A protein molecule called hemoglobin is very important for our body. Good health and vitality depend on its quantity in the blood.
Why its deficiency can form in the body, by what symptoms it can be determined and what to do to normalize the level of hemoglobin, we will tell in our article.
What is hemoglobin?
Since the respiratory function of hemoglobin is based on the chemical bond between oxygen and iron, the complete oxygenation of tissues also depends on the intake of the latter. An important place is also occupied by the so-called assistant substances, thanks to which iron is properly absorbed. These include folic acid and copper.
Hemoglobin level in the blood
Ideal hemoglobin levels vary by age and gender.
To control hemoglobin, it would be useful to donate blood for analysis on average once a year. But if you are still far from going to the laboratory, and your health raises questions, then you should consult a doctor.
Symptoms of low hemoglobin:
- Dizziness
- Pain in the region of the heart
- General weakness
- Hypotension
- Loss of appetite
- Easy fatigue
- Headaches
- Faint
- Unhealthy brittle nails and hair, dry skin.
Causes of low hemoglobin
This unpleasant condition can be caused by a violation of the synthesis of red blood cells, blood loss, accelerated destruction of red blood cells, malnutrition. If we look at the reasons in more detail, we will see the following.
Diet
If you adhere to a certain diet or simply inattentively compose your menu, then the body does not receive the right amount of iron from food. Then you need to replenish your diet with iron-rich foods.
It is possible that you consume enough liver and beef, but still there is a lack of iron, then you should pay attention to vitamins. With a deficiency of vitamin C, vitamin B12, copper, folic acid, iron absorption is reduced.
Bleeding
The physical cause of low hemoglobin is acute bleeding: after surgery, childbirth, injuries, heavy menstruation. Chronic bleeding is no less dangerous: nasal, hemorrhoidal, bleeding gums, with a stomach ulcer.
Impaired absorption
The process of iron absorption occurs in the intestine and its health directly affects the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Chronic inflammatory processes of the intestine, and even helminthic invasions, can disrupt the process of iron absorption.
Blood diseases
Any pathology of hematopoiesis, in which the synthesis of hemoglobin from protein and iron molecules is disrupted, leads to anemia. These processes are disturbed in pathologies of the brain, malignant processes of the blood and blood vessels.
Period of pregnancy and breastfeeding
During these periods, the level of hemoglobin can decrease very sharply and to critically low levels. Therefore, iron stores should be replenished on time.
Autoimmune diseases
Organs such as the kidneys, thyroid, and pancreas are responsible for the health of red blood cells. If the functions of these organs are impaired, the life span of red blood cells can be reduced, and their faster death and subsequent destruction occur.
Chronic infectious diseases
Any inflammatory process in the body, especially chronic, can lead to a lack of hemoglobin. For example, diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, salmonellosis can cause anemia.
Donation
There is an opinion that donation is good for health. This point of view has the right to exist, but often you should not participate in this event.
Stress factor
Excessive mental stress, difficulties in the family, problems at work.
The list of possible reasons is huge. And only a competent doctor should trust the search for the true source of problems with hemoglobin levels.
Foods that increase hemoglobin
If the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin levels is an incorrect diet, then we can say you are lucky. These violations are eliminated most simply and quickly.
First of all, you should pay attention to the quantity and quality of meat consumed. Juicy unfrozen beef steak is not only tasty, but also very healthy. At the same time, do not abuse the heat treatment. The longer the meat is stewed or boiled, the less necessary substances will remain in it.
Beef liver also contains a large amount of iron. Eat it as often as possible, in any form: fried, baked, boiled. The following products will help to enrich the body with iron and diversify the usual menu:
- Dried apricots
- Nuts
- Oysters
- Spinach
- Shrimp
- Grenades
- Apples
- Whole grain cereals and bread
