How to Increase Hb in Blood Count

Blood test

Hb in a complete blood count test stands for hemoglobin, the red pigmented part of blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. A low level of hemoglobin can result from either genetic conditions, such as inherited blood disorders (aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia or hemolytic anemia), or can be acquired through an iron deficiency or considerable blood loss. Either way, this usually results in a form of anemia. A simple blood test can determine the cause of low levels of hemoglobin, and your doctor will direct a correct course of treatment.

Instructions

Increase Hemoglobin Count

1. Increase your intake of iron-rich foods and iron absorption enhancers, if your doctor determines that your anemia is acquired. Heme iron is easily absorbed and good sources include organ meats, oysters, egg yolks, and dark-meat turkey. It takes about one week for your body to start producing new red blood cells, so an increase in Hb levels won't be noticeable till two to three weeks later.

2. Eliminate or reduce your intake of foods that do not aid in iron absorption. Alcoholism or a diet low in vitamins and minerals make it more difficult for your body to efficiently use iron. After even a short period of time of dietary modification, hemoglobin levels will rise.

3. Determine if a blood transfusion is required due to sudden blood loss from trauma or surgery, or long-term blood loss from something not as obvious, for example, a dairy allergy. Low hemoglobin levels will increase almost immediately after a blood transfusion.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that non-heme iron is not as easily absorbed and usually comes from vegetables. Good sources are spinach, artichokes, collards, canned beans, asparagus and lentils, enriched breakfast cereals, and baked potato with skin. Foods high in vitamin C will help the iron absorption in your system. These foods include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red and green peppers, cantaloupe, strawberries and oranges.

References

• Health Castle: Iron-Rich Foods
• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health
• Health Encyclopedia: Anemia