Iron Rich Foods to Increase Hemoglobin

Some common reasons for low hemoglobin include aplastic anemia, leukemia, iron deficiency anemia, and cancer. Though this can indicate something greater, there are ways to try and increase your hemoglobin count, which starts with your diet.

Here are a few foods to consider adding to your daily routine, rich in iron, to help lead you towards a better red blood cell count:

Healthy Fats

Avocado and certain nuts, like peanuts, are two healthy fat items that can add folate to your diet. Folate, a B vitamin, is used to create heme, which helps form hemoglobin in your red blood cells. A diet full of folate helps these red blood cells mature. Conversely, when your diet lacks it, you can find yourself with low levels of hemoglobin.

Vitamin Rich Foods

Citrus fruits, strawberries, and dark, leafy greens are all high in vitamin C, which can help your body absorb more iron, especially if you’re taking iron supplements. Likewise, carrots, sweet potatoes, and mangoes are known to help your body produce more vitamin A, allowing your body to absorb more iron. Of course, vitamin A can be found in fish and liver, too.

Limit Your Dairy Intake

If you are on iron supplements, a high dairy diet can control how your body absorbs them. Therefore, foods such as soybeans and dairy should be limited and avoided before and after your supplements.

Discuss Treatment With Your Doctor

If you are feeling shortness of breath, fatigue, pale skin, or more complications of low blood cell counts, discuss with your doctor a treatment plan that’s right for you. Getting your iron levels up can help improve your daily life and increase your energy levels.

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