Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron and is carried through the body by red blood cells. If you have low levels of hemoglobin in the bloodstream, you are considered anemic and have a low red blood cell count. Though this condition isn't always life threatening, anemia may cause you to feel weak or tired if the condition is mild. If left completely untreated, the condition can become chronic and cause chest pains and even heart attacks. You need to have an adequate amount of iron in your body and build up protein in your bloodstream for proper function, particularly when it comes to having healthy lungs. A decreased red blood cell count impacts the amount of oxygen delivered to the body.
Instructions
1. Consult with your physician to find the cause of the iron deficiency. A simple blood test will give your doctor the accurate level of hemoglobin in your blood. There are many causes for iron deficiency: a lack of vitamins or iron in your diet, certain prescription medications, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, pregnancy and chronic bleeding disorders can cause low hemoglobin levels. Once your doctor can find the cause of the problem, he can work with you on a treatment plan.
2. Try an iron supplement. Your doctor can prescribe or recommend an iron supplement that you can take daily. Some of these can be somewhat harsh on the stomach and intestines, so talk with your doctor about possible side effects. Take the supplement with food to avoid some of the discomfort.
3. Change your diet to include healthier options. There are two types of iron. One type you get from eating foods such as beef, chicken and fish, and the other type you get from eating fruit, vegetables, grains and nuts. When the two types of iron are combined, it is absorbs better into the body. Increasing one type alone can help, but try adding both types into your diet. Eat a beef dish along with sides of fresh or steamed vegetables, and snack on nuts or fruit throughout the day to keep your energy and level of hemoglobin up.
4. Avoid foods that break down the amount of iron your body absorbs. Excess amounts of calcium and fiber can inhibit the amount of iron that is absorbed into the blood. Sugar is also a culprit, especially in carbonated soft drinks and chocolate. Load up on lean protein, foods high in vitamin C and green, leafy vegetables. Talk with your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Some of these, especially those high in calcium such as antacids, can keep your body from absorbing some of the iron that it is getting.
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