What are the dangers of low and high hemoglobin for health and what products can regulate it?

October 10, 2021

Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin content and/or a decrease in the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood, leading to a decrease in oxygen supply to tissues

What is anemia?

Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin content and/or a decrease in the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood, leading to a decrease in the supply of oxygen to tissues. The diagnosis of anemia is made when hemoglobin decreases below 130 g/l in men and below 115 g/l in women.

In children, the age of the child is taken into account when diagnosing anemia. Anemia is classified depending on the cause and mechanisms of occurrence, as well as by color index. The severity depends on the decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood and is divided into: mild, moderate and severe.

In the initial stages of the disease, a person feels constant fatigue and decreased performance. If you perform a laboratory blood test with these symptoms, it will determine a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells. low hemoglobin is a very common ailment that occurs in both adults and children. This phenomenon can develop for a number of reasons and is a serious disease that must be treated. Otherwise, anemia can cause significant damage to health.

Why is hemoglobin needed in the blood and what does iron have to do with it?

Hemoglobin is a special complex protein that is formed in red blood cells when iron atoms enter there. It is hemoglobin that colors blood red. It is entrusted with the most important mission: it transports oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues. And vice versa: it transports carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be removed from the body. This important protein is also involved in DNA synthesis, maintaining acid-base balance, and organizing proper metabolism.

This is why low hemoglobin is so dangerous: it reduces the efficiency of all internal organs and systems, the vitality and emotional state of a person. And therefore it must be increased to normal.

Normal hemoglobin levels in men, women and children

The level of hemoglobin in a person’s blood depends on gender, age and various physiological characteristics of the body. In men, hemoglobin is normal at values ​​of 135–160 g/l. For women, 120–140 g/l are allowed. In pregnant women, the level of hemoglobin decreases noticeably - up to 110 g/l.

Hemoglobin standards for children vary significantly depending on age. The maximum protein level in newborns in the first month of life is from 140 to 200 g/l. Then it declines quite quickly. In the first six months, the norm is considered to be from 90.5 to 140 g/l. In children under 18 years of age, hemoglobin should be in the range of 110–150 g/l, and then equal to the norms of adults.

How to decipher the units of measurement of hemoglobin in the blood?

Hemoglobin is measured in grams per liter (g/L) or grams per deciliter, i.e. 10 liters (g/dL). To convert g/dl to g/l, simply multiply the first figure by 10.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood is influenced by both the innate characteristics of the body and the person’s lifestyle: level of physical activity, environment, type of diet, and the presence of bad habits.

Why does hemoglobin fall?

Hemoglobin cannot decrease, much less drop sharply, without reason. They can be serious illnesses or situations that cause blood loss: operations, injuries, wounds, internal and external bleeding. In women, a short-term decrease in protein is possible during menstruation, which lasts 5 days or more. The most common causes are lack of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. However, low hemoglobin can also be a consequence of serious pathologies.

Causes of low hemoglobin:

  • failure of the endocrine system;
  • gastrointestinal diseases, intestinal pathologies;
  • kidney disease;
  • problems with the circulatory system;
  • pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis and other serious diseases;
  • gastritis and neoplasms in the digestive organs;
  • oncological diseases;
  • exhausting long-term diets, unhealthy diet;
  • vitamin deficiency and lack of vitamins and minerals;
  • severe stress or prolonged depression;
  • multiple pregnancy.

As you can see, the causes of low hemoglobin can be extremely serious and dangerous to health, and therefore this indicator must be monitored regularly and, if necessary, quickly increased.

Causes of anemia

Common causes of low hemoglobin are:

  • large blood loss;
  • disruption of the formation of new blood cells;
  • activation of pathological processes of blood destruction.

Causes of posthemorrhagic anemia

Acute posthemorrhagic anemia is the result of the loss of a large amount of blood in a minimal period of time. The chronic form of this disease is caused by:

  • prolonged blood loss;
  • polyps, hernias and stomach ulcers;
  • kidney diseases;
  • malignant tumor neoplasms;
  • uterine bleeding;
  • disorders of the blood clotting system;
  • liver failure, cirrhosis.

What causes hemolytic anemia

All hemolytic anemias occur if “old” red blood cells begin to destroy faster than new ones can form.

The sickle cell form is caused by the synthesis of a defective hemoglobin molecule. The emerging defective molecules form peculiar crystals that stretch the red blood cell, causing the latter to take on the shape of a sickle. Sickle erythrocytes are non-plastic. It leads to increased blood viscosity and blockage of small blood vessels. With their sharp ends they can destroy each other.

Thalassemia is a hereditary disease. It occurs due to a decrease in the rate of hemoglobin formation. Hemoglobin that is not fully formed is unstable. It resembles small inclusions that give the red blood cell the appearance of a target cell.

Deficiency anemias and their causes

Iron deficiency anemia develops for reasons such as:

  • lack of iron/increased need for iron (this is why degree 1 anemia is often diagnosed in premature babies and pregnant women);
  • chronic blood loss;
  • problems associated with the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract, its transportation and disposal.

B12 deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12. The disease can be caused by poor nutrition (refusal to eat meat) or disruption of the absorption of cyanocobalamin in the gastrointestinal tract (parasites, diseases of the small intestine, stomach). Also, symptoms of B12 deficiency anemia can appear while taking hormonal drugs and anticonvulsants.

Folate deficiency anemia is a consequence of a lack of vitamin B9. It is usually observed in pregnant and lactating women, cancer patients, teenage children, premature newborns, liver disease, alcohol abuse, etc.

Causes of hypoplastic anemia

Hypoplastic anemia is manifested by a decrease in the content of all cells in the blood. External and internal factors lead to such a pathological and life-threatening condition:

  • vibration and radiation effects on the body;
  • serious injuries;
  • taking certain medications;
  • ingestion of poisons into the body;
  • herpes, fungi, bacteria;
  • genetic mutations;
  • rheumatoid arthritis, lack of elements involved in hematopoietic processes;
  • endocrine diseases, etc.

How to find out without tests whether you have low hemoglobin: symptoms of deficiency

Many people are accustomed to ignoring a decrease in hemoglobin. Often, even from doctors, you can hear the phrase: “I have lived with low hemoglobin all my life, and nothing.” However, this does not mean that there is no need to look for the cause of the decrease in hemoglobin and eliminate it.

A low level of hemoglobin in the blood gives very specific symptoms, so even a layman can notice them. Here are some of the most common signs of its decline.

Signs of low hemoglobin:

  • constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, fatigue;
  • shortness of breath during physical exertion and normal climbing of stairs;
  • regular headaches;
  • low blood pressure;
  • dry and brittle nails;
  • dryness and active hair loss;
  • disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • pale dry skin, possible peeling;
  • tinnitus and dizziness;
  • decreased appetite or perverted taste preferences: desire to eat chalk, raw dough or meat, smell paint or gasoline;
  • muscle pain, freezing hands and feet;
  • regular menstrual irregularities in women;
  • decreased potency in men;
  • frequent colds and viral diseases.

These symptoms, especially if there are several of them and they are observed for a long time, indicate that the hemoglobin in the blood is already quite reduced. In severe cases, the person may even lose consciousness. This means that you need to look for a solution and take action quickly.

Signs and consequences of increased hemoglobin

With a high level of hemoglobin in the blood, women may have no symptoms at all, but with a long and high value along with other diseases, the patient may have vague symptoms:

  • constant fatigue
  • desire to sleep,
  • lethargy,
  • loss of appetite,
  • sleep problems,
  • aches in joints and bones,
  • high blood pressure,
  • itching of the skin, particularly after showering and bathing,
  • stomach ache,
  • instant bruising and easy bruising.

All these symptoms disappear externally. But the most serious of them take place inside the body. There is an increase in the coagulability of the blood space, an increase in its concentration and a reduction in the speed of movement in the body. Because of this, the internal organs do not receive proper nutrition. If this condition is neglected, blood clots and plaques can form, which cause heart attacks and strokes.

When to donate blood for hemoglobin

The reason to consult a physician or hematologist and take a blood test for hemoglobin level may be the detection of the above symptoms - one or more, a serious deterioration in health after an illness, significant blood loss due to injury or during surgery, adherence to a strict diet, an identified disease blood from close relatives, pregnancy.

A slight decrease may not be noticeable to humans. To prevent changes in hemoglobin levels from becoming a surprise, it is better to keep the situation under control: get your blood tested 1-2 times a year, and if necessary, consult a hematologist.

Prevention of anemia

To prevent the development of anemia, it is necessary:

  • avoid contact with poisons and toxic substances;
  • refuse to visit areas contaminated with radiation;
  • do not contact with sources of ionizing radiation;
  • do not take medications uncontrollably;
  • to harden;
  • eat right, include meat, greens, fruits and vegetables in your daily diet;
  • spend more time outdoors.

Secondary prevention of low hemoglobin includes:

  • blood test once a year;
  • seeking qualified medical help in the event of acute infectious and viral diseases;
  • annual medical examinations;
  • pregnancy planning (for women).

This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

What is anemia and how to diagnose it

Anemia (or anemia) is a decrease in hemoglobin and a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. This condition leads to the fact that organs and tissues do not receive the required amount of oxygen, metabolic processes and the general well-being of a person worsen. The first symptoms may be fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, dry skin, brittle hair and nails and other signs that are not always immediately linked into a single picture.

This is why it is extremely difficult to diagnose anemia on your own, and it is impossible to do this based only on laboratory test results. To make a diagnosis, doctors not only look at the level of hemoglobin and iron, but also check the level of cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, uric acid and electrolytes, assess the general condition of the patient and his internal organs, and conduct a comprehensive diagnosis.

Severity of anemia:

  1. Mild anemia:
    the level of hemoglobin in the blood is less than normal, but more than 100 g/l. The symptoms are subtle, so a person rarely turns to specialists at this stage of the disease.
  2. Moderate anemia:
    hemoglobin level in the blood is from 66 to 100 g/l. Frequent dizziness, nausea, drowsiness appear, dryness and cracks in the skin become noticeable.
  3. Severe anemia:
    hemoglobin level in the blood is less than 66 g/l. Critical condition, clouding and loss of consciousness, cold hands, fainting. Emergency hospitalization is required as there is a serious threat to life.

However, it is worth consulting at least with a therapist when the indicator drops below 120 g/l in women and below 135 g/l in men, without waiting for the condition to worsen.

How dangerous is anemia for humans?

This disease can be considered both dangerous and relatively harmless at the same time. On the one hand, mild anemia occurs quite often and can be treated without problems. On the other hand, long-term iron deficiency and low hemoglobin levels place a serious burden on the body. Severe anemia can have serious consequences:

  • malfunctions of the kidneys, liver and other internal organs;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • cognitive impairment;
  • increased risk of falls and, as a result, injuries and fractures;
  • oxygen starvation (hypoxia), risk of myocardial infarction and stroke;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • deterioration of the reproductive system;
  • anemic coma or death.

However, there is no need to panic. Pathologies and complications tend to develop if hemoglobin is greatly reduced for several years. Regular monitoring and testing of tests 1-2 times a year will be sufficient prevention and will help to quickly identify the problem and begin treatment.

It is important for pregnant women and young children to monitor the level of hemoglobin in the blood and prevent it from decreasing. Otherwise, there is a risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth and impaired fetal development - a malfunction of the brain, nervous and respiratory systems. In young children, a lack of hemoglobin can cause delayed intellectual development.

Symptoms of anemia

Conventionally, the symptoms of low hemoglobin are classified into:

  • specific (manifest only in specific types of anemia);
  • nonspecific (the same for all types of disease).

Nonspecific symptoms of anemia are as follows:

  • pallor of the skin/mucous membranes;
  • migraine;
  • increased fatigue;
  • noise in ears;
  • refusal of food;
  • constant drowsiness;
  • feeling of lack of air;
  • dizziness;
  • cardiopalmus;
  • decreased libido, sexual impotence in men;
  • disruption of the menstrual cycle;
  • heart failure.

Specific signs of different types of anemia

Each type of anemia has its own specific symptoms. Thus, the acute posthemorrhagic form manifests itself:

  • increased heart rate;
  • fainting;
  • cold sweat;
  • attacks of dizziness;
  • pale skin;
  • decrease in body temperature.

In chronic posthemorrhagic anemia the following are observed:

  • very white skin;
  • craving for or intolerance to certain smells;
  • swelling of the face;
  • change in taste sensations;
  • dry skin;
  • brittle nails;
  • nausea;
  • lack of air;
  • sweating;
  • involuntary urination when sneezing or laughing;
  • temperature increase.

Hemolytic anemias are characterized by:

  • yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes (when red blood cells are destroyed, bilirubin enters the bloodstream);
  • increased size of the spleen/liver;
  • increased levels of bilirubin in the blood;
  • darkening of urine and feces;
  • high body temperature;
  • weakness.

Sickle cell anemia - a type of hemolytic - has the following symptoms:

  • jaundice;
  • shortness of breath;
  • formation of inflamed areas on the legs;
  • blurred vision;
  • the presence of hemoglobin in the urine.

Doctors diagnose thalassemia if the patient:

  • the shape of the skull bones changes;
  • the skin becomes very pale with a yellowish/greenish tint;
  • eyes become narrow and swollen;
  • there is a lag in mental/physical development;
  • bones are deformed;
  • the spleen/liver enlarges.

Signs of iron deficiency anemia include:

  • buzzing in the head;
  • lack of oxygen;
  • migraine;
  • constant desire to sleep, rest;
  • dry skin;
  • peeling of nails;
  • hair section;
  • desire to eat chalk, smell paint, etc.;
  • violation of the act of urination;
  • hyperhidrosis.

Also, during laboratory tests, it is discovered that the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood is significantly lower than the established norm.

B12 deficiency anemia affects the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. As a result, the patient experiences:

  • swelling of the legs;
  • crawling sensation on the arms/legs;
  • change in gait;
  • memory impairment;
  • problems swallowing food;
  • enlarged liver/spleen;
  • drying of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

In turn, folate deficiency anemia manifests itself:

  • inability to eat acidic foods;
  • glossitis;
  • difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
  • enlarged spleen/liver;
  • atrophy of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

The symptoms of hypoplastic anemia are:

  • the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, on the skin of the face;
  • bruising on the skin;
  • severe bleeding gums;
  • increased fatigue;
  • desire to sleep;
  • tachycardia;
  • decrease in the number of leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets in a blood test.

If you experience similar symptoms, consult your doctor

. It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

How to increase hemoglobin

It is quite difficult to quickly increase hemoglobin levels. This process usually takes about a month. You should not assume that self-prescribed vitamins or increased nutrition with meat will work miracles.

The most important thing in the process of normalizing hemoglobin is not to throw iron into the body, but to look for the causes of the malaise. It is important to promptly and correctly diagnose the disease that causes a decrease in hemoglobin, and work with it first. In case of severe blood loss or blood diseases, the patient is given a transfusion of blood or its individual components. This helps replenish its volume.

And already in combination with professional treatment, taking iron-containing medications and adjusting the diet will give a good effect, help avoid complications and improve the patient’s condition.

Important:

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination, do a blood test and obtain consultations from all specialized doctors, depending on the diagnosis. Self-medication is unacceptable. All procedures and prescriptions must be agreed with a doctor and regularly monitored by him.

And to prevent iron deficiency and decrease in hemoglobin, it is recommended to adjust your diet and include iron-containing foods. Approximate norms for iron consumption per day are 10–12 mg for men and 20–30 mg for women. More precise figures depend on the person's condition.

Treatment of anemia in children and adults

To get rid of the symptoms of anemia, you need to eliminate the factor that provoked the decrease in hemoglobin. So, if the pathological condition is associated with the presence of parasites in the body, you need to get rid of them, if with poor nutrition, start following a diet, if with a malignant/benign tumor, it should be removed.

In other words, treatment of low hemoglobin in men, women and children may be conservative or require specialized surgical procedures. Usually, in order to improve the condition of patients and reduce the severity of negative symptoms, doctors adhere to the following therapeutic regimen:

  • drugs are prescribed that can compensate for the resulting deficiency - B12 for B12-deficiency anemia, iron for iron deficiency, B9 for folate deficiency, etc.;
  • normalize the level of red blood cells. This can be accomplished by transfusion of red blood cells or washing of red blood cells. However, these measures when providing assistance to people with low hemoglobin levels are extreme and are carried out only if the resulting disease is life-threatening.

Treatment of acute and chronic posthemorrhagic anemia

Treatment of the acute form of posthemorrhagic anemia is carried out in a hospital or hematology clinic

. The medications prescribed to the patient help normalize the amount of blood and the level of formed elements, and are also aimed at preventing relapses of the disease. Taking into account the amount of blood lost, the patient may need a transfusion, the introduction of blood substitutes or red blood cells.

As for the chronic form of this type of anemia, it is impossible to get rid of its symptoms without eliminating the cause. After the factor that provoked the pathological condition has been eliminated, the patient will be prescribed a diet that includes eating foods rich in iron. Medicines that can be used are Sorbifer Durules, Ferrum-Lek, vitamins B12 and B9, etc.

Treatment of sickle cell anemia

The main goal of therapeutic measures when it comes to a patient with sickle cell anemia is to prevent the development of hemolytic crises. To do this, the patient must avoid being in places with low oxygen levels. In parallel, blood substitutes and red blood cell infusions can be used.

Elimination of iron deficiency anemia

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia includes eating foods rich in iron and treating existing gastrointestinal diseases. The patient should regularly eat:

  • cheeses;
  • porridge;
  • chicken eggs;
  • meat;
  • dairy products.

Iron supplements can also help quickly get rid of the symptoms of anemia. The tablets usually used are “Ferrum-Lek”, “Totem”, “Sorbifer Durules”, etc. Injections are prescribed only for severe forms of the disease. It is important that the medicine used does not cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. If constipation or flatulence occurs, the product needs to be replaced.

Treatment of B12 deficiency anemia

Complex therapy of gastrointestinal diseases and adherence to the principles of proper nutrition help eliminate the manifestations of B12-deficiency anemia. Most often, patients are prescribed vitamin B12 injections. They allow you to quickly restore hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow.

How to get rid of folate deficiency anemia

Folate deficiency anemia is treated by taking vitamin B9 and following a diet. The patient should include foods that contain high amounts of folic acid in their diet. This means citrus fruits, vegetables, herbs, asparagus, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, watermelons, corn, avocados, eggs, animal liver, cod liver, cereals, grain bread.

Treatment of hypoplastic anemia

A hematologist treats hypoplastic anemia. Depending on the age, gender and condition of the patient, he can use different methods - bone marrow transplantation, stimulation of hematopoietic processes, blood transfusion, etc.

Which foods contain a lot of iron to increase hemoglobin?

  1. Dried mushrooms.

    A product that can significantly increase iron levels in the body. Just 50 g of dried mushrooms per day will help replenish the iron content in the blood. Not everyone can eat them every day, but periodically including mushrooms in your diet is very useful.

  2. Red meat.

    The dark color of the product indicates a high iron content. For example, a steamed beef cutlet weighing 100 g contains approximately 2.7 mg of iron - almost 15% of the daily requirement. For comparison: in the same turkey cutlet the amount of iron is about 0.7 mg.

  3. Pumpkin seeds.

    An excellent source of iron: 200 g of the product easily covers the daily requirement. But you shouldn’t get carried away with pumpkin seeds: they are very high in calories and can cause disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract. But a small handful of seeds in a salad or hot dish will be very useful.

  4. Offal.

    In terms of the content of iron and other useful microelements, offal easily surpasses meat. 100 g of cooked beef liver contains 36% of the daily iron requirement.

  5. Buckwheat and rolled oats.

    A couple more important foods that can boost your iron levels. A 100 g serving of buckwheat or rolled oats will provide the body with approximately 25% of the beneficial element.

  6. Legumes.

    An essential part of the diet for vegetarians and vegans, legumes are not only rich in iron, but also very filling. A cup of boiled lentils, for example, will cover approximately 35% of the daily requirement for iron, and a glass of boiled beans will cover 20%.

  7. Dark chocolate.

    Perhaps the favorite product of those who seek to increase their hemoglobin levels. The main thing is to choose chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% and eat at least ¼ bar (25 g) per day. This will help compensate for about 17% of the daily iron requirement and give you a good mood due to the “happiness hormone”.

For iron deficiency and low hemoglobin, the following foods are also recommended: eggs (especially the yolk), quinoa, almonds, walnuts, peeled apples, pomegranate, grapes, raspberries, rose hips, beets, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, seafood - caviar, fish, oysters It is important that the diet is balanced and that foods contain a variety of nutrients and vitamins.

How to undergo a proper examination to make the correct diagnosis

As practice shows, when examined by most specialists, the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is established only by the level of iron in the blood. But even this indicator is taken into account within the reference value. This approach is fundamentally wrong, and here's why.

A normal hemoglobin level does not always have a normal ferritin level. Ferritin is a biomarker of iron deficiency conditions. This is a complex protein complex that acts as the main intracellular iron depot in the body.

If you want to find out the level of iron in your blood, in our clinic you can undergo a comprehensive test, which will allow you to make the correct diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe effective treatment.

How to make iron better absorbed

To increase hemoglobin, it is not enough to simply include iron-containing foods in your diet. It is important that the nutrients are absorbed as much as possible and are beneficial. To do this, you should know which products can and cannot be combined with each other.

Iron is best absorbed in the presence of vitamins C and A. That's why seafood with lemon is not only tasty, but also incredibly healthy. A few drops of lemon can be added to salads and other dishes. Almost all fresh vegetables and fruits, such as bell peppers, are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin A is found in fish, oil, vegetables and orange fruits.

It is important to ensure that the body receives folic acid, which takes part in the synthesis of red blood cells. Therefore, you should regularly eat beef, green salad, avocados, legumes, rice, peanuts and other foods high in folic acid.

But calcium and casein (milk protein) reduce the absorption of iron, so you should not consume dairy and fermented milk products and cheeses along with vegetable and meat dishes. Wheat and other grains have a negative effect on the absorption of iron. So it’s better to eat meat without bread, and use vegetables rather than pasta as a side dish. Among the foods that can provoke hemoglobin deficiency: tea, coffee and persimmons (contain tannins), bread, soy, canned food, soda, processed cheese. Therefore, you should not abuse them.

Can there be too much iron in the body?

Maybe. An excess of iron is just as harmful to the body as its deficiency. It causes fibrosis of organs and tissues. The pancreas, liver and heart are most often affected. However, it is impossible to achieve an excess of iron through diet alone. The pathology is often due to genetic predisposition and improper or uncontrolled use of iron-containing drugs.

What is an increase in hemoglobin called?

An increase in the number of red blood cells and an increase in hemoglobin is called erythrocytosis. Its characteristic symptoms: nosebleeds, headaches and dizziness, fatigue. Erythrocytosis, in turn, can be a sign of various diseases, which only a doctor can determine.

What does it mean if hemoglobin is elevated?

High hemoglobin levels can be caused by dehydration, smoking, lung cancer, heart disease and other pathologies. Elevated hemoglobin sometimes indicates the presence of a rare disease - polycythemia. When this happens, the body produces too many red blood cells, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. This is a very serious disease that is important to identify and control early throughout your life.

What does low and high hemoglobin levels mean?

When the amount of hemoglobin decreases, a person develops anemia. The main reason for this is considered to be iron deficiency.


Photo: istockphoto.com

Anemia can also be associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

In addition, a decrease in hemoglobin levels can be caused by premature death of red blood cells and an increase in the rate of their destruction. This condition is observed in some immune disorders, long-term infectious diseases, as a result of exposure to drugs and chemicals of oxidative action, poisons, burns and frostbite, infectious factors, etc.


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An increase in hemoglobin above normal may indicate dehydration or a high number of red blood cells. Increased hemoglobin is observed in congenital and acquired heart defects, lung diseases, and some cancers. Also, the level may be higher than normal after physical exercise and in general among residents of high mountains, which is associated with a compensation reaction: high mountain air is poor in oxygen, and in this way the body increases its content in the blood.

How to maintain normal hemoglobin levels

For a healthy person without congenital pathologies, it is important to monitor the daily routine, drink enough water, eat a balanced diet, include foods rich in iron and vitamins in the diet, lead an active lifestyle and periodically undergo general and biochemical blood tests.

These tips may seem obvious and even banal to you, but they will help prevent a decrease in hemoglobin, the development of anemia and other diseases, and improve your well-being and quality of life.

This material summarizes the best research on evidence-based medicine over the years. However, it is for informational purposes only, is not intended to prescribe treatment, and cannot be used as a direct guide to action.

When should you increase your hemoglobin level?

If your hemoglobin level drops below the specified standards, you should consult a doctor. It is corrected taking into account the cause of anemia. An important goal of treatment is to eliminate the underlying disease. Therefore, when determining low hemoglobin in the blood, it is necessary to undergo a number of examinations.


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