4 Natural Ways to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level

4 Natural Ways to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level

Hemoglobin is a protein found within red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin transports oxygen and carbon dioxide from cells to the lungs. Low hemoglobin can make these functions more difficult.

So, let’s dig in and see how you can naturally increase your hemoglobin levels. And while at that, we will also share brief information about all you need to know about hemoglobin levels.

Ways To Increase Hemoglobin Levels

Here we are going to dive into the natural ways that you can do it at home without getting into any treatments. However, we suggest that you talk to a health provider or a nutritionist before including it in your lifestyle.

1. Increase Iron Intake

Iron-rich foods may be beneficial to someone with low hemoglobin levels. Iron is known to increase hemoglobin production, which helps form more red blood cells.

Iron-rich foods include:

• Green, leafy vegetables
• Meat and fish
• Dried fruits like figs and dates
• Eggs
• Broccoli
• Nuts and seeds
• Green beans
• Peanut butter

2. Increase Folate Intake

It is a Vitamin B type that helps in hemoglobin production. In short, folate produces heme, a hemoglobin component that is essential in carrying oxygen.

If your body doesn’t produce enough folate, then the red blood cells cannot mature enough. This could lead to folate-deficiency anemia and low levels of hemoglobin.

Some good sources of folate include –

• Spinach
• Beef
• Peanuts
• Rice
• Kidney beans
• Black-eyed peas
• Lettuce
• Avocados

3. Maximize Iron Absorption

Iron should be consumed in food and supplements, but it is also important that the body absorbs this iron. Vitamin C-rich foods like strawberries, citrus fruits, and leafy green veggies can increase iron absorption. A vitamin C supplement might also be helpful.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene may help the body absorb and use iron.

Foods rich in vitamin A include:

• Fish
• Sweet potatoes
• Liver
• Collared kale

Beta-carotene is found in yellow, red, and orange fruits, vegetables, and foods such as:

• Carrots
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Cantaloupes
• Mangoes

4.Taking Iron Supplements

If a person has very low hemoglobin levels, he may recommend iron supplements. The individual’s hemoglobin levels will determine the dosage.

Too much iron can cause liver disease. It can cause hemochromatosis which can lead to liver disease. Side effects include constipation and nausea.

Iron levels will gradually increase over several weeks with supplements. To increase iron stores, a doctor might recommend that you take the supplements for several months.

The image represents the various vegan as well as non vegan food sources rich in iron

Also Read:  Hemoglobin Test

The Normal Hemoglobin Levels

Low hemoglobin can be detected by a doctor through a blood test.

Low hemoglobin can be diagnosed in men and women who have less than 13.5 g/dL hemoglobin.

Low hemoglobin levels can occur for many reasons.

• Anemia (nutritional)
• Problems with the liver and kidneys
• Pregnancy
• Chronic disease

You can have naturally low hemoglobin levels, even if there is no underlying cause. Low hemoglobin may not be accompanied by any symptoms.

A doctor can help a person increase their hemoglobin levels to fall within the normal range. The following are the normal ranges:

• Men – 13.5 to 17.5g/dL
• Women – 12 to 15.5g/dL

Children’s hemoglobin levels are dependent on their age. A doctor should be consulted if there are concerns about the hemoglobin levels of children.

If supplements or diet changes do not produce sufficient results, people with low hemoglobin levels might need additional treatment.

Symptoms Of Abnormal Hemoglobin Levels

The following symptoms indicate extremely low hemoglobin levels:

• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Pale skin and gums
• Frequent or unexplained bruising
• Recurrent headaches

Also Read: Everything About a Blood Test

Causes Of Low Hemoglobin Levels

The most common reason for low levels of hemoglobin is anemia. Common causes of anemia are –

• Substantial blood loss
• Iron, Folate, Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Kidney and liver disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Lesions in the GI tract causing chronic blood loss
• Cancer Diseases which types that affect bone marrow like leukemia
• Sickle cell anemia – a genetic disorder related to reduced red blood cells and hemoglobin level
• Thalassemia – a hereditary disease that doesn’t let hemoglobin function normal

Also Read: The Best Food Resources to Increase Your Iron Levels

Final Takeaway

Supplements and dietary changes can help increase hemoglobin levels for many people. Talk to your doctor about the best supplement dosage.

A person who has low hemoglobin may require further treatment such as a blood transfusion. It can take up to one year to achieve a healthy level depending on what caused the low hemoglobin.

NOTE: All supplements should be taken after consultation with your healthcare provider