Increasing iron intake
A person with reduced levels of hemoglobin may benefit from eating more iron-rich foods. Iron works to boost the production of hemoglobin, which also helps to form more red blood cells.
Iron-rich foods include:
. meat and fish
. soy products, tofu and edamame
. eggs
. dried fruits, such as dates and figs
. broccoli
. green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach
. green beans
. nuts and seeds
. peanut butter
Increasing folate intake
Folate is a type of vitamin B that plays an essential part in hemoglobin production. The body uses folate to produce heme, a component of hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen.
If a person does not get enough folate their red blood cells will not be able to mature, which could lead to folate-deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels.
Good sources of folate include:
. beef
. spinach
. rice
. peanuts
. black-eyed peas
. kidney beans
. avocadoes
. lettuce
Maximizing iron absorption
Consuming iron in foods or supplements is important, but a person should also help their body to absorb that iron.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables, can boost the amount of iron absorbed. Taking a vitamin C supplement may also help.
Vitamin A and beta-carotene can aid the body in absorbing and using iron.
Foods rich in vitamin A include:
. fish
. liver
. squash
. sweet potatoes
. kale and collards
Foods high in beta-carotene include yellow, red, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as:
. carrots
. sweet potatoes
. squash
. cantaloupes
. mangoes
While vitamin A supplements can help the body to process iron, the vitamin is dangerous if too much is consumed.
Excess vitamin A may lead to a condition known as hypervitaminosis A. This can cause symptoms such as bone and joint pain, severe headaches, and increased pressure within the brain.
Taking iron supplements
A doctor may advise a person with extremely low levels of hemoglobin to take iron supplements. The dosage will depend on a person’s levels.
It is important to note that too much iron can be dangerous. It may cause hemochromatosis, which can lead to liver disease and side effects such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
Supplements will cause levels of iron to increase gradually over a few weeks. A doctor may recommend taking the supplements for several months, to increase the body’s iron stores.
Content created and supplied by: JerryJoseph (via Opera
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