HEMOGLOBIN

HEMOGLOBIN

HEMOGLOBIN is the iron carrying protein found in red blood cell that binds to oxygen. The principal function of hemoglobin is to combine and transport oxygen from the lungs following inhalation, and then deliver it to all body tissues, where it is required to provide energy for the chemical reactions of all living cells.  The normal level of hemoglobin in adult female is 12-16 gm% and in adult male is 14-18gm%.

Causes of low level hemoglobin:

Loss of blood (traumatic injury, surgery, bleeding, colon cancer etc.)

Nutritional deficiency

Bone marrow problem

Kidney failure

Abnormal hemoglobin structure (sickle cell, thalassemia)

Pregnancy

Symptoms of low hemoglobin:

1 shortness of breath

Coldness in hands and feet’s

Dizziness

Headache

Pale skin

Lack of concentration

Who is at risk?

Infants and young children

Teens (underweight, Ongoing illness, girls with heavy periods)

Child bearing age women

Adults having internal bleeding

SIMPLE WAYS TO INCREASE HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL NATURALLY:

There are many fruits and vegetables available for us to increase hemoglobin naturally.

Pomegranate

 Pomegranate is delicious fruit that contains three times of antioxidants of green tea.It contains vitamins A, C, E, folic acid Iron...

Dates

Dates or dried dates are considered as nutritious. Along with iron they contain Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and vitamins A and B. Dates can boost your energy level.

Watermelon

This fruit provides Iron along with high levels of Proteins, Carbohydrates, Potassium, Vitamin C and vitamin B.As the Iron content in watermelon is high it boosts the level of stamina and energy.

Berries

All berries (Blackberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, and Strawberries) contain Iron. This fruit along with Iron contains lots of Antioxidants, Vitamin A and E.

IRON RICH VEGETABLES

Legumes

All types of Legumes are enriched with Iron. Legumes include-Soya nuts, Red kidney beans,, Lentils Chickpeas, Black-eyed peas, Black beans )

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables contain vitamin A, C, K, Calcium and Iron. One cup of Spinach has nearly 6mg of Iron.

Pumpkin Seeds

 Pumpkin seeds are good sources of Iron,Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds contain 8.6mg. The better way to eat them is to add them to a salad and eat.

Other sources: cheese, milk, yogurt, red meat, fish, tomato, peanuts, chicken liver.

 Advice:  Comparatively Vegetarian sources of Iron are less readily absorbed. .It is advisable to take these foods along with foods which contain vitamin C it will be more helpful for curing Iron deficiency.