Hemoglobin is the most famous of human proteins, which people not only in the medical profession have heard about. Not the least reason for this is the name of the first point in deciphering the general blood test, which almost everyone took.
However, the vast majority of people do not know what long-term low hemoglobin levels can lead to. Common symptoms include the following:
- general chronic fatigue;
- decreased concentration;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract;
- decreased immunity;
- anemia;
- risk of developing cardiomyopathy.
Low hemoglobin levels can and should be combated, and the most effective way to combat this is by changing your diet. But how can you increase hemoglobin with food? We'll talk about this further.
Foods that increase hemoglobin
Medical standards for hemoglobin levels in adults: for men - 130-160 grams per liter, for women - 120-140 grams per liter.
Low hemoglobin levels are directly related to iron deficiency in the human body. An adult man needs 11-12 mg of iron per day, and a woman needs 18-20 mg.
What foods increase hemoglobin in the blood in adults:
Foods that increase hemoglobin in pregnant women and children
Pregnant women and children are at risk for low hemoglobin levels.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body must provide oxygen not only to itself, but also to the fetus, which leads to a decrease in hemoglobin levels to 110 g/l or even less. This condition is called maternal iron deficiency anemia and is observed to varying degrees in half of pregnant women.
The problem of low hemoglobin is most acute in the second trimester during the formation of the child’s main organs.
It is not recommended for pregnant women to solve the problem of iron deficiency by taking medications. Firstly, not all medications are safe for a child, and secondly, none of them can be used for a long time.
The easiest way is to balance your diet. Including various types of meat in the diet in combination with vegetable side dishes will help lift a woman out of a state of mild iron deficiency anemia (100-110 g/l).
In addition, daily consumption of nuts and dried fruits, as well as pomegranate juice, will help raise hemoglobin levels to the minimum acceptable level.
A pregnant woman will benefit greatly from taking an iron-rich “vitamin booster mixture.” It is prepared as follows: figs, raisins, dates, nuts, dried apricots are taken in equal proportions and crushed as much as possible (in a meat grinder).
Half a kilogram of the resulting mass is mixed with two tablespoons of honey and the juice of one lemon. The mixture is taken one tablespoon in the morning and evening.
Children under three years of age are also very susceptible to iron deficiency. The causes of iron deficiency anemia are most often associated with some disease of the child or mother.
If there is a harmless drop in the hemoglobin level in an infant, the easiest way to increase it is to correct the mother’s diet. Including iron-containing foods in your diet will most likely solve the problem as soon as possible.
Older children need a diet consisting of meat dishes and fresh vegetables. The latter help the process of iron absorption in the intestines, significantly increasing the effect.
After consultation with a pediatrician, it is possible to take ascorbic acid (for the same purpose).
It should be added that if there is a significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the child’s blood (below 90 g/l for children over one year old) associated with any disease, an attempt to increase the level of hemoglobin only by changing diet can be harmful and even dangerous to health. In such a situation, it is better not to take risks and consult a doctor.
If you need to act quickly
Below are foods that are characterized by either extremely high levels of iron or very rapid absorption of this element.
So, what foods can quickly increase hemoglobin:
- Halva (tahini halva). Record holder for iron content among all food products (2 times higher than in pork liver, and 5 times higher than in rose hips).
- Pistachios. They are only slightly inferior to halva, but in addition to increasing hemoglobin, they also reduce cholesterol.
- Red meat. Characterized by a very high percentage of iron absorption.
- Black caviar. Hemoglobin levels increase faster than all other foods. True, this statement is only true if caviar is consumed in its pure form.
- Pomegranate. It has a very gentle effect on the body. To increase hemoglobin, it is much better to eat the whole pomegranate (even with partitions, if desired).
Cautions
When increasing hemoglobin levels, the main thing is not to overdo it. In some ways, having high hemoglobin is much worse than having low hemoglobin (high hemoglobin thickens the blood and puts you at risk for blood clots).
If your hemoglobin level increases by any means, you should avoid the following foods:
- milk and dairy products;
- Tea coffee;
- sweet soda.
If this is not done, iron will either not be absorbed or will be washed out of the body.
The percentage of absorbed iron will significantly increase by giving up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol), as well as the absence of significant stress.
For acute symptoms of iron deficiency, you should not self-medicate.
For more information about foods that can help increase hemoglobin, watch the following video.
Hemoglobin is a complex iron-containing protein. It is part of red blood cells and plays a very important role - it provides oxygen to the organs and tissues of our body. Deficiency of this element is often diagnosed. Due to a number of physiological reasons, a lack of hemoglobin is especially common in women. As a result, they develop anemia, a serious pathological condition.
To avoid negative consequences, you should eat right and include in your diet foods that increase the hemoglobin contained in the blood of women.
Today we will talk about what factors contribute to a decrease in the level of this protein and find out what foods will help normalize its level:
Reasons for decreased hemoglobin
If we talk about the norm, then the level of hemoglobin in the blood should be from 140 to 160 g/l in men and 120–150 g/l in women. During pregnancy, the level decreases slightly and reaches approximately 110 g/l.
The main reason for the decrease is the lack of iron in the body. This is why low hemoglobin is often diagnosed in pregnant women. After all, expectant mothers need twice as much nutrients. In particular, anemia often occurs against the background of a serious deficiency of iron, B vitamins, etc.
Very often, anemia occurs due to blood loss - surgery, injury and heavy menstruation in women. Infectious diseases and heredity, as well as poor nutrition and frequent diets also affect the level of iron-containing protein.
The first signs of the pathological condition are constant weakness, dizziness, and pale skin.
But don't rush to the pharmacy to buy medicine. In most cases, hemoglobin can be increased with proper nutrition. Let's look at the list of things that increase hemoglobin in the blood.
Hemoglobin Products
Meat. The most useful, in this case, is beef. Include it in the menu several times a week and soon your condition will improve, you will gain strength and more energy. In second place are pork and veal.
Sea fish. Fish dishes will help eliminate iron deficiency and also saturate the body with other very important beneficial vitamins, minerals and acids.
Vitamin C. To better absorb iron, you should increase your consumption of foods rich in this vitamin. In particular, it is useful to eat meat products along with fresh herbs and vegetables. It is very effective to drink fresh orange juice daily, especially one hour after meals. Thus, you can double your hemoglobin in a short time.
By-products. Once or twice a week, include beef liver, heart and lung dishes in your diet.
Buckwheat. Among cereals, this is the most effective means for increasing hemoglobin. This cereal contains large amounts of iron and other substances important for health. Eating buckwheat dishes helps activate hematopoietic processes.
Other cereals. It is also useful to cook porridge from oatmeal and millet more often. They will provide the body with the necessary substances, including iron.
Nuts. Contains iron, B vitamins and other substances. Pistachios, as well as walnuts and cedar nuts, are especially useful in this regard. They are usually recommended to be included in the diet for anemia.
Legumes. To increase hemoglobin levels, experts recommend that women cook red beans and lentils more often.
Fruits. You should increase your consumption of apricots, persimmons and pomegranates. It is worth including apples, pears and quinces in your diet.
Vegetables. Many vegetables and greens have everything you need to improve your blood composition. The most useful in this regard are: beets, carrots, zucchini and potatoes. They can be consumed cooked, or even healthier to drink freshly squeezed juice.
Berries. The most useful berries are red rowan, chokeberry, blueberry, black currant and cranberry.
Pomegranate juice. Fresh juice of pomegranate seeds contains a large amount of iron and B vitamins. Regular consumption will help improve blood composition in a short time and eliminate iron deficiency.
Dried fruits. They are rich in various microelements, vitamins and acids necessary to strengthen the immune system. So, in order to increase the level of hemoglobin, it is worth increasing the consumption of dried apricots, figs, prunes, dried cranberries, etc.
bitter chocolate. Everyone knows that dark chocolate has the ability to stimulate the brain. A small amount of this sweetness per day will help activate blood circulation and also normalize the number of platelets in the blood.
Red wine. One glass of high-quality dry wine will help increase hemoglobin. Just do not abuse this remedy, so as not to cause harm to health instead of benefit.
Honey. To maintain health and normalize the condition with low hemoglobin, it is enough every morning, on an empty stomach, to drink a glass of fresh water with honey dissolved in it (1 tsp). Within a couple of weeks you will feel much better.
Experts warn t: when women are on a diet to increase hemoglobin in the blood, they should refuse or significantly reduce the consumption of milk and dairy products. They interfere with the full absorption of iron.
If a deficiency of iron-containing protein is associated with a certain disease, you should consult your doctor about diet, take prescribed medications and recommended vitamin complexes. Be healthy!
Greetings, dear readers! It often happens that after looking at your blood tests, the doctor tells you that you have low hemoglobin, and naturally prescribes medications. Today we will look at how else you can help the body cope with this problem, what foods increase hemoglobin? I will share with you useful recipes for increasing hemoglobin during pregnancy, which I myself have used.
Often people who have been recommended certain products to increase hemoglobin remain disappointed. And when you ask them why they switched to pills, they answer, they advised me to eat liver or, for example, spinach, because they contain a lot of iron, but the hemoglobin was low and remained so.
Let's figure out why this happens, and at the same time try to make sure that properly selected foods help increase hemoglobin no worse than pills; the main thing is to know what, when and how to eat.
About iron, hemoglobin and common mistakes
As you know, hemoglobin is a very important blood protein that serves as a supplier of oxygen to tissues that need it. Delivery is carried out by the non-protein component of hemoglobin - a special compound that contains iron.
It is iron that binds oxygen and transfers it to the cell, so low levels of this element cause a disease called iron deficiency anemia. A condition in which hemoglobin levels are low due to iron deficiency.
But it would be a mistake to believe that in order to increase hemoglobin, only foods with a high content of this element need to be introduced into the diet. By doing this, we simply compensate for the lack of iron.
In order for the body to produce complete hemoglobin in sufficient quantities, it will also need: vitamin B12, folic acid, proteins, fructose and vitamin C. Only the presence of all these elements will have a positive effect.
Products that increase hemoglobin in the blood - table
Products containing this element must be present in the diet.
| Food | Iron content in mg per 100 grams of product |
| Sea shellfish, squid, mussels, oysters and shrimp | 24 more than the recommended daily dose (8 for men and 18 for women of childbearing age) |
| Offal and products made from them (beef and chicken liver, blood sausages) | 8 — 14 |
| Whole grains such as oats and wheat | 7 — 12 |
| Legumes (beans, lentils and soybeans) | 7 — 8 |
| Greens - watercress, chard, spinach, broccoli | 3 — 4 |
| Meat | 2 |
| Vegetables (especially beets and potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes) | 0,8 |
| Fruits (passion fruit, guava, figs, avocado, grapes, peach, apricot.) Egg yolk Almonds, nuts, pistachios |
0,3 – 1,6
2,5 — 15 |
Nutrition rules to follow
To make the most of the iron offered by foods, you must follow certain eating rules.
Other foods that increase hemoglobin in the blood
In addition to iron, you should add foods containing:
- vitamin B12- cheese, eggs, pet meat, soy, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, algae and mushrooms;
- folic acid- spinach, broccoli, cabbage, white beets;
- vitamin C- citrus fruits, rose hips, fruits;
- proteins- milk, meat, fish.
Recipes for healthy mixtures, cocktails and juices during pregnancy and more
It is always difficult to correctly create a special anti-anemic diet, since some of the vitamins and beneficial elements are destroyed during heat treatment, something is excreted from the body or is poorly absorbed. Therefore, we offer already tested combinations of products that increase hemoglobin in adults.
Mixtures based on red beets. The vegetable is very useful for anemia, especially caused by low production of blood cells by the bone marrow. Option 1. Mix red beet juice with grapefruit juice, drink 2 tablespoons 4 times a day.
Option 2. Wash two medium beets, two carrots, peel them, cut into small slices and put in a blender, add the juice of two oranges, mix well. Drink on an empty stomach for nine days. If necessary, repeat after a month.
To increase hemoglobin in the blood using almonds. In addition to iron, almonds contain a lot of copper and vitamins and serve as an energy catalyst in the production of hemoglobin. Pour boiling water over seven almonds and leave to steep for 2 hours, then remove the skin, grind the grains into a paste, eat once a day on an empty stomach.
Egg mixture. Add a spoonful of lemon juice and a spoonful of cane molasses to the egg yolk, stir well, use once a day, three times a week.
Based on bee honey. Pour a handful of finely chopped apples and 10 grams of lemon balm leaves into half a liter of boiling water, let rest for 10 minutes, then add the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of bee honey. Drink once a day for 60 days.
With sesame. Pour a tablespoon of seeds into a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours, then strain and grind the seeds. Add to milk with sugar and drink once a day.
Avocado. The pulp of this pear-like fruit is comparable in nutritional value to meat. It helps lower cholesterol, has a beneficial effect on the brain, calms the nerves, and also prevents gas and heals the skin. Also, the elements present in avocados are involved in the production of red blood cells.
It can be considered an ideal product that increases hemoglobin during pregnancy. Cut the fruit into two halves, remove the pit, lightly sprinkle with olive oil and salt, and eat with a spoon. Can be combined with sweet fruits. Avocado is not compatible with sour foods, eggs and pineapple.
Grape based. Mix 1 tablespoon of almonds, 1 glass of pure grape juice, 4/6 mint leaves and 1 tablespoon of cane honey. In addition to iron, the cocktail is rich in essential B vitamins, folic acid, potassium and phosphorus. It not only increases hemoglobin, but also serves as brain fuel and a huge source of energy. It is especially useful for old people and children, due to the rapid assimilation of sugar and its easy disposal. Not recommended for people with excess weight and diabetes.
Syrup- a natural sweetener with a high potassium content. A spoon a day will provide the body with 3.2 mg of iron.
We increase hemoglobin and more
In fact, there are much more foods containing iron and vitamins that are useful for increasing hemoglobin. If desired, additional information about them is always easy to find on the Internet. The main thing is that if you combine them correctly, you will very quickly feel how your body is filled with energy, how shortness of breath and fatigue disappear, how the skin acquires a normal color, activity and thirst for life increase.
Be healthy!
Vitamin deficiency, pregnancy, previous operations, hemorrhoids, injuries, menstruation and hidden blood loss are the causes of low hemoglobin. To get rid of anemia, it is enough to adjust your diet and eat foods that increase hemoglobin in the blood.
To increase hemoglobin you need the right diet
Top 10 foods that increase hemoglobin
Hemoglobin levels decrease due to a lack of iron in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to eat foods that are rich in this microelement. They can be of both animal and plant origin.
Here is a table of foods with the highest iron content.
| Product name | Fe content per 100 g of product |
| Pork liver | 20 mg |
| Sea kale | 16.5 mg |
| Wheat bran | 11 mg |
| Oysters | 9 mg |
| Blueberry | 7.5 mg |
| Buckwheat | 6 mg |
| Heart | 4.5 mg |
| Peanut | 4 mg |
| Beef | 3.5 mg |
| 2 mg |
Heme iron contained in animal products is absorbed more quickly and completely than non-heme iron. Our body is able to obtain up to 30% of the iron present in meat products. The body can absorb no more than 5% of plant foods.
Diet for low hemoglobin
If your hemoglobin level is low, you must follow a special diet that includes plenty of iron-rich foods. The same foods that interfere with its absorption must be removed from the menu, or consumed rarely and separately from iron-containing dishes.
What foods are needed to raise hemoglobin
The list of foods that increase hemoglobin levels in the blood is long. Iron is found not only in meat and fish, but also in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Despite the fact that non-heme iron is absorbed longer and to a lesser extent, its presence in the menu for raising hemoglobin is also very important.
Meat products
Iron is more fully absorbed from meat and meat by-products. That is why the main emphasis in nutrition, which increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, is on meat foods.
The most useful meat products for low hemoglobin are:
- beef and pork meat;
- liver;
- chicken fillet;
- turkey and rabbit meat;
- tongue, heart, other offal.
Pork contains a lot of iron
The highest level of iron is observed in the liver: the highest amount is in pork liver, slightly less in chicken liver, and much less in beef liver. However, this microelement is much better absorbed from pork and beef, so liver is lower on this list.
Seafood
With low hemoglobin, it is useful to eat fish and seafood. Up to 15% of iron is absorbed from such food: this figure is half as much as the percentage absorbed from meat, but still exceeds other food groups.
The most iron-containing seafood includes:
- mackerel and horse mackerel;
- oysters and shrimp;
- black caviar;
- canned tuna and sardines;
- Red caviar.
Buckwheat is rich in iron
Cereals and legumes alone will not help return hemoglobin levels to normal. That is why they are consumed in a set menu along with other iron-containing foods, such as meat, fish and seafood.
Nuts and seeds
Equally important for low hemoglobin is the consumption of nuts and seeds. They contain a large amount of iron, which is well absorbed, and other substances and microelements beneficial to the body.
Nuts and seeds that contain the most hemoglobin:
- almonds and hazelnuts;
- peanuts, pistachios;
- pumpkin seeds;
- poppy seeds, sesame seeds.
Almonds are good for low hemoglobin
Vegetables, mushrooms, greens
Vegetables and mushrooms, as well as various greens, are important components of nutrition, which increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
The most valuable in terms of iron content will be the following representatives of this group:
- dried mushrooms;
- beet;
- potatoes and carrots;
- celery, spinach;
- cabbage, tomatoes.
Beets contain a lot of iron
Dried forest mushrooms, especially white mushrooms, are the most iron-containing product. In 100 grams of dried mushrooms you can find up to 35 mg of this useful trace element! However, such iron is absorbed much worse than from meat and liver.
Fruits and berries
Also, in order to increase hemoglobin in the blood, it is worth including berries, fruits and dried fruits in the daily menu.
The most iron can be found in the following fruits and berries:
- black currants, blueberries, cranberries;
- pomegranate, apples, peaches;
- rose hips, raisins, dried apricots;
- pears and bananas, plums.
Black currant is useful for increasing hemoglobin
Fruits and berries containing vitamin C are beneficial for the body: it helps iron to be absorbed faster. The largest amount of vitamin C is present in figs and persimmons, cherries, as well as in various citrus fruits: lemon, orange and grapefruit.
Sweets and drinks
Drinks and sweets can affect hemoglobin levels. Low iron levels may benefit from eating fresh honey and natural chocolate, both milk and dark. Dark and bittersweet chocolate is a better option as it has a higher cocoa content, which is an important source of iron.
If your hemoglobin level is low, eat dark chocolate
If you have low hemoglobin, you should also consume cocoa. This is a tasty and healthy drink that normalizes iron levels in the blood. It wouldn’t hurt to add a little red wine to the menu: it has a positive effect on the body’s condition in case of anemia.
What should be excluded from the menu?
The effect of coffee and black tea on iron absorption is negative: the tannins contained in these drinks interfere with its absorption and interfere with the rise of hemoglobin. During the treatment of anemia, you should avoid these drinks, replacing them with cocoa, green tea and water, as well as natural juices.
Try not to drink coffee if you have low hemoglobin
The microelement calcium also interferes with the absorption of iron. You shouldn’t completely exclude it from the menu: calcium is necessary for the proper functioning of the body, and it is absorbed quite quickly, so if consumed correctly, it will not interfere with iron. Consume calcium-containing foods separately from dishes prepared to increase hemoglobin: for example, drink a glass of milk early in the morning or before bed.
Features of nutrition at a critical level of hemoglobin
When the level of hemoglobin in the blood reaches a critically low level, adjustments are made to the diet to normalize it. Nutritional habits depend on the age group of the person suffering from anemia, as well as on other diseases he or she suffers.
In adult men and women
Adult women and men with critical hemoglobin levels should build their menu from iron-rich foods and consume them at every meal. Iron should also be present in drinks and snacks. All foods that interfere with its absorption must be eliminated until the level of iron in the blood normalizes.
Cocoa contains a lot of iron
In children
Children should not eat large amounts of meat products; hypervitaminosis and lack of calcium in the diet are also unacceptable for them. The child should be given meat and fish dishes with side dishes that contain hemoglobin, and also remember to drink milk before bed or at other times when iron-containing foods are not consumed. It is also necessary to take multivitamin preparations.
During pregnancy
When composing a menu during pregnancy, a woman should take into account the benefits not only for herself, but also for the fetus. Hypervitaminosis can be harmful to the baby, so products should be selected carefully. It is worth paying special attention to caviar, fruits and berries, as well as dried fruits. Wine, liver and large amounts of fish should be avoided.
You should eat more fruits during pregnancy
In older people
Older people may find it difficult to eat solid foods, so they prefer to eat soft foods containing iron. These can be meat and fish cutlets, cereals and vegetables, legumes and soups with the presence of several iron-containing products.
Bean soups are good for older people
For oncology
Low hemoglobin levels in cancer are normal. It can reach critical values, so in some cases one menu with products containing hemoglobin may not be enough, and you will need to take medications containing this microelement.
After operation
After operations, fatty, salty and smoked foods are often prohibited. An important feature of the diet will be the processing of dishes: all foods that raise the level of iron in the blood are preferably eaten boiled or raw. Boiled meat and meat by-products should be combined with vegetables, cereals and caviar, red or black.
After surgery, eat boiled meat
Sample menu for a day with low hemoglobin
The first menu option for the day might look like this:
- first breakfast: oatmeal, sandwich with butter and red caviar, jelly;
- second breakfast: a small amount of fruit, natural berry juice;
- lunch: chicken soup, meat cutlets with mashed potatoes, a slice of bread;
- afternoon snack: cereal pudding, green tea;
- dinner: meat casserole with potatoes and carrots, rose hip decoction.
The second menu option could be like this:
- first breakfast: boiled fish fillet with rice, bread and butter, a piece of cheese;
- second breakfast: fresh vegetable salad, green tea;
- lunch: fresh fish soup, baked liver with vegetable salad, jelly;
- afternoon snack: fruit and berry mousse, bun;
- dinner: fish steak with buckwheat porridge, dried fruit compote.
Menu options may change, it is only important to follow the general principle: a large amount of iron in the diet, soup for lunch, the presence of vegetables and fruits during snacks and main meals.
Recipes for increasing hemoglobin in the blood
Recipes for dishes that will help diversify your diet when there is a low level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Beef buckwheat with vegetable garnish
To prepare this dish you need 400 g of ground beef, 100 g of buckwheat, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 300 g of pumpkin and nutmeg.
- Boil the buckwheat, let it cool. When it cools down, mix in the minced meat, egg and seasonings to taste. Mix the minced meat and make meatballs.
- Place the resulting meatballs on a baking sheet and place it in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Cook at 210 degrees.
- Chop the onion, pepper and pumpkin, add seasonings and nutmeg. Lightly fry, then place the meatballs on top, add water and continue to simmer for 40 minutes.
Grechaniki - a simple and healthy dish
This dish is appropriate in both adult and children's diets. The vegetables present in the recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
To prepare this dish you will need 1 kilogram of pork loin, 250 g of dry white wine, a jar of orange jam, ginger and fresh orange.
- The meat must be cut into even, oval-shaped portions. Afterwards it is beaten, rubbed with salt and, if desired, pepper.
- The wine is mixed with a similar amount of orange jam. When the mass acquires a homogeneous consistency, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into it, and also add grated ginger.
- Sliced pieces of pork are poured with marinade, covered with a lid and put in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
- After the expiration date, you need to remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with napkins. Start frying on the grill or in a simple frying pan until done.
- The marinade is brought to a boil and cooked for about three more minutes. Afterwards it is poured over the finished pieces of meat.
Pork in orange juice will help restore hemoglobin levels
Homemade chicken pate
To prepare the dish you will need 0.5 kg of chicken liver, 100 g of walnuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, 1 carrot.
- The chicken liver must be washed, trimmed off excess, and then cut into small cubes.
- Chop carrots and onions, fry them, add chicken liver and simmer. Just before cooking, add seasonings and garlic.
- When everything has cooled, add herbs and walnuts. Grind everything using a mixer or home processor. Grease the top with a small amount of vegetable oil, add herbs as decoration.
Homemade pate can be stored in the refrigerator for a long time, so it’s worth preparing a lot of it and eating it with every meal.
Chicken pate is easy and quick to prepare
To prepare the salad you will need 2 tomatoes, 2 apples, 1 orange, 1 bell pepper, 150 g chicken breasts, 30 g green salad.
- Chop half of the green salad, cut tomatoes, peppers and apples into slices, after removing the core. Fry everything. Finally add the sliced orange.
- Cut the chicken breasts into thin slices and fry until done. Mix with vegetables and fruits.
- Prepare the dressing: mix lemon juice, a spoonful of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste, pour in vegetable oil, beat and pour over the mixture of chicken, vegetables and fruits.
- Spread the mixture onto the remaining lettuce leaves and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
The salad is quite filling, so it can be used as an independent dish for second breakfast or afternoon snack.
Chicken salad with vegetables and fruits can be eaten as a separate dish
Pork liver with vegetables
To prepare this dish, you will need 1 kg of pork liver, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper and 200 g of green beans.
Pork liver is one of the main sources of iron for the human body. But pregnant women and children should limit themselves to small portions.
Hemoglobin plays a very important role in human blood. It is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cells, so when it is low, the body cannot function normally. To maintain high hemoglobin, you need to monitor the level of iron in the body and eat foods that contain it in large quantities.
Hemoglobin is an important component of red blood cells; it delivers oxygen to all organs. A decrease in hemoglobin levels is dangerous for human health - it can lead to exhaustion of the body. It is important to be able to recognize the presence of a problem and know how to increase hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin delivers oxygen to all internal organs
Hemoglobin norms and reasons for its decrease
There is no single standard for hemoglobin. It varies depending on age, gender and some characteristics of the human body.
- The norm for women is 120-160 g/l. Due to the presence of physiological characteristics (the presence of menstruation), talk about possible anemia begins only when hemoglobin decreases to 110 g/l and below.
- The norm for men is slightly higher than that for women – 130–170 g/l.
- Pregnant women. Due to an increase in blood volume in a woman’s body, hemoglobin decreases. This is explained by the fact that it does not have time to be produced and its concentration decreases. Additionally, some of the iron is “taken” by the growing fetus. During pregnancy, the hemoglobin norm is in the range of 110–150 g/l.
A child's hemoglobin level varies depending on age.
Table: “Norms for newborns”
As for children aged 1 year and older, we are talking about low hemoglobin when its level drops below the mark.
Table: “Norms for children from 1 to 18 years old”
Before you begin to fix the problem, you should familiarize yourself with the reasons for its occurrence.
There may be several of them:
Frequent donation may lower hemoglobin levels
A decrease in hemoglobin in the blood never goes unnoticed. The process is accompanied by the appearance of some special signs.
Symptoms of low hemoglobin
There are several typical symptoms:
- the appearance of shortness of breath;
- fast fatiguability;
- tachycardia;
- regular headaches and dizziness (even fainting);
- sleep disorders (nighttime insomnia or daytime sleepiness);
- excessive sweating;
- the appearance of heartburn, vomiting;
- frequent colds;
- menstrual cycle disorders in women;
- temporary decrease in potency in men.
Low hemoglobin makes a person get tired faster
Since hemoglobin is produced thanks to iron, the following signs will indicate a low level of the latter:
- excessive dryness and paleness of the skin;
- acquiring a bluish tint to the lips;
- slower hair growth, split ends, dryness, hair loss;
- formation of bruises on the body;
- brittle nails;
- unreasonable increase in body temperature (up to 37 degrees);
- acquiring a yellowish tint to the skin;
- changes in the mucous membrane of the tongue (it becomes red and more sensitive);
- the appearance of difficulties with swallowing dry and solid food;
- feeling of coldness and tingling in the extremities;
- leg cramps;
- disruption of the senses.
Many of the above symptoms appear even with a slight deviation from the norm.
It is important to pay attention to your well-being in order to determine the presence of a problem in time and take the necessary measures to increase hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin test
The diagnosis of anemia is not made based on patient complaints or external examination. You definitely need to donate blood for a general analysis. It will help determine the exact level of hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin level is determined from a blood test
There is no need for special preparation for the analysis. It is enough just not to eat anything for 8-12 hours before donating blood. Drinking regular or mineral water is not prohibited. The day before the test, it is better to refrain from long walks outside and significant physical activity.
How to increase hemoglobin at home
You can restore normal hemoglobin values by eating certain foods or using medications. The first method is used for minor deviations from the norm, while medications are prescribed in more complex situations.
Medicines and drugs
The use of drugs is permitted only as prescribed by a doctor!Tablets, capsules and drops
There are many drugs that can quickly increase hemoglobin.
The most popular among them:
- Totema. The medication is intended for internal use. It contains iron gluconate, manganese gluconate, copper gluconate and excipients. The use of the solution is allowed from 3 months of age. Adults are prescribed 2–4 ampoules per day. The pediatric dose is calculated individually and depends on the age and body weight of the child. Before use, the contents of the ampoule must be dissolved in the required amount of liquid that does not contain alcohol. A small amount of sugar is allowed. The medicine is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to its components, gastrointestinal ulcers, or elevated iron levels.
- The drug contains a complex of iron (III) hydroxide polymaltose. The medicine is available in the form of drops and tablets. This effective remedy is approved for use by patients who are at risk: the elderly, pregnant women, children. Before use, the drops can be dissolved in juice. Treatment with Maltofer should last at least 2 months, and the dosage depends on the age of the patient and can range from 1-2 to 80-120 drops per day. The drug is contraindicated if the patient has hypersensitivity to its components, hemosiderosis, impaired iron excretion, hemochromatosis.
- Sorbifer Durules. The tablets contain ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid. Designed for internal use. Adult women and men are prescribed 1 tablet 2 times a day. If there are special indications, the dose can be increased to 3-4 tablets 2 times a day. Sorbifer Durules is not used to treat patients with esophageal stenosis and other obstructive changes in the digestive tract, hypersensitivity to the main or auxiliary substances of the drug. The drug is not prescribed to children before they reach 12 years of age.
Maltofer is an effective means for raising hemoglobin
Injections
If it is important to raise hemoglobin very urgently, the doctor prescribes injections to the patient.
One of the most popular drugs can be used:
- Erythropoietin alpha. Solution for subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The active substance is epoetin beta. The dosage of the drug depends on the severity of anemia and the general health of the patient. It is not used in the treatment of patients who have suffered a stroke or heart attack within the last month, suffering from arterial hypertension, unstable angina, or thromboembolism. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the product is used only in extreme cases.
- Solution for intramuscular administration. It consists of iron (III) polyisomaltosate hydroxide and auxiliary components. The required dosage of the drug is calculated using a special formula based on the hemoglobin level and the patient’s body weight. The drug is not used to treat patients with infectious hepatitis, excess iron, infectious kidney diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, in the first trimester of pregnancy, or in the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- Mircera. Solution for intravenous or subcutaneous administration. The active substance is methoxypolyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. The dosage of the drug is calculated based on the patient’s body weight. Use of the product is allowed no more than once a week and only under the supervision of a doctor. Contraindications to the use of the drug are childhood, arterial hypertension and the presence of hypersensitivity to its components.
Ferrum Lek - solution for intramuscular administration
Folk remedies
You can increase hemoglobin at home using folk remedies. Pay attention to several recipes available to everyone.
Cocktail with rose hips
Add 1 tsp to a glass of rosehip infusion. honey and juice from 1 lemon. The resulting product should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.
Rosehip decoction is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.
Nuts and cranberries
You need to take equal proportions: honey, cranberries and walnuts, mix all the ingredients using a blender. Adults take 1 tbsp. l. per day, children - ½ tbsp. l. in a day.
Walnuts help increase hemoglobin levels
It’s enough just to consume 2 tbsp before breakfast. l. this product. To mask the not very pleasant taste of wheat, you can prepare a mixture with honey, raisins, dried apricots, and nuts.
Sprouted wheat is good for the body
Herbal teas
Buckwheat flower tea improves hemoglobin levels. To enhance the effect and improve the taste, a couple of rose hips are added to it. You can also drink infusions from dandelion roots, leaves or stems.
Herbal tea is good for increasing hemoglobin levels
Do not refuse treatment with medications in favor of folk remedies! Despite their simplicity, they are not suitable for all patients and are much less effective.
What to eat to increase hemoglobin?
What should you eat to increase hemoglobin? There are quite a few options available.
Products for low hemoglobin
If you have low hemoglobin, it is important to eat foods that contain:
- Iron: mushrooms, meat, liver, rice, barley, buckwheat, seaweed, banana, beans, apricots, pomegranate juice, beets, apples, carrots.
- Vitamin A: egg yolk, sour cream, cheese, pumpkin, cod liver, spinach, tomatoes, butter.
- Copper: peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, seafood, various cereals, pear, gooseberries.
- Vitamin C: rose hips, parsley, strawberries, black currants, citrus fruits.
- Cobalt: fish (hake, flounder, pike, sea bass), poultry, lettuce, green young peas, asparagus, kefir, cucumber.
Meat contains a lot of iron
Important advice: do not overdo it with foods containing a lot of calcium and zinc. These elements interfere with the full absorption of iron.
Sample menu for the day
During treatment, diet No. 11 may be prescribed.
In this case, the menu for the day may look something like this:
- Breakfast: omelet with natural sausages, fresh cabbage salad, oatmeal porridge, apple compote.
- Lunch: tea, hard cheese.
- Lunch: borscht with sour cream, rice with meat (chicken, duck, beef to choose from), cranberry juice.
- Afternoon snack: fresh berries or fruits.
- Dinner: millet milk, cheesecakes with currant jam, yogurt or milk.
Question answer
Let's look at the answers to some of the most popular questions about low hemoglobin.
How to prepare liver to increase hemoglobin?
It is enough to cut the product into pieces 1.5 centimeters thick, beat it a little and fry for 3 minutes on each side. The inside of the liver should remain pink and soft.
Cut the liver into small pieces
How much pomegranate should you eat to increase hemoglobin?
It is enough to consume 1/4 pomegranate per day. At the same time, it is necessary to include other iron-containing foods in the diet, since the human body absorbs only 5% of iron from fruits.
Pomegranate contains a lot of iron
How to find out hemoglobin at home
The exact level of hemoglobin can only be determined by a blood test. This can be done without leaving home using special test strips or expensive devices.
It is impossible to determine the exact level of hemoglobin solely by external signs!You can check your hemoglobin at home using a test strip.
Is it possible to increase hemoglobin in a week?
The process of naturally raising hemoglobin levels requires 3–4 weeks or more. The exception is situations when the patient’s life is in danger and doctors take emergency measures: the use of fast-acting drugs, blood transfusions.
Raising hemoglobin is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to contact a specialist in a timely manner and choose the optimal treatment. If you follow your doctor's recommendations and diet, you can achieve the desired result.
