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How To Increase Hemoglobin Levels?
Question: I have the results from a recent blood test that says my Hemoglobin is low at 13.7 and it should be at least 14.0. What can I take or do to increase my Hemoglobin level?
Brief Answer:
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there is no straight answer for this question because it depends on many factors. First of all in order to receive any kind of treatment (either drugs/supplements or natural ways to fix any kind of disorder), you've got to find out for sure whether you have any disorder or not. Some people may have lower than normal hemoglobin (by the way 13.7 is not so low) without any problem at all.
The first step in evaluation is to check for the following:
- any symptoms you may have (which may help to find out a diagnosis)
- your past test reports to see whether your hemoglobin was similar or not
- relevant medical history (for example history of blood loss due to hemorrhoids or other causes).
The test itself may reveal clues for the diagnosis. Indices like the MCV or MCH may help to suspect iron deficiency or vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency (all of them are common causes of anemia). Specific tests for the aforementioned causes may be needed. Serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential tests. Depending on the results other tests might be required.
Regarding ways to increase the levels to normal (whatever is normal for your body in particular), the only thing you can do at home is to make sure that your diet is balanced and you receive all the necessary nutrients. You don't have to eat too much of anything, just adopt a balanced diet.
So in conclusion, a healthy diet and proper testing is what you have to do to deal with this result. Uploading the test reports (of this and any other test you've done recently) may help me to get a better idea of your situation.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there is no straight answer for this question because it depends on many factors. First of all in order to receive any kind of treatment (either drugs/supplements or natural ways to fix any kind of disorder), you've got to find out for sure whether you have any disorder or not. Some people may have lower than normal hemoglobin (by the way 13.7 is not so low) without any problem at all.
The first step in evaluation is to check for the following:
- any symptoms you may have (which may help to find out a diagnosis)
- your past test reports to see whether your hemoglobin was similar or not
- relevant medical history (for example history of blood loss due to hemorrhoids or other causes).
The test itself may reveal clues for the diagnosis. Indices like the MCV or MCH may help to suspect iron deficiency or vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency (all of them are common causes of anemia). Specific tests for the aforementioned causes may be needed. Serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and folic acid are essential tests. Depending on the results other tests might be required.
Regarding ways to increase the levels to normal (whatever is normal for your body in particular), the only thing you can do at home is to make sure that your diet is balanced and you receive all the necessary nutrients. You don't have to eat too much of anything, just adopt a balanced diet.
So in conclusion, a healthy diet and proper testing is what you have to do to deal with this result. Uploading the test reports (of this and any other test you've done recently) may help me to get a better idea of your situation.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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