How can I raise my hemoglobin level?

Estonia
July 30, 2011 6:37pm CST
Hi again! I donate blood regularly, but lately I've been having problems recovering my hemoglobin level to a point needed for qualifying for a blood donation. I've been eating meat every day and tried eating lots of hen eggs, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Does anyone know any food products that will help me raise my hemoglobin level? Thanks in advance!
4 responses
• India
31 Jul 11
Hi Bio, to increase your hemoglobin levels, you need to take in iron-rich food and also supplement your diet with Vitamin C. If your diet lack vitamin C, then iron absorption will not happen and all the foods that you eat will not make much difference in your Hb levels. Eating green veggies, fresh fruits, tomatoes, citrus fruits etc. will give you the required iron and Vitamin C. Also eating other foods such as roasted peanuts, fresh dates, etc. will give you extra iron.
• Estonia
31 Jul 11
Wow, never knew that absorbing iron depends on vitamin C levels! Fortunately I'm consuming a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit these days, however I think I should buy myself some peanuts one day. Thanks for an informative response! :)
• Estonia
1 Aug 11
Good idea, friend! I should take a blood test a month before going to donation, so I will know if I will have to bring additional iron sources into my diet or not ;)
• India
1 Aug 11
You are most welcome :) yeah you do require certain amounts of Vitamin C to help absorb iron. If you have started eating veggies and fruits, you should be pretty much okay, but do take a blood test to check your Hb count and see if there is a significant change. If not, then you probably need to take a prescription for additional iron supplements from your doctor.
@sjvg1976 (41131)
• Delhi, India
31 Jul 11
Hello Biomechanoid, As per my opinion you should take iron pills,iron full food like carrots,spinach,pulses,pomegranate,apples,eggs etc. for more information you should consult a doctor.
• Estonia
31 Jul 11
Wow, that's a long list! Glad to see that there are some things that I'm already consuming every day! You're right, the doctor might be the best source of information. Thanks for answering, all the best! :)
@neededhope (1085)
• United States
30 Jul 11
One way you can raise your hemoglobin is to take Iron Supplements. Usually you find Iron in Dark Green veggies and also Red Meat. If that doesn't work there maybe something more serious going on inside of you that you should have a doctor check out. As long as your stool isn't black your most likey ok. One reason your stool could be black is from bleeding from a stomach ucler which could lead to low hemoglobin levels. Also when taking iron supplements be careful if your not physically active you may end up having constipation. That means your getting to much iron in your system usually. Hope that helps :)
@Rick1950 (1575)
• Lima, Peru
31 Jul 11
I know that you need to eat Iron-rich foods, e.g. beef liver, spinach and lentils. Also iron pills are good. A doctor can advice you appropriately.
• Estonia
31 Jul 11
Hmm, I can't say I like liver, I usually don't eat the dishes containing it. But perhaps I should take it into my diet. A spinach is also a discovery for me. I think I will try these products and see if they help me raise my hemoglobin level. Thanks for a useful advice! ;)