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Tips to Increase Blood Level

January 27, 2023 - Bhoomika Singh, Webmedy Team

Updated Version - July 12, 2023


Proper blood count levels are essential for maintaining good health. Blood count, also known as hematocrit, refers to the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Maintaining a healthy blood count is essential for the proper functioning of the body's cells and organs. If your blood levels are low, you can raise your blood levels by taking a balanced diet and making changes to your lifestyle.

What is a Blood Count?

Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.

  • Red blood cells are responsible for sending oxygen through your body and helping to discard carbon dioxide.
  • White blood cells enable your body to fight off infections.
  • Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein present in red blood cells.
  • Platelets control any bleeding by helping your body form clots.

A blood count, also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a test that measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the amount of hemoglobin in a sample of blood.

Symptoms of Low Blood Count

Some common symptoms of low blood count include:

  • Fatigue

    Anemia can cause a lack of energy and make it difficult to perform daily activities.

  • Weakness

    Anemia can make you feel weak and easily exhausted.

  • Pale Skin

    Anemia can cause a lack of oxygen in the blood, leading to a pale appearance.

  • Shortness of Breath

    Anemia can cause the body to work harder to pump oxygen-poor blood, leading to shortness of breath.

  • Rapid Heartbeat

    Anemia can cause the heart to beat faster to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood.

  • Dizziness

    Anemia can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.

  • Headaches

    Anemia can cause headaches due to lack of oxygen in the brain.

  • Cold hands and feet

    Anemia can cause poor circulation, leading to cold hands and feet.

  • Brittle nails

    Anemia can make nails brittle due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.

  • Irritability, depression and difficulty in concentration

    Anemia can cause irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating, due to a lack of oxygen in the brain.

Ways to Increase Blood Count

  • Eating a diet rich in Iron

    Iron plays an important role in increasing blood count by helping in the production of red blood cells. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin. When the body is iron deficient, it cannot produce enough hemoglobin, which leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the total blood count. Iron is also important for the growth and maturation of red blood cells.

    Foods that are rich in Iron

    • Fishes such as sardines, tuna, and salmon
    • Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
    • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
    • Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and prunes
    • Whole grains such as quinoa, oats, and barley
    • Meats
    • Eggs especially the yolks
    • Nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, and cashews
  • Taking folate Supplements

    Folate plays an important role in increasing blood count by helping in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Folate works with vitamin B12 to make the genetic material necessary for the production of red blood cells. It also helps convert food into energy which is needed for the production of new red blood cells.

    Foods that are rich in folate

    • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
    • Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
    • Asparagus
    • Broccoli
    • Citrus fruits such as orange and lemon
    • Avocado
    • Nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanuts
  • Taking vitamin B12

    Vitamin B12 plays a role in increasing blood volume by helping to produce red blood cells in the bone marrow. Vitamin B12, along with folic acid, helps in the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells and a decrease in the overall blood count.

    Foods that are rich in Vitamin B12

    • Meat and fish
    • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
    • Eggs
    • Nutritional yeast
    • Shellfish such as Clams, oysters, and mussels
    • Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh
  • Taking Copper rich Diet

    Copper plays a role in increasing blood count by helping to produce hemoglobin. Copper is an essential component of the enzyme, ceruloplasmin, which is involved in the production of hemoglobin. Additionally, copper helps promote the development and differentiation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

    Foods that are rich in Copper

    • Shellfish such as oysters and crab
    • Nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds
    • Whole grains such as quinoa, barley, and brown rice
    • Legumes such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
    • Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
    • Organ meats such as liver, kidney and heart
    • Dark chocolate
  • Taking Vitamin A

    Vitamin A plays a role in increasing blood count by promoting the development of red blood cells. Vitamin A helps maintain the mucous membrane in the bone marrow, where red blood cells are produced.

    Foods that are rich in Vitamin A

    • Liver
    • Eggs
    • Dairy products
    • Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apricots, and cantaloupe
    • Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens
    • Fishes such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and cod liver oil

Summary

It is important to understand the importance of maintaining proper levels of blood counts and take necessary steps to maintain them, such as consuming a balanced diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients. You must consult a doctor if you notice any symptoms of low blood count.

Helpful Information

Why is it important to maintain healthy blood levels?

Maintaining healthy blood levels is essential for overall health. The components of blood, especially red blood cells and hemoglobin, play a crucial role in oxygen transportation. Adequate blood levels ensure your body's organs and tissues receive enough oxygen to function optimally, promoting overall wellbeing.

What are the symptoms of low blood levels?

Symptoms of low blood levels, or anemia, can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and cognitive problems. However, symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the low blood levels. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.

Which nutrients are important for increasing blood levels?

Nutrients essential for healthy blood levels include iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin C. Iron is critical for hemoglobin production, while vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for red blood cell creation. Vitamin C helps enhance iron absorption in the body.

What types of foods can help increase my blood levels?

Foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin C can help increase your blood levels. These include lean meats, seafood, beans, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals. Incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet can help improve your blood levels.

How does hydration affect blood levels?

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy blood volume. Water makes up a significant part of your blood and helps carry nutrients and oxygen to cells. Dehydration can decrease blood volume, leading to a reduction in oxygen supply to your organs and tissues.

What are some lifestyle changes I can make to help increase my blood levels?

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid is crucial. Regular exercise can help improve your body's oxygen-carrying capacity. Additionally, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as these can affect blood composition. Stay hydrated and ensure adequate sleep for overall health.

Can exercise help increase blood levels?

Yes, regular physical exercise can help increase blood levels by stimulating the production of red blood cells and improving circulation. However, it's essential to balance exercise with adequate rest and a nutrient-rich diet to prevent overexertion.

Can supplements help in increasing blood levels?

Yes, supplements can help increase blood levels, especially if you're deficient in nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid. However, you should consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure it's safe and suitable for your needs.

Are there any natural remedies to increase blood levels?

Natural ways to increase blood levels include consuming a nutrient-rich diet, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep. Certain foods, such as those rich in iron and vitamins B12 and C, can be particularly beneficial.

How can I increase my hemoglobin level naturally?

Consuming iron-rich foods (like lean meats, beans, and leafy green vegetables), vitamin B12-rich foods (like dairy products and fortified cereals), and folic acid-rich foods (like whole grains and citrus fruits) can help increase hemoglobin levels. Additionally, vitamin C aids in iron absorption, so include fruits like oranges and strawberries in your diet.

Is it possible to increase blood levels during pregnancy?

Yes, it's possible and often necessary, as the body needs more blood to support fetal development during pregnancy. Consuming iron and folate supplements as recommended by a healthcare provider, along with a nutrient-rich diet, can help maintain healthy blood levels.

How does sleep affect blood levels?

Sleep has a regenerative effect on the body and aids in the production of new blood cells. Lack of sleep can disrupt these processes, leading to lower blood levels. Thus, getting a sufficient amount of quality sleep is important for maintaining healthy blood levels.

How often should I check my blood levels?

The frequency of blood checks depends on your overall health, age, and presence of any medical conditions. For instance, individuals with anemia or those on certain medications might need more frequent checks. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can certain medical conditions cause low blood levels?

Yes, conditions like anemia, kidney disease, certain cancers, and other chronic illnesses can cause low blood levels. Some medications can also affect blood composition. If you have a chronic condition, regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider is necessary.

How does a balanced diet contribute to maintaining healthy blood levels?

A balanced diet supplies the body with essential nutrients for blood production. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are crucial for the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Hence, consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key to maintaining healthy blood levels.

What is the role of iron in increasing blood levels?

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Insufficient iron levels can lead to lower hemoglobin levels, causing conditions like iron-deficiency anemia. Hence, iron is critical for maintaining healthy blood levels.

Can certain medications affect my blood levels?

Yes, certain medications can affect blood levels. For instance, some drugs can interfere with the body's ability to absorb nutrients like iron or vitamin B12, affecting blood cell production. Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.

Is there a quick way to boost my blood levels?

Boosting blood levels usually involves sustained lifestyle changes including a balanced diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. In cases of severe deficiency, supplements or even medical treatments may be needed. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

How long does it typically take to increase blood levels?

The time to increase blood levels can depend on several factors, including the severity of the deficiency, your overall health, and your diet. Generally, it may take several weeks to months of consistent dietary changes and/or supplementation to notice significant improvements. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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