Low Hemoglobin Symptoms and Causes
In this article, We will discuss the Low Hemoglobin Symptoms, their causes, and how to increase them naturally.
Low levels of hemoglobin can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as anemia or cancer. Certain dietary measures and supplements can help increase hemoglobin levels at home.
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, that is found in red blood cells. They are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Low levels of hemoglobin can be a sign of anemia. It occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells or they stop working properly. Anemia leads to a lack of oxygen in the body, which can be dangerous. About 3 million reliable sources in the United States have some form of anemia.
How to increase hemoglobin naturally
People with low hemoglobin levels have several ways to increase and manage their levels at home.
Increase iron intake
Iron works to increase the production of hemoglobin, which helps make more red blood cells. Low iron levels can result in low red blood cell levels, which means not enough oxygen will be transported throughout the body.
A person with low hemoglobin levels may benefit from eating more iron-rich foods, such as:
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Organ meats
- Beans
- Legumes
- Eggs
- Leafy green vegetables, like kale and broccoli
- Nuts and seeds
Increase folate intake
Folate is a type of B vitamin that plays an essential role in hemoglobin production. The body uses folate to produce heme, a component of hemoglobin that helps carry oxygen.
Red blood cells will not be able to mature if a person doesn’t get enough folate. This may lead to folate-deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels.
Good sources of folate include:
Spinach beans, such as kidney beans peanuts fruits whole grains sunflower seeds eggs.
People can talk to a qualified healthcare professional about folic acid supplementation, which is better absorbed by the body. The body absorbs 85% of the vitamin when it is taken as a supplement, compared to 50% in food.
Maximize iron absorption
Consuming certain vitamins and minerals may help the body absorb iron better, such as:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Beta-caroteneTrusted Source
Below is a list of some foods that are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene.
Vitamin C | Vitamin A | Beta-carotene |
---|---|---|
|
|
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It is important to note that excess vitamin A can lead to a condition known as hypervitaminosis A. It can cause symptoms such as bone and joint pain, severe headaches, and increased pressure in the brain.
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Eat iron supplements
A doctor may advise a person with extremely low hemoglobin levels to take iron supplements.
They work by gradually increasing the body’s iron levels over several weeks. A doctor may also recommend taking them for a few months to increase the body’s iron stores.
Normal hemoglobin Levels
Normal (g/dL) | Low (g/dL) | |
---|---|---|
Male | 13.5-18 | lower than 13.5 |
Female | 12-15 | lower than 12 |
Children | 11-16 | lower than 11 |
Low Hemoglobin Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Pale skin and gums
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Frequent or unexplained bruising
- Recurrent headaches
Low Hemoglobin Levels Cause
- Pregnancy
- Deficiency of iron, vitamin B-12, or folate
- Significant blood loss
- Cancer that affects the bone marrow, such as leukemia
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Thalassemia
- Thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism
- Genetics, such as sickle cell anemia
- Drinking