Low hemoglobin levels usually are known as anemia, through this blog we will learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and home remedies to increase the levels of hemoglobin in your blood.
The first and foremost question that arises is what hemoglobin is, Hemoglobin is a type of protein that makes up red blood cells. It plays an important/crucial role in the transportation of oxygen to different body parts. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's organs and tissues, it also helps carry carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the organs and tissues back to the lungs where the exhalation is conducted.
What Happens if Your Hemoglobin is Low?
Anemia is a disorder or symptom that develops when the hemoglobin levels drop to a certain level. Anemia in other words occur when enough red blood cells are not produced by your body, or when the red blood cells lack the proper amount of hemoglobin in them. A certain amount of hemoglobin is required to carry an adequate oxygen amount to the tissues and organs. Low hemoglobin levels can further cause certain health complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin?
Symptoms of low hemoglobin include:
- Body aches
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Brittle nails
- Weakness
- Pain in the chest
- Having cold feet and hands
- Soreness in mouth
- Swollen tongue
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Paleness of skin
- Getting irritated easily
- Not being able to concentrate
- Breath shortness
- Trouble sleeping
- Craving to eat dirt or ice
At What Level is Hemoglobin Dangerously Low?
Your normal hemoglobin range varies with different parameters such as gender, age, and medical condition. The hemoglobin levels are different for men and women.
- For men- The normal hemoglobin level is between 14.0 grams per deciliter (gm/dL) and 17.5 gm/dL.
- For women- The normal hemoglobin level counts between 12.3 gm/dL and 15.3 gm/dL.
- A severely low level of hemoglobin for men counts 13 gm/dL or lower.
- A severely low hemoglobin level for women counts lower than 11 gm/dL.
Risk Factors for Low Hemoglobin
Some people are more prone to developing low hemoglobin levels including
- Infants ageing 6–12 months
- Children who have lead in blood (Lead blocks the ability to synthesise haemoglobin)
- Teenagers as they are in a growing phase
- People more than 65 years old
- People with cancer,
- Patient having celiac disease,
- People having chronic kidney disease
- People containing genetic blood disorder
- Pregnant women
- Women who bleed heavily during their periods
- Vegetarians are more prone to developing anemia
Low Hemoglobin Counts Associated With Diseases and Conditions
A low hemoglobin count can be due to an underlying condition or disease including:
- When your body does not produce enough red blood cells
- When your body starts destroying the existing red blood cells faster than they are being produced.
- When you have lost blood
Diseases and conditions that do not produce enough red blood cells:
- Aplastic anemia
- Cancer
- Medications such as HIV infection drugs
- Drugs used for cancer
- Leukaemia
- Chronic kidney disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Liver cirrhosis
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
- Lead poisoning
Diseases and conditions in which your body starts to destroy red blood cells faster than they are being produced:
A low hemoglobin count due to blood loss:
- Frequent blood donation
- Bleeding from your digestive tract (due to cancers, ulcers, or hemorrhoids)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding- Normal menstrual bleeding may cause sometimes slightly low hemoglobin
Foods That Increase Hemoglobin Naturally
Nutrient-rich foods that can help you increase your hemoglobin levels and promote overall health.
- Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, kale, and other green leafy vegetables are essentially rich in folate, iron, and vitamin C, these elements are important for the production of hemoglobin. Red blood cell production is aided by Iron, whereas, folate helps in the production of the new cells. You should include berries, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers in your meals. Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C presence, which makes the body’s utilisation of iron easier and more effective.
- Legumes and Beans: Lentils, kidney beans, and chickpeas are the legumes and beans, these are usually packed with protein, iron, and folate. Plant-based protein sources in your diet can significantly increase hemoglobin levels to significant levels. These products are generally low in fat which helps provide additional fibers, which helps in digestion.
- Red Meat: Lean cuts which are type of a red meat like lamb or beef, are usually a great source of heme iron, which is absorbed by the body easily. The Heme iron component plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin. If you frequently consume red meat, make sure that you cook it properly and eat in the right amounts, an excessive consumption of red meat can cause other health complications.
- Poultry and Seafood: Poultry, including turkey, chicken, etc., and kinds of seafood containing shellfish, fish, etc. are a rich source of vitamin B12 along with iron, both of these elements are essential components to maintain healthy levels of hemoglobin. You should eat more lean cuts of poultry and should include a wide variety of seafood including fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines, as these are abundantly filled with omega-3 fatty acids, that promotes heart health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are nutrient-dense snacks, these might include walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, etc, due to their high nutritional value, they help boost the hemoglobin levels. Nuts and seeds contain rich amounts of vitamin E, iron, and other essential minerals. Eating these nutritious food items sufficiently provides a healthy amount of iron which in turn helps us to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels.
- Whole Grains and Fortified Cereals: Include food items in your diet that contain whole grain products along with fortified cereals as these food choices are densely packed with iron and other essential nutrients. You should always check for the added nutrients including iron, folic acid vitamin B12, and others. These food options can prove to be a tasty and convenient option to increase your levels of hemoglobin.
- Fruits: Some fruits are also found to have iron-boosting properties. Fruits that can help in boosting your iron levels include apples, pomegranates, citrus fruits (lemon, oranges, grapefruits, etc.), and berries are also a great choice to add to your diet. These fruits contain vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants which promote the iron absorption, and hence hemoglobin synthesis.
Tips to Increase Hemoglobin Level at Home
Here are a few tips to increase your haemoglobin level at home:
- Avoid Iron Blockers: There are certain substances that inhibit your iron absorption. You should limit consuming such substances that include tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods (dairy products), as they can interfere with the process of iron absorption.
- Cook in Iron Utensils: Cooking food in utensils that are made of iron such as iron pots or iron pans can increase your iron content intake through meals. The iron leaches out from the these iron utensils into your food, which give a small boost in your iron consumption.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water in an adequate amount throughout the day can help support your overall health and helps in proper blood circulation.
- Practice Good Gut Health: Maintaining good gut health can be done by consuming foods that are probiotic-rich including fermented food or yogurt. A healthy gut is capable of promoting absorption of nutrients properly, such as iron.
- Exercise Regularly: You should practice a regular physical activity routine. An active routine can stimulate your blood circulation which therefore promotes the production of red blood cells. You should consult with an experienced professional before performing any exercise program.
- Manage Stress: Taking too much stress can degrade your overall health, which can even decrease your red blood cell production. You should try to practice some stress management skills including deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engage yourself in activities that you enjoy.
You should keep in mind that the above-mentioned tips are not an alternative treatment or substitute for medical/professional advice. Suppose you are concerned about your degraded hemoglobin levels. In that case, it becomes important for you to consult a healthcare professional who can give you personalized guidance and can recommend you an appropriate treatment.
Role of Ganesh Diagnostics for Your Decreased Hemoglobin Levels
Ganesh Diagnostic can provide you with multiple comprehensive health packages to find out the cause of low hemoglobin levels
- Hemoglobin Check Package (Book Now)
- Hemoglobin Test (Book Now)
- Hemoglobin Test at Home (Book Now)
- GDIC Anemia Profile-2 Package
- GDIC Anemia Profile-1 Package (Book Now)
- Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (Book Now)
Conclusion
You can Boost/improve your hemoglobin levels by following simple natural remedies also, the most advantageous fact about natural sources is that their consumption doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Simply by consuming these nutrient-rich natural foods daily, can provide you with the necessary components that are healthy and can promote hemoglobin production. Remember that you should always maintain a balanced yet nutritious diet, you should stay hydrated and should try to consult to a professional in case you persistently have a low level of hemoglobin.
