How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels

Usually a low hemoglobin level is associated with anemia. The common cause for this condition is iron deficiency. Here are some guidelines regarding how to increase hemoglobin levels through an iron rich diet...

Hemoglobin is the iron rich protein present in red blood cells of vertebrates and in the tissues of invertebrates. The iron-containing pigment in hemoglobin is called 'hematin' and the protein part is termed as 'globin'. The main function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues, where the oxygen is required to provide energy for the chemical reactions in the living cells. Carbon dioxide, which is released as a byproduct of these chemical reactions is taken back to the lungs for exhalation. As the role of hemoglobin in the human body is vital for leading a healthy life, it is very necessary to maintain its level in the blood. Hemoglobin Count An average male should have a hemoglobin level which ranges between 13.5 to 16.5 g/dl, while for females it should be within 12.1 to 15.1 g/dl. For children, a hemoglobin range between 11 to 16 g/dl is normal, while for pregnant women, normal hemoglobin level is between 11 to 12 g/dl. If the level of hemoglobin in the blood is less than normal, then the condition is called anemia. Anemia can be caused by various reasons, the most common being the deficiency of iron. Iron deficiency in the body affects the synthesis of hemoglobin and causes iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by smaller red blood cells sans the red pigment - hemoglobin. Iron deficiency may be the result of blood loss through bleeding ulcers or piles, or a diet which is low in iron. Other causes for anemia include problems related to bone marrows, usage of chemotherapy medications, kidney failure, sickle cell anemia, worm infestation, etc. How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels Hemoglobin deficiency results in anemia and can be caused due to various reasons. The treatment of anemia depends on the cause of the disease. In case of iron deficiency anemia, the treatment includes taking iron supplements and food rich in iron. It is believed that iron in food from animal sources are more beneficial in increasing hemoglobin levels than that from plant sources. Shell fish, chicken, liver, beef, red meat, turkey, fish, pork, etc are good sources of iron. Eggs, dark vegetables, green leaves, dried fruits, nuts and beans are also rich in iron. While taking iron supplements and iron rich food, some food items, which affect the body's ability to absorb iron need to be avoided. These iron-blockers include tea, coffee, foods rich in fiber, foods with high levels of calcium like milk, cheese, chocolate, caffeinated drinks and some medicines with phosphates and antacids. It will be more beneficial if you take vitamin C supplements or foods rich in vitamin C along with the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C helps in the increased absorption of iron in the body and thereby increases hemoglobin levels. Iron supplements should be taken as per the prescription of your doctor. Some of the iron tablets can cause constipation and stomach upsets. It should not be taken in large quantities, as it can cause an iron overload, which can be toxic for the body. In case of severe anemia, blood transfusions are also suggested for a quick replacement of iron and hemoglobin. If the reduction in hemoglobin count is due to iron deficiency, then sticking to a diet rich in iron can substantially increase hemoglobin levels. Iron blockers should be avoided and iron supplements and vitamin C should be taken for better results. The above recommendations will not only solve the problem of how to increase haemoglobin.

By Sonia Nair
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How to Increase Hemoglobin Naturally

Is your hemoglobin level below the normal range? Wondering how to increase hemoglobin naturally? Here's some information on how to increase hemoglobin. A feeling of tiredness, headache, lack of concentration and low energy levels are some of the commonsymptoms of low hemoglobin. Those of you who have been experiencing these symptoms must get a complete blood test done to see if the hemoglobin levels are normal or not. Since malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies are most likely to cause low hemoglobin count, the level of hemoglobin can be raised by making certain changes to your diet. Wondering how to increase hemoglobin naturally? Before I tell you how to increase hemoglobin levels, let me tell you more about the structure and function of hemoglobin. What is Hemoglobin Hemoglobin is a conjugated iron-carrying protein. It is a component of the red blood cells. It binds itself to oxygen and performs the vital task of transporting the oxygen-rich blood to the cells and tissues of the body. It comprises of a iron-containing pigment called heme and a simple protein called globin. When it combines with oxygen, it forms an unstable compound called oxyhemoglobin. After the process of oxygenation takes place, oxygen is released from oxyhemoglobin to the bodily tissues where the concentration of oxygen is low and the concentration of carbon dioxide is higher. It returns the carbon dioxide from these tissues to the lungs. Thus, the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide is facilitated with the help of hemoglobin. The iron content of hemoglobin is responsible for the red color of the red blood cells. Any abnormalities in the structure of this protein molecule can also affect the shape of the red blood cells. Since a low hemoglobin count is indicative of nutritional deficiencies, it must be taken seriously. Here's some information on what causes low hemoglobin levels and how to increase hemoglobin naturally. Causes of Low Hemoglobin Levels Before I move on to the information on how to increase hemoglobin naturally, let me tell you about the normal hemoglobin range. For an average male, the hemoglobin level should lie between 14 to 18 grams per deciliter, while for females it should be within 12 to 16 grams per deciliter. As far as the normal hemoglobin range for children is concerned, it should be between 11 to 14 grams per deciliter. Wondering what causes low hemoglobin levels? Low levels of this iron-based protein is basically attributed to an iron deficiency. Shortage of red blood cells or anemia could be caused due to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Since iron is the main component of hemoglobin, an iron deficiency affects the synthesis of hemoglobin and leads to iron deficiency anemia. Those who are suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate could also have a low hemoglobin count. Loss of blood due to an injury or surgery could also cause low hemoglobin count. In case of some women, blood loss due to heavy menstrual bleeding could also be responsible for low levels of hemoglobin. Certain genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia could also cause a dip in the levels of hemoglobin. The inability of the bone marrow to produce enough red blood cells, kidney failure and use of chemotherapy drugs could also lead to a low hemoglobin count. How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels Wondering how to increase hemoglobin quickly? If you are planning to use iron supplements for low hemoglobin treatment, make sure that you find out more about iron pills side effects. Ever thought about increasing hemoglobin levels naturally? You might be wondering how to increase hemoglobin naturally. Well, if you wish to increase your hemoglobin levels, you need to pay attention to your diet. Your diet must include foods rich in iron. These include egg yolk, whole grains, oysters, clams, scallops, sardines, shrimp, red meats, liver, beef, chicken, green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, collard green, kale and lettuce, beans, lentils, chick peas, dried peas, iron-enriched cereals,

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dried apricots, figs, almonds, prunes and raisins. Besides including iron enriched foods in your diet, you must also cut down on the consumption of foods that inhibit absorption of iron. Tea, coffee and soy products can interfere in the process of iron absorption, therefore, people with low hemoglobin must cut down on their intake of these products. Excessive consumption of foods rich in calcium, zinc and vitamin E can also interfere with absorption of iron and must be avoided. Since vitamin C facilitates better absorption of iron, including foods rich in vitamin C to your diet might help. This was all about how to increase hemoglobin naturally. Now that you know how to increase hemoglobin count, make sure that you include foods rich in iron to your diet in order to bring back the hemoglobin levels to normal. Hope you found this information on how to increase hemoglobin useful.

By Smita Pandit Published: 10/19/2010

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Anemia Home Remedies - How to Get Rid of Anemia

Anemia, one of the more common blood disorders.It is a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. The ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues , causing tissue hypoxia. The three main classes of anemia. First is blood loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically through low-volume loss). Second is blood cell destruction ( hemolysis ). Third is deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis ). In menstruating women, dietary iron deficiency is a common cause of deficient red blood cell production. Hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells) has to be present to ensure adequate oxygenation of all body tissues and organs. There are two major approaches of classifying anemias,Premary is "kinetic" approach which involves evaluating production, destruction and loss. Second is "morphologic" approach which groups anemia by red blood cell size. Immune system mistakes RBCs for foreign invaders and begins destroying them. Other children inherit defects in the red blood cells that lead to anemia. Common forms of inherited hemolytic anemia include sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Anemia caused many things, but mostly three bodily mechanisms that produce it areexcessive destruction of RBCsblood loss,inadequate production of RBCs. Among many other causes is inherited disorders, nutritional problems (such as an iron or vitamin deficiency), infections, some kinds of cancer, or exposure to a drug or toxin. Sickle cell anemia is a severe form of anemia found most commonly in people of African heritage. In this condition, the hemoglobin forms long rods when it gives up its oxygen, stretching red blood cells into abnormal sickle shapes. Thalassemia major, also called Cooley's anemia, is a severe form of anemia in which RBCs are rapidly destroyed and iron is deposited in the skin and vital organs. High levels of hemoglobin and RBCs help fetal blood carry enough oxygen to developing babies in the relatively oxygenpoor environment in utero.Girls is particularly high risk for iron deficiency anemia because of the onset of menstruation; the monthly blood loss increases the amount of iron they need to consume in their diets.
Home Remedy for Anemia

Cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day. Consume a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day. Soak 10 currants overnight. Remove seeds and have for 3-4 weeks and have first thing in the morning. Drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice. Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. Honey-It is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the haemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese. Daily intake of 3-4 pieces of dry figs helps in curing anemia. Avoid drinking coffee, tea and ingesting antacids, because they decrease iron absorption. Peanut butter and candy bars have a lot of iron in them. Dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of absorbable iron. Salmon and mackerel are good sources of vitamin B12. Deep breathing and light exercise like walking also tones up the system and increases the blood level and helps in anemia cure. Various yoga asanas like sarvangasana, paschomittanasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana are also beneficial for anemia Morpheme Amalaki Supplements provides the richness of Amla (Vitamin C), to promote good health and helps in anemia

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Effects of Low Iron

Low iron levels in the body can manifest in several health problems, including, anemia. To find out the various effects of low iron level in the body, read this article.

Iron is a mineral of immense importance for human health. It is primarily required to make hemoglobin, the hemoprotein that carries oxygen in blood. Iron is also essential for the synthesis of myoglobin, which helps to store oxygen in muscle tissues. Production of several important enzymes and the proper functioning of the immune system too depend on the availability of iron in the body. Low iron levels or iron deficiency can disrupt these vital functions to produce a number of health problems. Though human body can store some iron, iron deficiency can occur due to inadequate dietary intake of iron and chronic bleeding. Chronic bleeding can be menstrual bleeding, non-menstrual bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding. Iron is also lost from the body in sweat and shedding of intestinal cells. Apart from these, problems in absorbing iron and frequent blood donation could be some other possible causes of low iron levels. Low iron levels can affect the body in several ways. So, let's take a brief look at the effects of low iron in the body. What are the Effects of Low Iron Levels? Low iron levels for a long period of time can eventually lead to anemia, which is called iron deficiency anemia. People who fall in the risk zone for experiencing iron deficiency are, menstruating women, pregnant women, people having ulcers and any other conditions that can cause intestinal bleeding, as well as those who donate blood frequently. People having gastrointestinal disorders and strict vegetarians can too experience iron deficiency at times. Low levels of iron in the body can manifest in increased fatigue and lack of energy. People suffering from iron deficiency usually look pale and weak. Some other low iron symptoms or signs are, dizziness or lightheadedness, breathlessness or shortness of breath, headache, irritability and weight loss. Brittle nails, cold hands and feet, soreness of the tongue, grooved nails and hair loss can be some other side effects of low iron levels. Apart from these, some people can develop an unusual condition due to low iron levels, which is known as pica. Pica can be termed as an unusual craving for nonnutritive substances like, clay, dirt, ice, soil, chalk, paper, etc. Some people with low iron levels can also develop a disorder, known as restless leg syndrome. Effects of Low Iron in Pregnancy Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing iron deficiency, as the iron requirement of the body increases during pregnancy. A significantly low level of iron during pregnancy can raise the risk for premature birth and low birth weight. Even stillbirth may result from a severe deficiency of iron in pregnant women. Pregnant women can develop anemia due to iron deficiency, which can make them weak. Blood transfusion may be required, if such pregnant women lose a lot of blood during delivery. How to Prevent Iron Deficiency Iron deficiency or low iron levels can be prevented by consuming foods rich in iron. Basically, there are two types of iron, heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron. Heme iron can be found in animal foods like, beef, chicken, fish and organ meat like liver and kidneys. On the other hand, the non-heme iron can be found in plant foods such as beans and lentils. Some other good sources of iron are, whole grain breads, oatmeal, blackstrap molasses, eggs, oysters, leafy green vegetables, dates, prunes, raisins, tofu, broccoli, nuts and seeds. Along with including these foods in the diet, one may require iron supplements at times. So, this is all about the effects of low iron levels in the body. Usually, a diet rich in iron is enough to counter the effects of iron deficiency by bringing the level of iron to a normal range. But, if you are considering to take iron supplements, please talk to your physician or health care provider. Too much of iron is also detrimental to health, for which supplements should be used in moderation and only under the supervision of a certified physician.

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By Chandramita Bora Published: 9/23/2010

Vegetarian Foods Rich in Iron

When people are turning to vegetarianism, they often worry about iron in vegetarian foods. There are a number of vegetarian foods rich in iron, which one can consume, so that the body gets the necessary amount of iron.

It is commonly seen, that before turning vegetarian or vegan, people ask about how they are going to get sufficient amount of iron. In other words, they are often worried about iron deficiency. However, when there are a number of vegetarian foods with iron, you wouldn't worry about iron deficiency. According to a study conducted on vegans and vegetarians, it is was seen, that their iron levels are far better than people who consumed meat regularly. One has to understand the necessity of iron in our bodies. Iron is a mineral, which is necessary for transporting oxygen in our bodies. A person with low levels of iron is seen to suffer from immune system problems and often may be lethargic. At the same time, if decreased function is seen, then it can be an indicator that the person suffers from iron deficiency anemia. If one consumes a balanced vegetarian diet, it is seen that the level of iron is as good as meat eaters, if not better. Vegetarian Iron Rich Foods There are two different types of iron found, namely, heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found in the red blood cells of animals, while non-heme iron is the one derived from plant sources. For better absorption of nonheme iron, it is best to consume it along with vitamin C, as it enhances the chances of non-heme iron absorption. At the same time, it is recommended that one reduce the consumption coffee, tea, cocoa, etc., to enhance iron absorption into the body. Cereals Rich in Iron: Among the foods rich in iron are cereals. Including cereals like sorghum, wheat, oats, millet, barley, bran flakes, quinoa, is recommended. There are some breakfast cereals, which are also fortified with iron, therefore you may opt for them. Pulses and Beans Rich in Iron: Among the vegetarian foods rich in iron are beans and pulses. Beans, like black eye beans, navy beans, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, peas, soy beans, chickpea (is often used to make Hummus), kidney beans, lima beans, are said to be very iron rich. Iron Rich Soy Products: Soy as a bean is no doubt a rich source of iron. At the same time, the different products made from soy are also rich in iron. Tofu, soy milk, soy yogurt, tempeh, soy patties, can be included in your diet to enhance iron level in the body. Nuts and Seeds Rich in Iron: There are a number of seeds, which we often do not consume or even pay attention to. However, once you know, they are rich in iron, you will want to include them in your diet. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds (used to make Tahini) are some of the seeds rich in iron. Likewise, there are some nuts, which are a part ofiron rich food list. Almond, cashew nuts, along with dried figs, dried apricot, raisins, (although they are not technically nuts), are some of the rich sources of iron. Iron Rich Vegetables: The next in the list of food sources of iron are vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, Swiss chard, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beet greens and root, bok choy, green beans, tomato, broccoli, mushrooms, and all the leafy green vegetables. Fruits Rich in Iron: There are a number of fruits, which are known for their iron content. Some of the fruits include, dates, watermelon, berries, raisins, prunes, bananas, kiwifruit, mangoes, passion fruit, papaya, pomegranates, grapes, grapefruit, peaches, etc. If you have noticed, that you are suffering from anemia, it is important that you include these vegetarian foods, rich in iron, in your diet. At the same time, do not forget to include vitamin C in your diet, as it helps in better absorption of iron from vegetarian foods. If you are taking supplements, yet the same rule applies. However, the best would be to include as much of natural iron sources in your diet for long term benefits.

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By Bhakti Satalkar Published: 3/8/2011

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