How to Increase Hemoglobin Count

Hemoglobin is an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Having a healthy level of hemoglobin in the blood is important for overall energy, immunity, and organ function. When our hemoglobin level goes lower than normal levels, it can lead to fatigue or weakness, or more serious health problems. Therefore, understanding how to support hemoglobin naturally and medically is important to overall health.

Overview of Low Hemoglobin Count

A low hemoglobin count, or anemia, indicates that the body is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Symptoms and outcomes vary from person to person and may either be mild, without the person even knowing they are anemic, to serious and life-threatening. Generally, a low hemoglobin level is indicated by: 

• Men: <13.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) 
• Women: <12.0 g/dL 
• Children: <(depending on age);

Factors Involved with Low Hemoglobin Count

There are several factors for low hemoglobin level; these include: 

• Nutrition Factors (iron, vitamin B12, folate) 
• Chronic conditions (kidney disease, cancer, diabetes) 
• Blood loss (injuries, surgery, menstruation, and ulcers) 
• Bone marrow 
• Genetics (thalassemia or sickle cell anemia ) 
• Pregnancy (increased blood volume and nutritional demands).

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin Count

The common signs and symptoms of low hemoglobin include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Headaches

If left untreated, these symptoms will continue to get worse over time and affect your quality of life.

12 Natural Ways to Boost Hemoglobin Levels 

You don't always need medicine to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels. There are several changes to your diet or lifestyle that can help your body naturally generate more red blood cells. Based on certain foods and other healthy habits, one can easily change their hemoglobin levels without any drastic approaches. Here are 12 natural and practical approaches to boost hemoglobin levels: 

1. Eat More Iron-Rich Food: Eat foods rich in iron, such as red meat, lentils, spinach, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals. 

2. Eat More Foods Rich in Vitamin C: You may want to include vitamin C to enhance iron absorption. Some excellent sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, red and green bell peppers, and broccoli. 

3. Eat Folate-Rich Food: Folate (vitamin B9) is important for making red blood cells. You can find folate in rich, dark leafy greens, beans, and avocados. 

4. Eat Eggs: This is also a concern. Vitamin B12, present in eggs and dairy, assists and helps in producing hemoglobin. Eggs, dairy, meat, and fortified plant-based milk are rich in vitamin B12. 

5. Cook with Cast Iron Cookware: Cooking acidic foods (most foods we cook) in cast iron pots is another way to improve the iron content of meals. The iron content of most foods will increase dramatically when using iron pots. 

6. Reduce Iron Blockers: While eating meals rich in iron, it may be beneficial to avoid consuming tea or coffee, as well as foods and beverages rich in calcium. All of these substances block the absorption of iron and ferrous iron.

7. Eat Beets: Beets help boost red blood cell production because they contain a lot of iron and folate.

8. Increase Intake of Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great plant-based sources of iron and folate.

9. Add pomegranates and dates: These fruits are high in iron and other minerals that help make red blood cells.

10. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps blood circulate smoothly and moves oxygen around.

11. Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise helps make more red blood cells.

12. Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods generally don't include the vitamins and minerals that are necessary for making haemoglobin.

Complications of Low Hemoglobin Count  

If not treated, low haemoglobin levels can cause major problems, such as:  

• Heart difficulties, include arrhythmias and heart failure  
• Extreme tiredness that makes it hard to do everyday things  
• Problems during pregnancy (giving birth too soon, having a baby with a low birth weight)  
• Delays in children's cognitive and developmental abilities

When to See a Doctor  

If you have any of the following, you should see a doctor:  

• Feeling tired or weak all the time  
• Breathing problems with little effort  
• Heart rate that is fast or not regular  
• Bleeding or bruises that can't be explained  
• Skin or gums that are pale  

Blood tests done regularly can help find anaemia early, even before any symptoms show up.

Treatment Options  

The treatment relies on what caused the problem and how bad it is. There are several options:  

• Iron supplements, whether taken by mouth or by an IV  
• Folate or vitamin B12 supplements  
• Blood transfusions (in extreme instances)  
• Drugs that help make red blood cells, including erythropoietin,  
• Taking care of health problems that are already there, including controlling kidney disease or bleeding in the stomach.

Conclusion

It's crucial to keep your haemoglobin levels healthy so that your body can work well. You can naturally improve your levels by changing what you eat and how you live. If your symptoms get worse or don't go away, you should consult a doctor. You can be healthy and active if you eat well, live well, and get the right medical care. You can even stop or regulate low haemoglobin.

FAQs

1. What is a normal level of haemoglobin?

Normal levels can change depending on your age and gender:

• Men: 13.5 to 17.5 grammes for every 10 litres
• For women, it's between 12.0 and 15.5 g/dL.
• It depends on how old the kids are.

2. How long does it take for haemoglobin levels to rise on their own?

If you stick to your new diet, you might start to feel better in 2–4 weeks, but it could take 2–3 months or longer to entirely heal the problem.

3. Can drinking beetroot juice make your haemoglobin levels go up?

Yes, beetroot juice provides a lot of iron, folate, and antioxidants that can assist the body manufacture haemoglobin.

4. Can you use iron supplements without talking to a doctor first?

It's best to talk to a doctor before taking supplements because too much iron could be dangerous for you.

5. Is having low haemoglobin the same as having anaemia?

When your red blood cell count or haemoglobin level is low, you have anaemia. When your haemoglobin levels are low, you have anaemia.