The Low hemoglobin Or anemia means that the body does not have the ability to carry oxygen as efficiently as it should.
Hemoglobin is a very important part of blood cells. It is an iron-rich protein that works by carrying the oxygen that is breathed throughout the body, making it vital to maintain a healthy body.
A low count of hemoglobin causes the body to have less energy, decrease its immunity and can lead to serious health problems.
The hemoglobin range can be tested with a simple blood test, being normal 14 to 18 gm / dl for men and 12 to 16 gm / dl for women (although slightly reduced when pregnant).
However, for some people low hemoglobin is normal, while for others, it may be a sign of a serious problem. It is important to know the cause of low hemoglobin counts.
Causes of low hemoglobin counts
1- Normal low levels
As previously mentioned, it is quite common for women to experience low hemoglobin counts during pregnancy. Other people may also experience it as a natural way of life if that is how your body works. The low counts in these cases should not be alarming.
2- Conditions and diseases that cause less number of normal red blood cells
Certain conditions can cause fewer red blood cells, which can lead to a low hemoglobin count. Some of these are: cancer, cirrhosis, lead poisoning and kidney disease.
3- Conditions and diseases that destroy red blood cells
Conditions such as sickle cell anemia, enlargement of the spleen and vasculitis, can rapidly destroy red blood cells and lead to low hemoglobin.
4- Iron deficiency
Iron is needed to create hemoglobin, so If more iron is needed , Hemoglobin counts are probably low. This is the most common cause of anemia .
5 - Loss of blood
Losing large amounts of blood can easily lead to low hemoglobin, in addition to being perhaps a warning sign of internal blood loss.
6- Vitamin deficiency
If you are not getting enough B12 Vitamins, Vitamin C or folic acid , Your hemoglobin levels may drop because they help the body create red blood cells.
7- Blood disorders
Some conditions, such as certain cancers, can lead to low hemoglobin. These blood disorders mean that the bone marrow may not produce red blood cells fast enough.
List of detailed causes
Diseases and conditions that cause the body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal:
- Aplastic anemia
- Cancer
- Certain drugs, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions
- Cirrhosis
- Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
- Hypothyroidism (hypoactive thyroid)
- iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Leukemia
- Multiple myeloma
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
- Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach)
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
Diseases and conditions that cause the body to destroy red blood cells faster:
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
- Porphyria
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Thalassemia
- Vasculitis
- Hemolysis
Hemoglobin low for blood loss:
- Bleeding a wound
- Bleeding in the digestive tract, such as ulcers, cancers or hemorrhoids
- Bleeding in the urinary tract
- Frequent blood donation
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
symptom
The symptoms depend on the causes, however there are some general symptoms such as feeling very tired, having a faster heart rate than usual, lack of energy, skin and pale gums.
Treatment
The low hemoglobin count alone deserves treatment when it takes the form of the disease called anemia and the treatment for anemia varies by cause: iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, aplastic anemia, chronic disease, bone marrow disease, and hemolytic anemias Are the various types of this condition.
The treatment for iron deficiency anemia is to follow a Prescribed diet By physician and supplementation with iron. If the loss of blood is causing the iron deficiency (assuming it is not menstruation), the doctor will look for the cause of the bleeding to stop it, and may have surgery if necessary.
Vitamin C and folic acid deficiency lead to anemia, so it will probably require a treatment with supplements, in addition to dietary alterations.
Chronic disease anemia does not have an established treatment, but requires the remedy for the underlying disease. In case the symptoms worsen, blood transfusions could be used as a treatment.
Aplastic anemia, if the bone marrow can no longer create healthy blood cells, will likely require bone marrow transplantation, although sometimes blood transfusions are needed to raise red blood cell levels.
Treatment of hemolytic anemia requires staying away from medications that may interact incorrectly, treating concomitant infections and taking medications that prevent the immune system from attacking red blood cells.
Increase Hemoglobin Naturally
Eating iron-rich foods
According to the National Action Council against Anemia, iron deficiency is the most common cause of low hemoglobin levels. Iron is an important element in the production of hemoglobin.
Some iron-based foods include shrimp, liver, red meat, spinach, asparagus, almonds, dates, lentils, fortified breakfast cereals, almonds, oysters, tofu, among others .
Another option is to take an iron supplement so you should consult your doctor about the correct dose, since high doses of iron can be harmful to your health.
Increase intake of Vitamin C
Iron can not be fully absorbed by the body without the help of this vitamin. Low levels of hemoglobin due to deficiency of vitamin C can be corrected by consuming more foods containing it, such as oranges, kiwi, papaya, lemon, strawberries, broccoli, grapefruit, peppers, tomatoes And spinach.
You can also consult your doctor about taking Vitamin C supplements.
Folic acid
Folic acid, a vitamin B complex, is required to produce red blood cells. Therefore, folic acid deficiency automatically leads to a low level of hemoglobin.
Some good sources of folic acid foods are green leafy vegetables, liver, sprouts, dried beans, rice, wheat germ, peanuts, bananas, fortified cereals, broccoli, among others.
In addition, your doctor may prescribe a folic acid supplement.
Add beets to the diet
The beet Is highly recommended to raise hemoglobin levels because it is rich in iron, folic acid, fiber and potassium.
You can also prepare healthy juice with a beet, carrot and / or sweet potato once a day. The combinations may vary.
Eat more apples
A Apple (If possible, opt for green apples) can help maintain a normal hemoglobin level, as these are rich in iron and other nutrients needed for a healthy hemoglobin count.
You can also prepare a glass of juice by mixing an apple and a beetroot, along with some ginger or lemon juice.
Try the pomegranate seeds
The pomegranate Has calcium, iron, carbohydrates and fiber. Its nutritional value can help increase hemoglobin in the blood and promote healthy blood flow.
You can eat a pomegranate or drink a daily glass of pomegranate juice daily with breakfast.
Nettle grass
Nettle is an herb that can raise hemoglobin level, because it is a good source of iron, B vitamins, vitamin C and other vitamins.
For preparation, add two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to a cup of hot water, let it harden for 10 minutes, strain it and add a little honey.
Avoid iron blockers
Certain foods can block the body's ability to absorb iron. Some examples of these foods are: coffee, tea, cola, wine, beer, antacids without a prescription, calcium-rich foods such as dairy products and calcium supplements.
Do aerobic exercise
It is advisable to include in the daily routine some Type of exercise . When exercising, the body produces more hemoglobin to meet the increasing demand for oxygen throughout the body.
Moderate to high intensities, such as aerobic exercises, are highly recommended. Some strength training may also be included to increase muscle mass and combat fatigue.
Additional tips
Avoid gluten-containing foods, eat whole grain breads, cereals and pasta, consume iron-rich foods after the menstrual period, avoid taking over-the-counter stimulants if energy levels are low, take cold baths to improve blood circulation.
Heart Failure and Anemia
Low hemoglobin levels are a predictor of increased risk of death and complications among patients with heart failure, according to a report published in Journal of the American Heart Association .
Studies have shown that low hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia, is more common among patients with heart failure than among people in the general population.
Between 25 and 60 percent of patients with heart failure have anemia, defined as hemoglobin below 12 grams / deciliter in women and 13 g / dl in men.
Studies have shown that if you have anemia and heart failure, the risk of hospitalization, complications and death, increase significantly by 30 to 60 percent more.
To study the association between anemia and mortality risk, the researchers used a database of more than 5,000 patients enrolled in the study. Valsartan Heart Failure Trial , A study evaluating high blood pressure.
At the beginning of the study, the researchers took a complete blood cell count and repeated these measurements at regular intervals of up to 24 months. Of the patients enrolled in the heart failure study, 23 percent were anemic. Anemic patients tended to be older, develop more diabetes and have worse heart failure.
The researchers found that the quartile of patients with the highest average decreases in Hgb for 12 months (defined as an average decrease of 1.6 g / dL, from 14.2 to 12.6 g / dL) experienced a 47% Hospitalizations and 60% to those in the quartile who showed an insignificant change (0.10 g / dL) in hemoglobin for 12 months.
Researchers report that an increase in Hbb was associated with a 22 percent lower mortality rate in patients with anemia, compared with 21 percent without anemia, at the start of the study.
Patients who had anemia at baseline or whose Hbb decreased during this study had worse heart failure and an associated elevation of several other risk factors for heart disease, including neurohormones and C-reactive protein.
However, what is unclear is the ideal level of hemoglobin to be achieved in patients with heart failure.
Researchers said that one of the causes that anemia may be related to iron deficiency in patients with heart failure is due to malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies and impaired metabolism. Hemodilution (excess fluid retention) may also contribute to anemia in patients with heart failure.
The risk of developing heart failure during the lifetime of men and women at age 40 is 1 in 5. Between 30 and 60 percent have an increased risk of death and complications due to low hemoglobin.
Researchers still do not know which treatment is the best strategy and what the objectives should be.
When to see a doctor?
Only the doctor can determine if you have low hemoglobin counts. If the patient is showing signs of low hemoglobin, you should see a doctor.
You should also be careful about shortness of breath, and if it becomes severe, you should not wait for an appointment, but go to an emergency room.
References
- Mayo Clinic Staff (2015). Low hemoglobin count. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved from mayoclinic.org.
- New Health Team (2014). Low Hemoglobin. New Health Guide. Retrieved from newhealthguide.com.
- Carole Bullock (2005). Anemia increases risk of death. MNT. Retrieved from medicalnewstoday.com.
- Philippe Connes (2013). Red blood cells in sports. Front Physiol. Retrieved from nih.gov.