Four natural strategies to raise hemoglobin levels

Low hemoglobin levels have become a common health issue. Hemoglobin is a vital protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, it leads to a drop in hemoglobin, often due to various medical conditions. Fortunately, there are natural ways to boost hemoglobin levels effectively.

What is Low Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. It plays a key role in transporting oxygen to organs and tissues and removing carbon dioxide by carrying it back to the lungs. A decrease in hemoglobin can occur due to several reasons, including anemia and cancer.

Normal Hemoglobin Ranges

Hemoglobin is measured in grams per deciliter (gm/dL) of blood. Normal levels vary based on factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity:

• Newborn (1 week): 15–20 gm/dL

• 1 Month Old: 11–15 gm/dL

• Children: 11–13 gm/dL

• Adult Women: 12–16 gm/dL

• Adult Men: 14–18 gm/dL

• Elderly Women: 11.7–13.8 gm/dL

• Elderly Men: 12.4–14.9 gm/dL

Signs of Low Hemoglobin

Common symptoms of low hemoglobin include:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Abdominal pain

• Muscle and joint aches

• Cold extremities

• Pale skin

However, these symptoms alone aren’t enough to diagnose low hemoglobin. A complete blood count (CBC) test, such as the one included in a Thyrocare full body checkup, is needed for proper diagnosis.

Common Causes of Low Hemoglobin

Several underlying conditions can lead to reduced hemoglobin levels, including:

• Anemia

• Chronic kidney disease

• Leukemia

• Lymphoma

• Multiple myeloma

• Myelodysplastic syndromes

• Chemotherapy side effects

4 Natural Ways to Boost Hemoglobin

1. Increase Iron Intake
   Iron is crucial for red blood cell production and is the most common nutrient deficiency linked to low hemoglobin. Include iron-rich foods in your diet such as:

   • Eggs, meat, and fish

   • Leafy greens

   • Beans and tofu

   • Broccoli

   • Peanut butter

   • Nuts and seeds

   • Dried fruits

2. Add Folate-Rich Foods
   Folate (Vitamin B9) is essential for producing heme, a component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen. Good dietary sources of folate include:

   • Chicken liver and beef

   • Kidney beans and black-eyed peas

   • Avocados and bananas

   • Peanuts, rice, wheat germ

   • Broccoli and sprouts

3. Enhance Iron Absorption
   Sometimes, the issue isn’t low iron intake but poor absorption. Nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene help improve iron absorption. Try including:

   • Fish, sweet potatoes, and collard greens (Vitamin A)

   • Citrus fruits like oranges, guavas, and papayas (Vitamin C)

   • Carrots, mangoes, squash, and turnips (Beta-carotene)

4. Take Iron Supplements
   In severe cases, doctors may prescribe iron supplements to help raise hemoglobin levels more quickly. These should be taken as directed, often for several months, to rebuild the body’s iron stores.