MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) refers to the average amount of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Often, low MCH levels are caused by iron deficiency and/or anemia. As a result, the best way to improve it is to change your diet and consumption patterns of your daily supplements. In some very rare cases, low MCH levels can also be caused by a more serious medical condition and should be treated by a doctor immediately.
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Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing Low MCH Levels
Step 1. Understand the symptoms
If you think you have low MCH levels, try to take the time to identify and diagnose the symptoms on your own. Some of the symptoms of low MCH levels are:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Body bruises easily
- Skin looks pale
- Body feels weak
- Dizzy
- Loss of stamina
Step 2. Consult a doctor
If you experience symptoms of low MCH, you should immediately consult a doctor. Low MCH levels can be caused by anemia, certain types of cancer, parasites, digestive disorders (such as Crohn's syndrome or celiac disease), or other medical conditions. In addition, low levels of MCH can also be caused by the consumption of certain drugs. When seeing a doctor, be prepared to explain:
- Symptoms you are experiencing
- When did the symptoms start?
- Your medical history
- Medicines you are currently taking (if any)
- Foods you usually eat
Step 3. Perform a medical examination
Generally, the doctor will perform a physical examination and recommend various other tests to get a diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment recommendations to increase MCH levels in your body. Some of them are:
- a blood test that can measure the level of MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) in your body
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test to measure the average volume of your red blood cells
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Diet
Step 1. Discuss your diet with your doctor
Before making drastic dietary or lifestyle changes, consult your doctor first. Your doctor can recommend iron (and other nutrients) levels that suit your needs, and help you develop a healthy diet plan.
Step 2. Increase iron intake in the body
The best way to increase MCH levels is to increase the consumption of foods that contain iron. In fact, the amount of iron needed by each person's body is very dependent on age, gender, and various other factors. Read the information summarized on the https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/ page to determine the iron level that is right for you. Some examples of foods rich in iron are:
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Seafood
- Red meat and poultry
- Peas
Step 3. Make sure your body is getting enough vitamin B-6
To facilitate the process of iron absorption, the body must have adequate intake of vitamin B-6. Therefore, consume enough iron and vitamin B-6 to increase MCH levels in your body. Some examples of foods rich in vitamin B-6 are:
- Banana
- Wild tuna (uncultivated)
- Chicken breast
- Salmon
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
Step 4. Increase fiber intake in the body
Fiber is a very important part of any diet. For those of you who have low MCH levels, try increasing fiber intake to facilitate the absorption of iron into the intestines. Some examples of foods rich in fiber are:
- Peas
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
Method 3 of 3: Taking Supplements
Step 1. Take iron supplements
If you don't want to eat foods rich in iron (or if your busy life prevents you from doing so), another cheap, safe, and worth trying option is to take iron supplements.
Step 2. Be aware of the side effects
Unfortunately, iron supplements also have negative side effects. Some of them are mild in intensity and can go away on their own if the body is more used to the content in the supplement. However, there are also side effects that, although rare, are more serious and require emergency medical treatment. Of course, you should contact your doctor immediately if you have any questions or experience any bothersome side effects.
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Side effects that generally do not require emergency medical treatment include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- leg cramps
- Dark urine
- Stained teeth
- Burning sensation in chest
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Side effects that require emergency medical attention include:
- Back pain or muscle pain
- Very severe nausea or vomiting
- The appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet
- Fast heartbeat
- Very severe headache
- Skin that is red and hot (like being flushed red)
- Rash or urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the mouth and throat area
Step 3. Take vitamin B-6
Remember, vitamin B-6 is a companion to iron that is needed by the body! Therefore, try to eat more food sources that contain vitamin B-6 or take it in supplement form. Whenever taking iron supplements, make sure you always combine them with supplements or vitamin B-6.
Step 4. Don't take too much calcium
Are or want to take calcium supplements? Make sure you always follow the recommended dosage on the back of the supplement packaging, yes! Be careful, excess levels of calcium can limit the body's ability to absorb iron.
