Increase Hemoglobin Count With Diet
Hemoglobin is a type of protein present in the red blood cells. It binds with the oxygen that enters the bloodstream through the lungs. At the cellular level, hemoglobin transports oxygen to the cells and picks up carbon dioxide from the cells, and returns the carbon dioxide into the lungs for exhalation.
Low hemoglobin count might occur due to several reasons. Iron deficiency is the major cause of poor hemoglobin count. Low hemoglobin count could be a symptom of vitamins B6, B12 and folate deficiency.
In men, hemoglobin count should not fall below13 grams per deciliter and in women, the minimum hemoglobin count should be 12 grams per deciliter. A person with hemoglobin count below the normal level is said to suffer from anemia. Low hemoglobin count is usually treated with diet.
Iron rich foods
Heme iron
Iron is the key component in hemoglobin. Deficiency of this essential mineral in the diet is the major cause of low hemoglobin count. Iron occurs in food as heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found only in animal sources. Almost 40 per cent of iron in animal sources is heme iron. The human body could easily absorb heme iron. Liver, red meat, fish and poultry are the major sources of heme iron.
Non-heme iron
Plants contain only non-heme iron. Vegetarians, for whom non-heme iron is the only source of iron in the diet, should consume 14 mg of iron per day to prevent iron deficiency. Green vegetables, grains, pulses, dried fruits and nuts are rich in iron. Guava is a rich source of non-heme iron. It could raise your hemoglobin count. Some health experts believe that guava might lower the risk of blood cancer. Since non-heme iron is poorly absorbed, including several non-heme iron rich foods in your diet could enhance the iron level in your body.
Vitamin C rich foods
Citrus fruits, tomatoes and vitamin C supplements aid iron absorption. Deficiency of vitamin C in the diet slows down iron absorption and lowers the hemoglobin count in your blood.
Folic acid
Low hemoglobin count might be a sign of folate deficiency. This B vitamin is present in leafy green vegetables and pumpkins.
Avoid iron blockers
People suffering from anemia, should avoid food substances such as coffee, tea and milk that prevent iron absorption.
