How to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level?: Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that are rich in iron. It is the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. The primary function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen to the body’s tissue from the lungs so that living cells can perform their functions properly. It also helps in carrying carbon dioxide away from the cells and bringing it back to the lungs. Maintaining your hemoglobin at a normal level in your blood is vital to live a healthy life. If you have low hemoglobin levels, worry not, you can increase it with a number of home remedies.
Home Remedies to Increase Your Hemoglobin Level
Here is a look at some of the best home remedies to help you increase your hemoglobin level in your body:
1. Blackstrap Molasses
This is an age-old folk remedy that is known to help in fighting anemia and increase hemoglobin levels. Blackstrap molasses contains a number of B vitamins, folate, and iron that can effectively increase the production of red blood cells. This is a quick and simple remedy that works wonders on your hemoglobin level.
How to Use:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water.
- Drink this once a day and you will notice positive results in no time at all.
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2. Pomegranate
This delicious fruit has many essential nutrients that are beneficial for the production of red blood cells, including calcium, iron, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. The nutritional value of pomegranate helps in increasing hemoglobin in the blood and boosts healthy blood flow.
How to Use:
- Drink 1 glass of pomegranate juice or eat 1 medium-size fruit every day with your breakfast.
- You can also mix 2 teaspoons of dried pomegranate seed powder in a glass of warm milk and drink once every day.
Related: 12 Calcium Rich Foods to Include in Your Diet
3. Nettle Tea
When it comes to increasing hemoglobin levels, one of the best herbs you can use as a natural remedy is nettle. This herb is a good source of B vitamins, Vitamin C, iron and other vitamins that your body needs to increase the production of hemoglobin. Drinking nettle tea daily can do a lot to help increase your hemoglobin level.
How to Use:
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to 1 cup of hot water.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and then add a small amount of honey for flavor.
- Drink this nettle tea twice a day for best results.
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4. Apple Juice
You have heard the phrase “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, right? Well, it can help in maintaining a normal level of hemoglobin as this fruit is rich in iron as well as other health-friendly nutrients necessary for a healthy hemoglobin count. When you go to the grocery store, make sure that you pick up a few apples to not just raise your red blood cell count but also gain all the other benefits that this delicious fruit has to offer.
How to Use:
- Mix ½ a cup each of apple juice and beetroot juice and drink it 2 times a day. If you would like a little extra flavor, add a dash of lemon or ginger juice.
- You can also eat 1 apple a day to increase your hemoglobin level and gain other health benefits as well.
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5. Increase Your Iron Intake
According to the National Anemia Action Council, the most common cause of low hemoglobin levels is iron deficiency. This means that it is important to eat plenty of iron-rich foods. Increase your iron intake by including certain foods in your daily diet, such as beetroot, spinach, apricot, almonds, dates, pumpkin seeds, whole egg, asparagus, tofu, watermelon, raisins, prunes, oysters, clams and chicken liver. This not only helps increase the rate of red blood cells in your body but also improves your overall health as they are foods rich in various nutrients.
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6. Take In More Vitamin C
Iron may be important when to up your hemoglobin levels, but you also need Vitamin C to help with it. The combination of these nutrients plays an essential role, as Vitamin C is a carrier-rich molecule that helps in improving iron absorption. Make it a point to eat more Vitamin C-rich foods such as broccoli, lemon, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, strawberries, tomatoes and bell peppers. As with increasing your iron intake, eating more Vitamin C-rich foods will not only help in boosting your hemoglobin levels but also provide a number of other health benefits.
Related: 9 Iron Rich Foods to Combat Anemia
7. Avoid Iron-Blocking Foods
As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C helps in increasing the absorption of iron in the body. For anemia or low hemoglobin levels, iron needs to be absorbed properly. This means that you need to avoid eating foods that can block the ability of your body to absorb iron. If you have a low hemoglobin count, it is important that you avoid tea, coffee, beer, wine, cola drinks, etc. as well as calcium-rich foods like calcium supplements and dairy products and OTC antacids. If you cannot immediately stop consuming these beverages, decrease your intake slowly until you can completely do without them.
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8. Exercise
Working out daily in some form or the other has a number of health benefits, including increasing your hemoglobin count. Exercising helps your body produce more hemoglobin in order to meet the increasing demand for oxygen all over your body. If you have a low hemoglobin level, you should definitely include exercise in your daily routine. You will also gain other benefits, making you look and feel better. Experts recommend aerobic exercises in moderate to high intensities as well as strength training to fight fatigue and increase muscle mass.
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As you can see, you do not really need medications to increase your hemoglobin level. The safe and natural remedies mentioned above are effective and do not include any chemicals. Additionally, they are also ways to improve your lifestyle and provide your body a wide range of health benefits. Including healthier foods in your daily diet, exercising and drinking herbal teas and fruit juices will do wonders for your health and you are sure to feel more revitalized and rejuvenated than ever before.