeling better does not remove the need for specialist follow-up and recommended screening. (McDonald et al., 2026)

My experience is that I’m sharing my personal experience with products I purchased and tried on my own initiative after consulting my liver specialist, Dr. Issachar at Beilinson Hospital in Israel, as well as my family doctor, hematologist, and ENT specialist. These physicians have known me for years and are familiar with my medical history, test results, and hospitalizations.

Downloading this eBook means that you want to understand your HHT better and take a more active role in managing your health. That is an important first step. Let’s begin…

How to read this guide

01
02

Five common pitfalls in everyday HHT care

These are habits worth reviewing, not a judgment about how anyone manages a difficult condition.

Mistake #1: Taking iron without a clear plan

Oral iron is not always enough to keep up with ongoing blood loss. HHT guidance recommends intravenous iron when oral treatment is ineffective, not tolerated, or not absorbed, or when anemia is severe. (Cure HHT, 2020a)

Make timing practical. Tea, coffee, calcium, and some medicines can interfere with iron absorption. Ask your pharmacist how to space your particular iron product from meals, supplements, and medications. Do not stop eating calcium-containing foods; the issue is timing, not eliminating them. (Piskin et al., 2022)

Pair foods thoughtfully. Vitamin C helps the absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods. Lentils with bell peppers, or beans with a squeeze of lemon, are easy examples. A supplement is not automatically necessary. (NIH ODS, 2025b)

Vitamin C in context

Adults aged 19 and overDaily amount
Women, not pregnant or breastfeeding75 mg
Men90 mg
Pregnancy85 mg
Breastfeeding120 mg
Upper limit from all sources2,000 mg

These are nutritional reference amounts, not HHT treatment doses. People who smoke need an additional 35 mg daily. The upper limit is a ceiling, not a target. (NIH ODS, 2025b)

Moisture and a gentle touch

Mistake #2: Ignoring nasal dryness

Moisturizing the nasal lining is a first step in HHT nosebleed management. The international guidelines recommend topical therapies that humidify the nasal mucosa, commonly saline spray or gel. This recommendation does not establish every branded formulation as equally suitable. (Cure HHT, 2020b) (Kritharis et al., 2018).

I also use topical nasal products, including Bactroban, although the tube is very small. During seasonal changes, I also use Vaseline, coconut oil, and almond oil.

Every few months, I see Prof. Soudry, an ENT and head and neck surgeon at Beilinson Hospital, for a check-up. We monitor my nasal lining, changes in the lesions, and whether cauterization might be appropriate. My symptoms fluctuate, and I have noticed a difference depending on how consistently I maintain nasal moisture.

Room comfort: I find a cool-mist humidifier helpful when the air feels dry, especially at night. A link to the model I purchased appears below.

When using a humidifier, measure relative humidity—not just temperature—and keep it at or below 50%. Reduce use if condensation forms on windows or nearby surfaces. Empty and dry portable tanks daily, and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Distilled or demineralized water can help reduce airborne mineral particles in devices that disperse them. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — EPA)

Mistake #3: Picking or blowing your nose too hard

HHT-related blood vessels in the nose are fragile. Vigorous nose blowing and picking can injure them and worsen bleeding. (GeneReviews)

  • If you need to blow your nose, do so gently.
  • Dab the outside gently; avoid putting fingers inside.
  • Follow a nasal moisture routine recommended by your clinician.
  • Ask your clinician for advice if a product causes irritation or seems to worsen bleeding.
Xiaomi Cold HumidierVaselineBactroban Nasalsea salt sprayNeilMed, NasoGel for Dry Noses, 1 Bottle, 1 fl oz (30 ml)Organic Coconut Oilsaline spray

“Nasal care and room comfort” – examples of products suitable for improving humidity

Stress and personal food patterns

Mistake #4: Letting stress run the show

HHT is genetic. Stress, food choices, and lifestyle did not cause it. Managing stress can be valuable for how you cope; it is not a proven treatment for HHT bleeding. (McDonald et al., 2026) However, stress and panic elevate blood pressure, which can make a bleeding episode harder to manage.

Create a calm-and-safety plan:

  • Keep your usual bleeding supplies: a water bottle, an open trash bin, cotton wool in an easy-access container, ice cubes and popsicles kept within easy reach in the freezer, hemostatic agents together and easy to reach.
  • Track your nosebleed Epistaxis in Same Boat App
  • Use slow, comfortable mouth breathing during a nosebleed to help you stay calm.
  • Rest when fatigue or blood loss makes activity difficult.
  • Reach someone you trust when you need practical or emotional support.
  • Reach out to our SAME BOAT community for support from people experiencing the same symptoms and suffering from the same illness.
(water bottle, open trash can, cotton wool in an easy-access container, ice cubes and popsicles in an accessible spot in the freezer, styptic agents, and anything else that might help)

Mistake #5: Assuming food triggers are the same for everyone

In a study involving HHT patients, 149 questionnaires were analyzed [72 women; median age 54 years (range: 12–76)]. Twenty-six patients (18%) reported dietary items that improved nosebleeds (primarily blueberries and red fruits, green vegetables, and legumes), while 38 patients (26%) reported items that exacerbated bleeding (spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries, and ginger). Dietary changes were reported in up to 58% of cases. Among HHT patients, daily iron intake was 8.46 ± 2.78 mg; differences in iron intake were observed between those who made dietary changes and those who did not.

Study Conclusion:

As part of the comprehensive management of HHT, a healthy, balanced diet—including increased intake of iron-rich foods—should be encouraged.

Beneficial: Dietary components associated with improved nosebleeds (primarily blueberries and red fruits, green vegetables, and legumes).

Aggravating: Dietary components that worsened bleeding (spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries, and ginger).

HHT studies describe food-related associations reported by patients, rather than a one-size-fits-all diet. Participants identified spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries, and ginger as potential triggers. Other participants reported foods they felt were beneficial. (Cavalcoli et al., 2020)

In one of the HHT studies describe patient-reported food associations, not a universal diet. Participants have reported spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries, and ginger as possible triggers. Other participants reported foods they felt were helpful.

A food diary can help structure a conversation with your clinician or dietitian but specialy can give you the control of your health. Avoid broad restrictions that make it harder to eat adequately. (Finnamore et al., 2017)

Images: 7-day weighed food diaries suggest patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may spontaneously modify their diet to avoid nosebleed precipitants. Orphanet J Rare Dis 12, 60 (2017).

Track patterns without over-restricting

When you suspect a food or drink, record the details below. Include other possible influences so that one ingredient does not get all the blame.

What to recordYour notes
Date and time 
Food or drink and approximate portion 
What you did and what happened next 

Look for repeated patterns rather than judging an item from one episode. Tracking cannot prove cause and effect. Do not deliberately re-test something that appeared to cause a serious reaction.

Taking control of your health starts with tracking—much like managing expenses with an app that logs spending. I developed the SAME BOAT App (link) to track nutrition, symptoms (such as nosebleeds or iron infusions), medication and supplement intake, and physical activity, while also offering the option to generate weekly, monthly, and annual reports.

02
03

My Personal Comfort Routine: Natural Helpers I Use When Bleeding Starts

These are things I have used for comfort alongside medical care. They are not established ways to stop HHT bleeding. First aid and your prescribed plan take priority.

Cold support

Ice – Cooling Aid: Placing a small ice pack on the back of the neck—specifically over areas where major blood vessels are located—and eating a cold popsicle help soothe the area and promote mild vasoconstriction in the event of bleeding.

Water

I try to drink about 1.5 liters a day to keep tissues hydrated and reduce feelings of fatigue. It is important to know that there is no single fluid intake target that suits everyone with HHT. Follow the specific guidelines you have received regarding fluids, especially if your treatment involves fluid restrictions. Drinking water cannot replace lost blood.

Lemon and mint

Fresh mint has become a staple on my shopping list. I eat a lemon wedge for an immediate dose of Vitamin C the moment bleeding starts. For some reason, chewing fresh mint leaves also seems to help; it can soothe the nervous system.

You can add a lemon slice to your glass of water. These are personal habits, not emergency Vitamin C treatment or proof that mint stops bleeding. During an active nosebleed, focus on first aid rather than eating.

Breathing and rest

Breathing and relaxation: While bleeding, I try to take slow, deep breaths through my mouth to avoid irritating my nasal passages—essentially to get more oxygen into my bloodstream. (This is a decision I made on my own.)

Rest is important for preventing bleeding, as well as for recovery after a severe episode; sleep and rest make a huge difference. Since becoming a mother recently, I’ve been lacking a lot of sleep and rest :) —though I certainly have no complaints about the great miracle that is my son.

Without a doubt, if I feel like I’m about to faint or am short of breath, I seek help—and call an ambulance if necessary.

Fan

Use a fan to air-dry the nose between changing the cotton wool in the nostrils. Ensure the fan is free of dust; while the airflow aids drying, it can also cause irritation, so maintaining proper moisture levels is important.

A cool-mist humidifier

A cool-mist humidifier helped me manage the feeling of dryness, especially at night. I keep the device clean. This is my experience with room comfort; the strongest HHT-specific evidence is for moisturizing the nasal lining.

Image space — everyday comfort
03
04

My way of boosting hemoglobin, iron & energy

When you are repeatedly losing blood, keeping up can feel like a full-time job. The right route depends on your blood loss, symptoms, test results, and response to treatment—not on finding one universally fastest supplement.

First of all, it is important to understand the differences between intravenous (IV) iron and oral iron.

Oral iron and intravenous iron

Your team may start with oral iron and monitor your response. Intravenous iron bypasses the gut and can replenish stores when oral therapy is inadequate or unsuitable. Treatment also needs to address the bleeding itself. Severe or symptomatic anemia may require additional urgent treatment, including transfusion in selected circumstances. (Cure HHT, 2020a; Al-Samkari, 2024)

Ask at your next appointment:

  • What do my hemoglobin and ferritin results show?
  • Is my current iron treatment keeping up with blood loss?
  • When should I repeat blood tests?
  • What side effects or symptoms should prompt a call?
  • Should we consider another formulation or intravenous treatment?

Getting the most from oral treatment

Follow the prescribed amount of elemental iron. Products with similar names may deliver different amounts. More tablets are not automatically better. Current gastroenterology guidance recommends oral iron no more than once daily, with every-other-day dosing potentially better tolerated by some people; changes belong with your prescriber. (DeLoughery et al., 2024)

Vitamin C can help absorption, and AGA guidance advises adding it to oral iron. The amount and formulation should still fit your care plan; this is not a reason to take high doses or to delay iron if vitamin C is unavailable. (DeLoughery et al., 2024)

If recovery is not as expected, your clinician may investigate other causes, including vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Do not assume every episode of fatigue is caused only by iron deficiency. (Cure HHT, 2020a)

During my research, I found several excellent websites that specialize in testing the quality of vitamins and dietary supplements. These sites are operated by independent laboratories that purchase the supplements—directly off the shelf—and conduct lab tests to verify that the contents match the label. They confirm that the dosage is accurate and that the product is completely free of heavy metals, mold, or other toxins. (Source: Healthline)

Please note: Although these laboratories operate under strict international quality standards (such as ISO standards) and their findings are recognized by official health authorities, they are independent entities, and testing is performed on product samples only. Therefore, this list is provided as a helpful comparison tool; reliance on this information is the reader’s responsibility and does not constitute an absolute guarantee of quality.

At the public library, I found an older book titled *The New Encyclopedia of Natural Healing* by Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler (in the Hebrew edition edited by Dr. Mordechai Hochberg). After reading it, I tried some of the supplements listed below, while prioritizing obtaining nutrients from food whenever possible. I felt an improvement with some of them and continue to take them, whereas with others, I noticed no change. I believe the effect varies from person to person.

I am sharing this list here as part of my personal experience, along with links to the products I purchased. I have included the full list of websites below in this guide.

Book: *The New Encyclopedia of Natural Healing* by Dr. Sheldon Saul Hendler (in the Hebrew edition edited by Dr. Mordechai Hochberg).

The New Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Dr. Sheldon Saul Saul-Morgan (Hebrew edition edited by Dr. Mordechai Hochberg) (The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs)

04
05

Complementary products I have tried and recommand

During my research, I found several excellent websites that specialize in testing the quality of vitamins and dietary supplements. These sites are run by independent laboratories that purchase supplements—straight off the shelf—and verify in the lab whether the contents actually match the label. They confirm that the dosage is accurate and that the product is completely free of heavy metals, mold, or other toxins. (Source: Healthline, How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements)

Please note: Although these laboratories operate under strict international quality standards (such as ISO standards) and their findings are recognized by official health authorities, they are independent entities, and testing is performed on product samples only. Therefore, this list is provided as a helpful comparison tool; the use of this information is the reader’s responsibility and does not constitute an absolute guarantee of quality.

The NIH explains that independent seals can indicate appropriate manufacturing, label accuracy and the absence of harmful levels of tested contaminants—but do not guarantee safety or effectiveness. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

I have included the full list of websites below in this guide.

My List

Ferrum phosphoricum 6X

Ferrum phosphoricum 6X is sold as a homeopathic (I buy it at the shop where they compound it for me, following the recommendation of the homeopath who wrote the prescription.) or Schüssler cell-salt product. I chose to include it as a complementary part of my personal routine.

Ferrum phosphoricum 6X is a highly diluted product; it has undergone a six-step dilution process, leaving only a minute amount of the active substance. Furthermore, there is a widespread belief that the pharmacist infuses the substance with their own energy during preparation—which is why it is important to purchase it from a high-quality store.

During the period when I used it, I felt that some of my bleeds became shorter or lighter. However, I cannot know whether the product caused that change, and it has not been established as a treatment for HHT or bleeding.

I did not consider it a replacement for medical follow-up, blood tests, prescribed iron, medication, or emergency care. It is not an iron-replacement treatment for anemia. I am sharing an individual observation, not recommending that other patients use it.

NCCIH reports little evidence that homeopathy effectively treats any specific condition. FDA states that no product labeled as homeopathic is FDA-approved. (NCCIH, n.d.-b; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d.)

The Hyland’s product at the link is a tablet-based remedy:

These are the tablets Boiron sells on iHerb, which people commonly use for headaches.

A WishGarden herbal product called “Flow Stopper”

I also tried a product called “Flow Stopper” as part of my personal routine. This product is marketed as a solution for menstrual bleeding and spotting. It is not intended, approved, or proven as a treatment for nosebleeds associated with HHT.

As the product contains several herbal ingredients, anyone considering its use should first show the current ingredient list to a medical professional or pharmacist, particularly when taking prescription medications or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Chamomile Tea

  • תה בבונג - קמומיל
  • ביופלבונואידים
  • Thorne, Vitamin C with Flavonoids, 90 Capsules
  • תוספי מזון
  • ביופלבונואידים
  • Butcher’s Broom.
  • רשימה מלאה באתר SAME BOAT
05
06

Nutrition for everyday health

Eating well can support nutritional needs. No food or supplement in this guide has been established as a way to “strengthen” the abnormal vessels of HHT or cure its underlying cause.

Build variety into your meals

Vitamin C contributes to collagen formation and helps absorb non-heme iron. Food sources include bell peppers, kiwi, citrus, and broccoli. This nutritional role does not establish vitamin C as an HHT bleeding treatment. (NIH ODS, 2025b)

Vitamin K is needed for normal clotting. Leafy greens are one food source, but extra vitamin K is not a general solution for HHT bleeding. If you take warfarin, discuss changes with your clinician and keep vitamin K intake consistent. (NIH ODS, 2021)

For variety, I include protein foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, and legumes; fruit and vegetables; nuts and seeds; and fats such as olive oil or avocado. Berries, grapes, cocoa, and other plant foods can be part of a varied diet without needing to be described as vessel-repair treatments.

Omega 3 supplements

It is too broad to say that omega-3 always causes bleeding. High supplemental doses can affect platelet function, while evidence does not show a uniform increase in clinically significant bleeding. People taking medicines that affect clotting should discuss supplements with their clinician. Algal oil is not automatically safer for bleeding simply because it comes from algae. (NIH ODS, n.d.)

Supporting blood cells

Red and white blood cells have different roles. An abnormal blood count needs evaluation. Do not use a general supplement stack of iron, B12, folate, zinc, or vitamin D as a substitute for finding out what is actually low.

מתוך רשימות הייעוץ האישי שלי אצל ד״ר עופר רז — רפואה טבעית ורפואה סינית
    שתייה
    • קפה או קקאו. מותר קפה בוץ/ אספרסו/ אמריקאנו - עד שליש כוס ללא שום סוג של חלב או 1-2 קוביות שוקולד מריר. עד פעמיים ביום, עד השעה 17:00.
    • חובה תמיד אחרי אוכל, חלבון!
    • מותר “נטול קפאין” - “טבעי” + חלב נטול לקטוז /שקדים עד 3 כוסות ביום.
    • תה ירוק ללא קפאין.
    • לא מיצים/ שייקים - מלבד לימון (אישית יש שייקים שאני שותה ומשפיעים עליי לטובה)
    • לא משקאות קלים מלבד סודה
    • מי טוניק ללא סוכר
    • לדעתו “אסור נענע” (לי דווקא הרגשתי שעזר)
    • הכי מומלץ “שיבה” גבעול קטן +פלח לימון
    • Sheba tea Tree Wormwood herbal infusion).
    אלכוהול וחליטות
    • יין ללא גופרית
    • ULLO WINE מסנן יין סודי Norway’s Secret Wine Balanced | זוכה פרס משולש | אין צורך בטיפות יין או שרביטים | מסיר סולפיט והיסטמין | מטהר יין טבעי 100%
    • תה DETOX של חברת PUKKA הרגעת הבטן (אישית לא צריכה את זה)
    תזונה
    • חלבונים: עד 40% מהצלחת: עוף, הודו, בס, ביצים, מוצרי חלב, גבינות לבנות, מלוחות וקשות (פטה, בולגרית, בריוזה) ללא מוצרי חלב אחרים! לפחות 20%
    • עדשים, אפונה, שעועית, שעועית ירוקה, חומוס, טופו, טחינה
    • ברשימת הפחמימות ניתן לזהות: קינואה, כוסמת, דוחן, מש, פריכיות אורז מלא, עדשים, שעועית, אורז, תירס
    • בסעיף הירקות ניתן לזהות: כל סוגי העלים, דלעת

    מופיע גם תרשים חלוקת צלחת עם הכותרות: חלבון, ירקות ופחמימות.

    A Varied meal
    06
    07

    Herbs and extracts need individual review

    Concentrated extracts, powders, and medicinal infusions are optional products requiring separate review. You do not need acai, resveratrol, turmeric, horsetail, or an “immune” blend to complete this grocery list.

    07
    08

    Five lifestyle habits I return to

    1 Move within your capacity

    Walking and gentle yoga are meaningful parts of my routine. I adapt movement to my symptoms and energy. I choose an amount that is manageable, without treating exercise as a way to stop a bleed.

    Ask your team about suitable activity if you have significant anemia or heart, lung, or other organ involvement. Avoid straining or heavy lifting when your clinician advises against it. Stop and seek help for concerning symptoms. (McDonald et al., 2026)

    2 Make space for sleep and rest

    I try to protect sleep and allow recovery after difficult days. Rest is not a failure to manage the condition. Persistent or worsening fatigue is also a reason to review my medical plan.

    3 Keep hydration personal

    I keep water accessible and follow any fluid guidance from my clinicians. I do not use a fixed daily water target as a treatment for bleeding.

    4 Care for the air and the nose

    A clean humidifier can help room comfort when the air is dry. I also discuss nasal moisture products with my team. I do not assume that humidified air guarantees fewer bleeds. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.; Cure HHT, 2020b)

    5 Use a comfortable calming practice

    Quiet breathing, a short body scan, or a few minutes of meditation help me pause. I do not use forced breathing, long breath holds, or a visualization as a way to repair vessels or replace first aid.

    In the SAME BOAT app, you can connect to your daily calendar and receive reminders to practice breathing or stretching.

    Download the app at this link:

    08
    09

    Bonus 1 A practical grocery list

    Use this as a flexible list, not a prescription. Choose foods you enjoy and tolerate, and adapt portions for your nutritional needs, allergies, and medical advice.

    Fruit and vegetables

    • Kiwi, lemons, oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries.
    • Spinach, kale, broccoli, and parsley.
    • Berries, cucumber, carrots, sweet potato, beets, and mint.
    • Pomegranate if you enjoy and tolerate it; it is not universally restricted in HHT.

    Protein foods

    • Lean red meat, poultry, or fish if you eat them.
    • Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and tofu.
    • Eggs for meal variety; do not count them as a heme-iron equivalent to meat.

    Fats and pantry foods

    • Olive oil, avocado, tahini, and nuts or seeds.
    • Pumpkin seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
    • Oats, quinoa, buckwheat, whole-grain bread, and iron-fortified cereal.
    • Blackstrap molasses if you enjoy it. Check the label; it is a food, not an anemia treatment.

    Iron sources vary. Meat, seafood, beans, and iron-fortified foods can contribute iron; amounts and absorption differ. The label matters, and food may not be enough to replace ongoing HHT blood loss. (NIH ODS, 2025a; Cure HHT, 2020a)

    Image space — a realistic shopping basket
    09
    10

    Bonus 2 A week of meal ideas

    Option A Iron-containing foods with vitamin C

    These menus are ideas for everyday eating. They have not been analyzed for iron, calories, or individual requirements and cannot guarantee a rise in hemoglobin. Adapt them with a dietitian if you need a therapeutic plan.

    DayBreakfastLunchDinner
    MondayOatmeal with pumpkin seeds and strawberriesLentil soup with fresh lemonChicken or tofu with broccoli and bell peppers
    TuesdayFortified cereal with kiwiQuinoa, chickpea, and cucumber salad with citrus dressingBeef or tofu stir-fry with kale
    WednesdayEggs with tomato and whole-grain toastGreens with steak or lentils and mandarin orangeSalmon or beans with asparagus and peppers
    ThursdayYogurt with berries and walnutsBlack beans with avocado and limeTurkey or lentil meatballs with vegetables
    FridayAvocado toast and kiwiLeftover meatballs with peppers or fruitTofu and bell-pepper curry, spiced to tolerance
    SaturdayFortified cereal with berriesMixed greens, chickpeas, beets, and pumpkin seedsLean steak or a lentil patty with sweet potato
    SundayOatmeal with seeds and orangeLeftover bean bowlChicken or tofu with mixed vegetables

    Easy swaps: Lemon is optional—bell peppers, kiwi, or another tolerated vitamin C food can be used. Mushrooms can add variety, but they are not nutritionally interchangeable with meat, tofu, or legumes as the main protein and iron source.

    10
    11

    Another way to plan the week

    Option B Familiar meals and variety

    The aim is a manageable week of varied, familiar meals. Add portions, sides, and snacks to meet your needs.

    DayBreakfastLunchDinner
    SundayKiwi and berry smoothie with oats and chiaBlack lentils with parsley and yellow pepperChickpea and vegetable soup
    MondayTahini on rye toast with fruitMajedra made with rice and lentilsSpinach, walnut, and beet salad with tofu or chicken
    TuesdayOatmeal with berriesChicken or lentil patties with vegetablesBean and vegetable stew
    WednesdayMelon, pumpkin seeds, and whole-grain toastQuinoa, white beans, and vegetablesTofu or eggs with a mixed salad
    ThursdayBuckwheat porridge with blueberriesSalmon or chickpeas with sweet potatoAvocado toast with a lentil salad
    FridayEgg or tofu with tomato and toastLentil stew with beetsChicken or bean soup with root vegetables
    SaturdayTahini toast with kiwiTofu stir-fry with bok choyRoasted vegetables with chickpeas and olive oil

    Water is a simple drink choice when it fits your fluid plan. Herbal drinks are not essential to this menu. Review medicinal infusions and concentrated extracts separately, especially if you take medicines or have liver involvement.

    Image space — one meal from your kitchen
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    Products and where to find them

    Nasal care and room comfort

    Beekeeper’s Naturals Saline Nasal Spray Max, 30 ml

    This is a spray, not the gel listed below. The manufacturer describes a formula containing propolis, xylitol, and saline. It is not plain saline; check ingredients and suitability with your clinician, including any relevant allergies.

    View on iHerb

    NeilMed NasoGel for Dry Noses, 30 ml

    A separate gel product. Ask your clinician which type of moisturizer is appropriate for you.

    View on iHerb

    Xlear Xylitol Saline Nasal Spray Daily Relief, 45 ml

    A xylitol-containing saline product. Guideline support for nasal moisturizing does not establish this particular formula as superior for HHT.

    View on iHerb

    Xiaomi Humidifier 2 Lite

    This is a retailer search, not one fixed seller’s product page. Check the exact model, plug, voltage, cleaning instructions, and delivery destination before buying.

    Browse Xiaomi Humidifier 2 Lite on Amazon UK

    Digital thermometer and hygrometer — additional example

    An example of a room thermometer and hygrometer. This is a non-affiliate link. It measures room conditions; it is not a medical device for monitoring HHT.

    View TempPro TP49 on Amazon UK
    Product image space — nasal and room care
    12
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    My HHT Toolkit on iHerb

    21st Century Iron, 65 mg, 120 tablets

    A ferrous-sulfate product. The listing strength is product information, not a recommendation for your daily dose. Keep iron securely away from children.

    View my iHerb link

    California Gold Nutrition liquid iron, 118 ml

    This product combines iron as ferrous bisglycinate chelate with Yellow Dock root. This is an iron-and-herb combination, not plain iron bisglycinate. Check elemental iron per serving and review the full formula with your clinician.

    View on iHerb

    Thorne Vitamin C with Flavonoids, 90 capsules

    A supplement example. Check the amount per capsule; the product strength is not the same thing as an adult daily nutritional requirement. It is not an emergency bleeding treatment.

    View my iHerb link

    Hyland’s Naturals Cell Salt 4, Ferrum Phos 6X, 100 tablets

    Included because it appears in my personal notes. It is a homeopathic product, not an iron supplement for treating iron-deficiency anemia. See Complementary products I have tried for the evidence limitations.

    View my iHerb link

    WishGarden herbal product — identity to confirm

    My draft used both “Flow stopper” and “Cycle Harmony Hormone Support.” These names must not be treated as interchangeable. The link is retained for identification; do not use this unresolved listing to select a product for bleeding.

    Original supplied iHerb link

    Calendula

    My notes mention calendula without a brand, formulation, or route of use. An exact shopping link needs that information first; no nasal or oral use is recommended here.

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    List of sources for checking vitamins and supplements

    Websites specializing in testing vitamins and dietary supplements

    Below is a table listing websites that specialize in testing vitamins and dietary supplements, including direct links:

    Independent rating and laboratory testing sites
    ConsumerLab

    Considered the most popular and comprehensive site for vitamin and supplement testing. The company independently purchases products and publishes detailed reports comparing various brands within each category (e.g., Vitamin D, Omega-3, Magnesium, etc.).

    Note: Some full reports require a paid subscription, but the site provides a list of products that passed testing (were approved).

    Labdoor

    An excellent site offering free access to vitamin and supplement ratings. They test products in chemical laboratories and assign a weighted score based on ingredient purity and dosage accuracy relative to the label claim.

    🎖️ Databases from official certification bodies (completely free)

    These are the official websites of the major standards organizations. If a vitamin brand has earned their quality seal, it will appear in these databases:

    USP (United States Pharmacopeia)

    A long-established scientific organization that sets official quality standards for medications and supplements in the U.S. Their website features a search engine listing all brands and vitamins that have met their rigorous standards (“USP Verified”). [9, 10]

    NSF International

    One of the world’s most recognized certification bodies. Their website hosts a public database where you can search for a supplement or vitamin brand to verify whether the manufacturer and the specific product hold the organization’s official certification.

    Informed Sport / Informed Choice

    A service specializing primarily in testing nutritional supplements and vitamins for athletes. You can use their database—along with the batch number found on the back of the bottle—to confirm that the specific vitamin product you purchased has undergone rigorous laboratory testing and is free from banned substances or contaminants.

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    Keep the next step small

    Small timing changes, better preparation, and a clearer record of your symptoms can make conversations with your care team more useful. The correct treatment route, dose, and monitoring plan remain individual medical decisions.

    You may not be able to prevent every bleed, but you can become better prepared for what your body is telling you. In my own experience, some periods of greater consistency have coincided with lighter or shorter bleeds. That is a personal observation, not a guaranteed outcome.

    Stay connected with Same Boat

    I want to build a community where we can share experiences, ask better questions, and support each other without turning one person’s experience into a rule for everyone.

    Use community discussion for support, not urgent medical advice. If a resource is unavailable, return to the website for current information.

    Image space — community or app

    With love,

    Dana Or Eliyahu

    Founder of Same Boat

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    References

    The following sources support the cited statements in this guide. Research about a nutrient or general nosebleed care does not establish that a specific shopping product treats HHT. The older HHT food studies are retained for their specific observations and identified by their original publication dates.

    1. Al-Samkari, H. (2024). How I treat bleeding in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Blood, 144(9), 940–954. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2023021765
    2. Cavalcoli, F., Gandini, A., Matelloni, I. A., Catalano, F., Alicante, S., Manfredi, G., Brambilla, G., Menozzi, F., Perolini, F., Costi, E., Bertè, R., & Buscarini, E. (2020). Dietary iron intake and anemia: Food frequency questionnaire in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 15, Article 295. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-020-01554-x
    3. Cure HHT. (2020a). Anemia & anticoagulation. https://hhtguidelines.org/anemia/
    4. Cure HHT. (2020b). Epistaxis (nosebleed) management. https://hhtguidelines.org/epistaxis/
    5. DeLoughery, T. G., Jackson, C. S., Ko, C. W., & Rockey, D. C. (2024). AGA clinical practice update on management of iron deficiency anemia: Expert review. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 22(8), 1575–1583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2024.03.046
    6. Finnamore, H., Silva, B. M., Hickson, B. M., Whelan, K., & Shovlin, C. L. (2017). 7-day weighed food diaries suggest patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may spontaneously modify their diet to avoid nosebleed precipitants. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, 12, Article 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-017-0576-6
    7. Finnamore, H., Silva, B.M., Hickson, B.M. et al. 7-day weighed food diaries suggest patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia may spontaneously modify their diet to avoid nosebleed precipitants. Orphanet J Rare Dis 12, 60 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13023-017-0576-6
    8. McDonald, J., Gossage, J. R., & Stevenson, D. A.. (2026, February 19). Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. In GeneReviews®. University of Washington, Seattle. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1351/
    9. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.-a). Ginkgo: Usefulness and safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ginkgo
    10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.-b). Homeopathy. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/homeopathy
    11. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.-c). Horse chestnut: Usefulness and safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/horse-chestnut
    12. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.-d). Turmeric: Usefulness and safety. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric
    13. National Health Service. (n.d.). Nosebleed. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nosebleed/
    14. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Omega-3 fatty acids: Fact sheet for health professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
    15. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021, March 22). Vitamin K: Fact sheet for consumers. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-Consumer/
    16. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2025a, September 4). Iron: Fact sheet for health professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
    17. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2025b, July 31). Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
    18. Piskin, E., Cianciosi, D., Gulec, S., Tomas, M., & Capanoglu, E. (2022). Iron absorption: Factors, limitations, and improvement methods. ACS Omega, 7(24), 20441–20456. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c01833
    19. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Use and care of home humidifiers. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/use-and-care-home-humidifiers
    20. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Some homeopathic products may put you at risk. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/some-homeopathic-products-may-put-you-risk
    21. Kritharis, A., Al-Samkari, H., & Kuter, D. J. (2018). Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: Diagnosis and management from the hematologist’s perspective. Haematologica, 103(9), 1433-1443. https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2018.193003
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