If you have a low red blood cell count, there are things you can do to increase it, like taking supplements, boosting your nutrition, and getting treatment for any health conditions you may have.
In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and medical treatment when you have low hemoglobin. Increasing your red blood cell count can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue and improve your overall health. This article offers easy and effective ways to boost your red blood cell count and overall health.
1 – Add Iron to Your Diet
Iron is the primary building block for red blood cells. Therefore, if you want to increase red blood cells in your body, you should switch to iron-rich foods.
Eat food like kale, spinach, dried fruits, and fortified cereals. Iron is the main component in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells supplying oxygen in the body.
2 – Take Sufficient Vitamin B12
You should also focus on taking sufficient Vitamin B12 to increase red blood cells. This vitamin B12 is responsible for producing red blood cells in the body. You find Vitamin B12 in shellfish, meat, lean, fortified cereals, and dairy products.
You can consult Orem plasma center if you have Vitamin B12 deficiency for recommendations on appropriate supplements.
3 – Increase Folic Acid Intake
You should increase folic acid intake to boost the body’s red blood cell count. You can add foods such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, legumes, and fortified greens to your diet. Also, if you have a specific medical condition or are pregnant, you may require some specific folic acid supplement. Consult your local healthcare provider for guidance.
4 – Eat Food Rich in Vitamin C
To increase red blood cell count, you should also consider food rich in Vitamin C. Some foods high in Vitamin C include strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, kiwi, and broccoli.
Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant-based sources. So, you should consider a lot of vegetables and fruits in your diet to increase your red blood cell count.
5 – Exercise Every Day
Every-day exercise is something you should add to your lifestyle if you want to increase your red blood cell count. Working out will encourage your body to take more red blood cells through erythropoiesis. The body breaks down and regenerates red blood cells every three or four months.
Exercising forces the older red blood cells to break down faster. New red blood cells carry more oxygen than the old ones. This natural process of red blood cell regeneration improves your overall health.
6 – Reduce Alcohol Consumption
If you cannot remove alcohol from your lifestyle, then you better reduce how much alcohol you consume. Since alcohol affects how your body absorbs nutrients, it can affect red blood cell production.
Also, too much consumption of alcohol for a long time can damage the kidneys and liver – two vital organs for your body to make enough red blood cells.
Final Thoughts
To increase red blood cells in your body, you should take food rich in iron, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12. You should also adjust your lifestyle by exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol consumption. Lastly, consult a healthcare professional for more tips and guidance on increasing red blood cell count.
