These days, low hemoglobin levels are a pretty prevalent condition. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin. Your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells when you have this condition. There are a number of ways to raise your hemoglobin count, but a low amount is typically caused by a number of medical issues.
Low hemoglobin: what is it?
Red blood cells include a protein called hemoglobin, which contains iron and is responsible for carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs as well as oxygen to different organs and tissues. There are other causes of low hemoglobin, but anemia and cancer are the most common ones.
What is the hemoglobin normal range?
The whole blood sample’s hemoglobin levels are often expressed in grams per deciliter (gm/dL). However, a number of variables, such as age, sex, and ethnicity, may affect the typical range. The following ranges represent normal hemoglobin levels:
- Age 1 week: 15-20 gm/dL
- Age 1 month: 11-15 gm/dL
- Children: 11-13 gm/dL
- Adult female: 12-16 gm/dL
- Adult male: 14-18 gm/dL
- Older female: 11.7-13.8 gm/dL
- Older male: 12.4-14.9 gm/dL
How can I tell if my hemoglobin count is low?
People who have a low hemoglobin count may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Skin that appears pale
However, symptoms alone are insufficient to diagnose a low hemoglobin level. Your doctor would recommend a full blood count test to see if you have low hemoglobin levels. A total blood count test is part of the thyrocare whole body checkup.
Why is the hemoglobin count low?
Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by a variety of factors. Among the most frequent reasons are:
- Anemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndrome
- Chemotherapy
Five efficient methods to increase hemoglobin levels:
- Increase your intake of iron: The most prevalent cause of anemia and low hemoglobin levels is iron deficiency. As a result, boosting your iron consumption can strengthen the structure of ed blood cells and aid in their creation.
A person with low hemoglobin levels should eat a lot of foods that contain iron, like:
- Eggs, fish, and meat
- Leafy green vegetables
- Beans
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Peanut butter
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruits
2. Boost your consumption of folate: Folic acid, usually referred to as folate or vitamin B9, is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. Heme, an oxygen-carrying component of hemoglobin, is made by your body using folate. Among the excellent sources of folate are:
- Chicken liver
- Beef
- Kidney beans
- Black-eyed peas
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Peanuts
- Wheat germs
- Rice
- Broccoli
- Sprouts
3. Increase iron absorption: Ineffective iron absorption might result in low hemoglobin levels. Iron absorption can be aided by some vitamins, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Vitamin A is abundant in collards, sweet potatoes, and fish. Conversely, the majority of citrus fruits, including strawberries, papayas, oranges, and guavas, are rich in vitamin C. Beta-carotene is abundant in turnips, carrots, squash, and mangoes.
4. Take iron supplements: If your hemoglobin count is really low, your doctor might advise you to take iron supplements. Over a few weeks, these medications can help increase the hemoglobin count. To raise the body’s iron levels, your doctor can advise taking medication for a few months.
With the right medication and some dietary adjustments, you can raise your hemoglobin count over a few months. Nonetheless, it’s critical to do a thyrocare blood test to observe your progress. Additional treatment, such as a blood transfusion, may be necessary if your health does not improve.
