Hemoglobin is an iron-rich complex compound found in the blood. Its main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the cells in various parts of your body. Another important function is to transport carbon dioxide from the cells and carry it to the lungs. The normal level of hemoglobin in the blood is between 13.5 to 18 g/dL in men and 12 to 16 g/dL in women. If your hemoglobin level is low, you can work to increase it by making dietary changes, trying natural remedies, and if you prefer, using medical treatment. See Step 1 below to get started.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Increasing Hemoglobin Levels with Dietary Changes
Step 1. Eat foods rich in iron
Iron is an important element in the production of hemoglobin. If you suffer from low hemoglobin levels, increase your consumption of foods rich in iron such as:
- Heart
- Meat
- Shrimp
- Beef
- Know
- Spinach
- Pineapple
- Nuts such as almonds (almonds). These nuts should be eaten in safe quantities to avoid allergic reactions.
Step 2. Increase your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C can facilitate the absorption of iron in the body. Vitamin C needs can be met by consuming the following fruits and vegetables:
- Sweet orange
- Mango
- Tangerine
- Strawberry
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Paprika
- Spinach
Step 3. Eat more foods rich in folic acid
Folic acid is very important in the production of red blood cells. Foods rich in folic acid include:
- Grains
- Peanuts
- Grain essence
- Sprouts
- Broccoli
-
Nuts
If your diet also includes a lot of vitamin C, you are advised to eat a little more folic acid because vitamin C makes the body excrete folic acid
Step 4. Eat whole grains
Whole grain cereals, pastas and breads are rich in iron. As we have already discussed, iron is a major component in the production of hemoglobin (the blood needs it to form protein). Eating these foods can increase the iron levels in your body, which in turn will increase your hemoglobin levels.
Avoid white bread, white cereal porridge, and white pasta. Processing has removed the nutrients contained in these foods, which also causes them to lose their color. These foods provide less nutritional benefit and are often filled with carbohydrates, or sugar
Step 5. Avoid foods that block iron
Avoid iron blockers – these are foods that can stop the body's ability to absorb iron. Examples of iron-blocking foods and substances are:
- Parsley
- Coffee
- Milk
- Tea
- Drinks containing cola
- Over-the-counter antacid drugs
- Foods rich in fiber and calcium
Step 6. Try to eat less gluten
Gluten is a form of protein that you can get from wheat. For some people with gluten-sensitive enteropathy, the intake of foods containing gluten can damage the lining of the small intestine, which can then lead to impaired absorption of nutrients including calcium, fat, folic acid and iron.
Nowadays, sticking to a gluten-free diet is not difficult. Many restaurants cater to people who need to eat gluten-free foods and also many products sold in grocery stores are labeled gluten-free on the packaging
Part 2 of 3: Increase Hemoglobin Levels with Natural Medicine
Step 1. Use a Withania (Indian herb) supplement to increase hemoglobin levels
Research shows that the use of this herb can actually increase hemoglobin levels, especially in children. This herb is used in ayurvedic medicine (alternative medicine from India) to treat anemia due to iron deficiency.
In a study conducted on people taking Withania, the red blood cell count increased and hemoglobin levels increased as well. Talk to your doctor about this supplement and what dosage is right for you
Step 2. Consume nettle leaves to get an intake of foods rich in iron
Nettle leaf is an herb that you can use as a food source that is rich in iron and is commonly used to treat arthritis (arthritis). Iron plays an important role in the production and absorption of hemoglobin. The more iron you consume, the more hemoglobin you will produce.
Nettle leaves can be found in vitamin and supplement stores and online. This herb is available in oil, capsule, and even tea form
Step 3. Try taking dong quai supplements
Research reveals that consuming dong quai can restore hemoglobin levels to almost normal levels. This plant is usually used as a traditional medicine to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual symptoms, menstrual cramps, constipation and anemia. The cobalt content in dong quai is known to increase your blood hemoglobin levels.
Dong quai is usually available in capsule form. However, this herb can also be used as an oil that you can mix into your drink. Dong quai is available in supplement stores, some pharmacies, and online
Step 4. Consider trying chitosan
Research shows that patients with kidney failure who were given 45 mg of chitosan showed relatively reduced cholesterol levels and increased hemoglobin levels. Talk to your doctor about these natural remedies and whether they are right for you.
Chitosan is available online and in specialty vitamin supplement stores. For information, how to read it (in English) is hook-oh-sen
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Medical Help to Increase Hemoglobin Level
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements to increase your hemoglobin level
Some patients are advised to take drugs or supplements, either prescribed by a doctor or over-the-counter, to increase their hemoglobin levels. Suggested supplements include:
- 20-25 mg of iron per day. Iron stimulates the production of hematin (an acid needed to make new red blood cells).
- 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. Folic acid is needed to increase the production of red blood cells that carry hemoglobin.
- 50-100 mcg of vitamin B6 per day. Vitamin B6 also functions to increase the production of red blood cells.
- 500-1000 mg of vitamin B12 per day. Vitamin B12 is needed to increase the number of red blood cells.
- 1000 mg of vitamin C per day. Vitamin C is also required for the production of red blood cells.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about erythropoietin injections
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys to increase the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. When the kidney cells sense that the oxygen level in the blood is too low, the kidneys produce and secrete erythropoietin to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. An increase in the number of red blood cells can also increase the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen.
- Generally, the main function of erythropoietin is to promote the production of red blood cells and initiate the synthesis of hemoglobin (a component of red blood cells that plays an important role in the transport of oxygen).
- Erythropoietin is given by injection, either through a vein or through the subcutaneous/under the skin area (external and fatty parts of the legs and thighs).
Step 3. Consider getting a blood transfusion if your hemoglobin level is very low
Sometimes blood transfusions are recommended by health care providers to increase hemoglobin levels.
- Prior to transfusion, safety precautions will be taken to ensure the quality and compatibility of the blood. The blood will be tested for signs of contamination that could cause a negative reaction in the patient. Donated blood can contain infectious components of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, which is why proper screening is so important.
- After a thorough examination, a blood transfusion was given. Blood is given through a central venous catheter or intravenously in the arm over several hours.
- Then the patient is carefully monitored for signs that are not desirable due to blood transfusions such as difficulty breathing, itching or rash and an increase in body temperature.
