How to prevent low Hemoglobin disease (Anemia)? What are fruits and foods to maintain hemoglobin level in human body?
What are the function of Hemoglobin in human bodies?
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Hemoglobin levels can vary depending on age, gender, health status and environmental factors. Normal haemoglobin levels range from 12 to 18 grams per deciliter of blood. Low haemoglobin levels can indicate anaemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen. Anaemia can have many causes, such as iron deficiency, blood loss, infection, inflammation, kidney disease and cancer. High haemoglobin levels can indicate polycythemia, a condition in which the body produces too many red blood cells. Polycythemia can have many causes, such as dehydration, smoking, lung disease, heart disease and bone marrow disorders.
One of the ways to increase haemoglobin levels is to consume foods that are rich in iron, the essential component of haemoglobin. Iron can be found in both animal and plant sources, but the former is more easily absorbed by the body. Some of the fruits that contain iron are: Dates, Prunes, Raisins, Apricots, Figs, Mulberries, Pomegranates, Persimmons, Kiwis, Strawberries, Watermelons, Bananas, Apples, Oranges, Grapefruits.
Other factors that can help increase haemoglobin levels are vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption; folic acid, which is needed for red blood cell production; and vitamin B12, which is required for haemoglobin synthesis. These nutrients can be found in various fruits and vegetables, as well as animal products and fortified foods.
Bleeding: Losing blood from injury, surgery, heavy menstrual periods, ulcers, cancers, or other conditions can reduce the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. You lose iron every time you lose blood, and iron is essential for making hemoglobin.
Reduced red blood cell production: Your bone marrow is responsible for making red blood cells, but some diseases or conditions can affect its ability to do so. These include lymphoma, leukemia, aplastic anemia, pernicious anemia, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic kidney disease, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, your body may produce enough red blood cells, but they may die faster than they can be replaced. This can happen in conditions such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and enlarged spleen.
Low nutrient intake or absorption: Your diet and your digestive system play an important role in providing the nutrients you need to make hemoglobin. Iron, vitamin B12, and folate are some of the key nutrients involved in hemoglobin synthesis. If you don't get enough of these nutrients from your food or supplements, or if you have a condition that prevents you from absorbing them properly, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, you may develop low hemoglobin levels. Other factors that can affect your nutrient intake or absorption include recent gastrointestinal surgery, pregnancy, growth spurts in children, and donating blood frequently.
What are the signs and symptoms of low hemoglobin levels?
Low hemoglobin levels can cause various signs and symptoms depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Some of the common signs and symptoms include:
Fatigue, Weakness, Pale skin and gums, Shortness of breath, Dizziness, Headache, Chest pain, Fast or irregular heartbeat, Cold hands and feet, Irritability, Poor appetite, Difficulty concentrating.
How are low hemoglobin levels diagnosed?
Low hemoglobin levels are diagnosed by a simple blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). This test measures the amount of hemoglobin and other components of your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A normal hemoglobin level for men is between 14.0 and 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL), and for women is between 12.3 and 15.3 g/dL. A low hemoglobin level is considered to be below 13.5 g/dL for men and below 12 g/dL for women.
Doctor may also order other tests to determine the cause of your low hemoglobin level, such as:
Iron studies: These tests measure the amount of iron in your blood and how well your body uses it.
Vitamin B12 and folate levels: These tests measure the amount of these vitamins in your blood.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis: This test analyzes the different types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.
Reticulocyte count: This test measures the number of young red blood cells in your blood.
Bone marrow biopsy: This test involves taking a small sample of your bone marrow to examine it under a microscope.
How are low hemoglobin levels treated?
The treatment of low hemoglobin levels depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some of the common treatments include:
Iron supplements: If your low hemoglobin level is caused by iron deficiency, your doctor may prescribe oral or intravenous iron supplements to increase your iron stores and hemoglobin level.
Vitamin B12 and folate supplements: If your low hemoglobin level is caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, your doctor may prescribe oral or injectable vitamin supplements to correct the deficiency and prevent further complications.
Blood transfusion: If your low hemoglobin level is very low or causing serious symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you may need a blood transfusion to restore your hemoglobin level and improve your oxygen delivery.
Medications: If your low hemoglobin level is caused by a disease that affects your bone marrow or red blood cell production, such as leukemia or kidney disease, you may need medications to treat the underlying condition and stimulate your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Some examples of these medications are erythropoietin, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy.
Surgery: If your low hemoglobin level is caused by bleeding from a source that can be removed or repaired, such as an ulcer, a tumor, or a hemorrhoid, you may need surgery to stop the bleeding and prevent further blood loss.
How can low hemoglobin levels be prevented?
Some of the ways to prevent low hemoglobin levels include:
Eating a balanced diet that includes foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate, such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals.
Taking iron or vitamin supplements as recommended by your doctor if you have a condition that affects your nutrient intake or absorption, such as pregnancy, gastrointestinal surgery, or celiac disease.
Avoiding or limiting the use of aspirin or NSAIDs that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Getting regular check-ups and screening tests for conditions that can cause low hemoglobin levels, such as colon cancer or ulcers.
Disclaimer: This is an illustrative discussion on general physiology of human anatomy. If anyone find any symptoms, consult the health care providers.
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