Parents are concerned about their children’s health and wellbeing, and hemoglobin levels are a critical aspect of good health. Low levels can cause fatigue, weakness, and anemia. Naturally boosting hemoglobin levels is a common query for parents.
This article will discuss home remedies for improving hemoglobin levels, but first, we’ll understand why levels might be low and how to address the underlying issue.
What is Hemoglobin?
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that aids in transporting oxygen throughout the body. These cells transport oxygen throughout the body.
Hemoglobin also removes carbon dioxide from cells and transports it to the lungs. When hemoglobin levels are low, the body may have difficulty carrying out these functions.
Function Of Hemoglobin In The Blood
- Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein present in red blood cells (RBC).
- Hemoglobin attaches to oxygen molecules in the lungs and carries them to every body cell.
- It also transports carbon dioxide from the body cells to the lungs for exhalation once oxygen has been released.
- The transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body is dependent on the concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cell count.
- Low levels of hemoglobin in the blood lead to oxygen deprivation, resulting in tiredness, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and a pale complexion.
- Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Microcytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are small, while macrocytic anemia occurs when they are enormous.
- Anemia should be treated promptly to prevent the development of serious health problems.
Normal ranges
According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), normal and cut-off hemoglobin levels of different age groups are-
- Hemoglobin levels in children depend on their age when determining whether they are healthy.
- As a precaution, pregnant women are recommended to avoid high and low hemoglobin levels to minimize the risk of stillbirths and premature or low-birth-weight babies.
What occurs when a person’s hemoglobin level is abnormally low?
Hemoglobin levels may drop if a disease or condition affects the synthesis of red blood cells in the human body. Anemia may develop due to reduced red blood cells and a drop in hemoglobin levels.
What factors contribute to a person’s hemoglobin level being low?
There are numerous reasons why a person’s hemoglobin level may be below.
- chronic disease
- iron-deficiency anemia
- pregnancy
- problems with the liver or kidneys
Hemoglobin levels can fall independently without any external factors contributing to the decline. If you have anemia but don’t have any symptoms or signs, you may have low hemoglobin.
Low hemoglobin levels can naturally occur for no apparent reason. If you have anemia but don’t have any symptoms or signs, you may have low hemoglobin.
Patients can raise their hemoglobin levels to normal ranges with a doctor’s help.
Symptoms Of Low Hemoglobin
The following are signs of hemoglobin levels that are abnormally low-
- a rapid or irregular heartbeat
- fatigue
- dizziness
- frequent or unexplained bruising
- muscle weakness
- poor appetite
- shortness of breath
- pale skin and gums
- recurring headaches
Causes Of Low Hemoglobin
Anemia can result from hemoglobin levels that are too low. In the majority of cases, anemia is caused by –
- A lack of iron, Vitamin B-12, or Folate Hemoglobin function is impaired in people with thalassemia, a genetic disorder
- Kidney disease
- leukemia and other cancers of the bone marrow
- liver disease
- low thyroid hormone production, often known as hypothyroidism
- severe loss of blood
- sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood
In addition, low hemoglobin levels can result from-
- burns
- Excessive smoking
- Exhausting physical activity
- lung disease
What To Do If Hemoglobin Is Low?
- Low hemoglobin is diagnosed when an individual has less hemoglobin in the blood, which is defined as having less hemoglobin per deciliter than average.
- Treatment for people with low hemoglobin levels may be needed in addition to supplementation and diet changes.
- Dietary balance is the most excellent strategy to guarantee that you receive sufficient amounts of all vital nutrients each day.
- Exercising at a moderate to high intensity is highly recommended because your body creates more hemoglobin to match the rising demand for oxygen throughout the body.
- Avoid intake of iron blockers as much as possible if you have a low hemoglobin level, such as coffee, tea, cola, wine, and beer.
- It is essential to consult your child’s doctor if you are concerned about their hemoglobin levels.
Foods To Increase Hemoglobin
Consult a medical professional for advice on adjusting your diet to boost your hemoglobin levels.
A few natural strategies to boost hemoglobin levels at home include the following.
- Eat Foods Rich In Iron
Hemoglobin synthesis is dependent on iron. Eating meals high in iron will help you increase and maintain your hemoglobin levels.
- Foods high in iron include-
- Fish and meat
- Eggs
- Dried fruits, such as dates and figs
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Peanut butter
- Spinach and other leafy greens
- Beetroot
- Tofu (soy-based products)
- Vitamin C To Boost Iron Absorption is one of the causes could be a lack of iron absorption. Including vitamin C-rich foods in your diet may aid in the improvement of iron absorption in your body. Vitamin C-rich foods include the following:
- Citrus fruits
- Leafy green vegetables
- Strawberries
- Eat Folic Acid-Rich Foods
Folic acid boosts the body’s supply of hemoglobin.
Foods high in folate include-
- Spinach
- Rice
- Peanuts
- Peas, black-eyed
- Beans in a pod
- Avocadoes
- Lettuce
To raise hemoglobin levels, folic acid supplements are currently on the market. Before taking these supplements, consult a doctor.
- Eat Vitamin A-rich Meals To Boost Iron AbsorptionVitamin A is critical for the body’s ability to absorb iron. Vitamin A insufficiency can lead to iron loss. The following foods are high in vitamin A and so help to raise your hemoglobin levels-
- Fish
- Liver
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Kale and collards
- Foods High In Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A)The antioxidant beta-carotene is crucial for limiting the body’s ability to lose iron. Beta-carotene boosts iron absorption, increasing hemoglobin levels. There are several foods high in beta-carotene-
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Cantaloupes
- Mangoes
- Vitamin C To Boost Iron Absorption
Hemoglobin levels can be maintained by eating an apple high in iron and other nutrients necessary for a healthy hemoglobin count. It’s up to you whether you want to eat one apple a day or drink half apple, half beetroot juice twice a day.
- Switch to brown rice
Brown rice is a nutrient-dense superfood that can protect against many ailments, including high cholesterol and digestive difficulties. Hemoglobin production is also aided by its high iron content. For every 100 grams of brown rice, there are 0.52 milligrams of iron.
- Nutritional Supplements
Supplements containing iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C may help raise hemoglobin levels in the body. When consumed in large quantities, they might be harmful to your health; consequently, you should always check your doctor before taking these supplements.
Conclusion
Maintaining an average red blood cell count is essential for everyone. Dietary requirements for optimal red blood cell production, frequent exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol are among them.
If you have a condition that causes your red blood cell count to drop, medical attention may be required to bring it back to normal.
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