Ways to Increase Hemoglobin Other Than Iron Pills

Low levels of hemoglobin can cause anemia. Hemoglobin or red blood cells carry oxygen through blood to all parts of the body. The characteristic symptoms of anemia include fatigue and breathlessness. A simple blood test can determine if you have low hemoglobin. Once the results are in proper treatment is important.

Treatment for Hemoglobin

Treatment for anemia depends upon the condition of blood in the body. A person needs a blood transfusion in case of substantial loss of blood as in case of an operation. While if the person is suffering from general weakness due to improper diet or illness, the treatment involves increasing the iron intake as iron is the main ingredient of hemoglobin.

Problem with Iron Supplements

Taking iron pills is the most common treatment of anemia. However, all of us can not absorb the high doses contained in those iron pills. In addition, these pills can cause stomach upset, constipation, and heartburn and can be toxic if taken in large doses. If a person has such problems with iron pills, doctors prescribe an iron-rich diet replenishes the lost hemoglobin.

Taking iron-rich diet

There are several commonly available food items, which contain significant doses of iron. It is important to include things like nuts, green leafy vegetables, beans, chicken, liver, Shell fish, beef, red meat, turkey, fish and pork in the daily food. In addition to intake of these iron-rich food items, it is recommended to curtail certain types of foods which block the absorption of iron in the body. These foods include tea, coffee, calcium-rich food like cheese, milk, chocolate, few medicines like antacid and phosphates. At the same time, increasing the intake of foods containing vitamin C, help increase the absorption of iron in the body.

Treating Anemia with herbs

Besides taking iron-rich diet, there are certain herbs which are very useful in treatment of anemia. Drinking liquid chlorophyll is a good way to increase hemoglobin. Chlorophyll has the same molecular structure as that of hemoglobin with a few differences. Though eating green leafy vegetables is good, you can add a few drops of liquid chlorophyll to your drinks.

One wonderful herb having loads of iron is Yellow Dock Root. You can include it in your diet either by cooking it or making an infusion. To prepare infusion, steep two teaspoons of the dried herb in 3 cups of water for few minutes and drink after it gets lukewarm.

Another rich source of iron is Blackstrap Molasses. However, in case of diabetes, it should be avoided as it is sugary. Nettle is one more herb which is rich in iron. One can drink its infusions regularly to increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. To prepare its infusion, mix an ounce of dried nettle herb in 4-5 cups of water and steep for several hours.
Level of hemoglobin determines the health of the body. Consistency in following the measures is the key to treat anemia.

By Vandana S