How to Increase Hemoglobin Level | Food and Diet to Improve Low Hemoglobin

Question: My hemoglobin level is 6.2. How can I increase level of hemoglobin as I cannot eat spicy food and faint many times? I am afraid of doctors.  A low level of haemoglobin means you are anemic. Haemoglobin is composed of “Heme” (a compound of organic iron) and “Globin” (a protein bearing sulphur).  Hemoglobin deficiency results when there is decreased level of hemoglobin noted in the blood. Hemoglobin is made up of the iron containing part heme and the protein part globin. The heme consists of iron and porphyrin. The main function of hemoglobin is transportation of oxygen to every organ of the body.

Normal Value of Hemoglobin

  • Male: 14.5 to 16.5 g/dL
  • Female: 12.0 to 14.5 g/dL

When there is low level of hemoglobin in the blood, it is referred to as anemia, most of the time the reason is iron deficiency.

Low Hemoglobin Food and Diet

  • A liberal intake of iron rich foods will immediately check iron deficiency anemia. Initially, to make up for the deficit, iron supplements are advised. But gradually, taper the dependence. Good sources of iron are- whole wheat, brown rice, green leafy vegetable (spinach, broccoli. Cabbage, fenugreek, lettuce), beet, cherries, tomatoes, dates, figs.
  • Consumption of iron alone will not help.
    The low hemoglobin diet must also comprise of adequate protein. Milk and its products, egg, organ meat and soy are the best sources.
  • When taking iron foods/ a supplement, always take vitamin C alongside. This facilitates the absorption of iron.
  • Vitamin B should also be taken liberally for increasing hemoglobin level. Sources – whole cereals, fruits and vegetables and milk.
  • Beet is the ideal food, which stimulates haemoglobin production. It regenerates RBC production and speedily fights the symptoms of anemia.
  • Anulom-vilom, a breathing technique (PRANAYAMA), should be done, religiously everyday. It purifies the body; throwing out toxins, improve body’s resistance and helps in normal vesicular breathing.
  • Eat food containing iron.
  • Eat green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, collards, etc.
  • Green peas and other varieties of peas.
  • Liver, chicken, turkey.
  • Egg, organ meat beef and lamb.
  • Iron fortified cereals and brown rice.
  • Iron supplements in tablets and capsules.
  • If you are taking supplementary iron, orange juice helps it to absorb effectively.
  • A healthy diet is one of the best ways to boost the levels of hemoglobin in the blood. Alternatively use of iron and folic acid supplements would also prove beneficial. However, the  use of supplements is often associated with side effects like constipation. Here are some of the dietary measures to boost your hemoglobin levels.
  • Include green leafy vegetables in your daily diet. Spinach, Broccoli, Mustard greens, Arugula,Dandelion Greens, Collard Greens,Romaine Lettuce,Swiss Chard, etc are great sources of vitamin A, C, K, folate, calcium and iron. They are also rich in fiber which is essential to alleviate symptoms like constipation in elderly. These foods are packed with antioxidants that prevent the occurrence of conditions like cancers and cardiovascular disorders
  • Apricots, dates, raisins, Cashew nuts, figs, soy, sesame seeds, etc are also rich sources of iron.
  • Wheat germ, Wheat flakes, oat bran should form an integral part of your diet. Malt bread, Whole grain bread and cereals are packed with iron and folic acid which is essential to boost the levels of hemoglobin in your blood.

Symptoms of Anemic Person

An anemic person, is usually pale, has dull-tired eyes, feels dizzy and faints, lacks energy and is breathless, when he slightly exerts himself.

  • Fatigue.
  • Dizziness.
  • Breathing difficulty.
  • Skin looks pale.
  • Chest pain.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Feet and hands feel cold.
  • Depression.

Causes of Anemia

  • Iron deficiency in children, adult, pregnant women and lactating women.
  • Lack of dietary iron
  • Lack of absorption of iron in the intestine due to intestinal parasite.
  • Depletion of iron due to hemorrhage.
  • Heavy menstruation.
  • Defect and destruction of red blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, blood cancer etc.
  • Fibroid
  • Prostate cancer.
  • Bleeding piles.
  • Gastric ulcer.
  • Polyps in the colon.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Worms are also known to cause anemia.
  • How is your bowel movement? Are there any irregularities?