How to increase hemoglobin at home quickly?

Top foods containing iron

Women should consume at least 18 mg of iron per day, men - 10 mg. The list of products that naturally increase the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood has long been compiled.

The leaders in iron content are the following products (per 100 g):

• Pork liver 20.2 mg;
• Chicken liver 17 mg;
• Dark chocolate 12 mg;
• Oysters 9.2 mg;
• Pumpkin seeds 9 mg;
• Beef liver 7 mg;
• Beef heart 4.8 mg;
• Pork heart 4.1 mg;
• Beef meat 3.6 mg;
• Lamb meat 3.1 mg;
• Pork meat 1.8 mg;
• Chicken meat 1.6 mg;
• Turkey meat 1.4 mg;
• Mussels 6.7 mg;
• Sardines 2.9 mg;
• Chicken yolk 6.7 mg;
• Quail yolk 3.2 mg;
• Beef tongue 4.1 mg;
• Pork tongue 3.2 mg;

You should also include in your diet:

• Pistachios 60 mg;
• Spinach 13.51 mg;
• Lentils 11.8 mg;
• Peas 6.8-9.4 mg;
• Buckwheat 8.3 mg;
• Barley 7.4 mg;
• Oatmeal 5.5 mg;
• Wheat 5.4 mg;
• Peanut 5 mg;
• Dogwood 4.1 mg;
• Cashew 3.8 mg;
• Corn 3.7 mg;
• Pine nuts 3 mg.

The list indicates the amount of iron that is present in 100 grams of the product.

Authorized Products

Nutrition for low hemoglobin is based on the inclusion in the diet of foods containing the maximum amount of iron: internal organs and offal (beef and chicken liver, chicken stomachs and hearts, beef tongue), red meat (beef), meat products (ham, sausage, frankfurters), fish and fish products (caviar, balyk, sprats, sardines), seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid), butter and vegetable oil.

As for dairy products, it is useful to include cheeses, cottage cheese, and fermented milk products in your diet. Soups and all first courses are prepared in strong meat or fish broth. To prepare a side dish with a low iron content, you can use almost all types of cereals, legumes and pasta.

It is recommended to include sufficient quantities of wheat/rye bread and flour products (bakery, baked pies, biscuits) in the diet. All vegetables and fruits are allowed in any culinary processing; it is especially important to include in the diet fruits and vegetables with a high content of ascorbic acid (citrus fruits, rose hips, chokeberries, black currants). The diet should contain various dried fruits - dried apricots, raisins, prunes, figs; seeds and nuts - almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin.

Vegetable and leafy salads are very healthy. Therapeutic nutrition involves the inclusion of sweet foods and dishes made from them (honey, jams, preserves) into the diet. Honey is especially useful. The fructose it contains promotes the absorption of iron in the intestines. It is preferable to consume dark varieties of honey as they contain more copper, iron and manganese. If acidity is low, honey is consumed immediately before meals, and if acidity is high, honey should be consumed 1.5 hours before meals. In the absence of contraindications, you are allowed to eat up to 50 g of honey per day. As for drinks, be sure to include in your diet a decoction of wheat bran and rose hips, vegetable and fruit juices, especially beet juice.

Table of permitted products

Subtleties of increasing hemoglobin

Iron-rich foods are the best way to combat low hemoglobin.

Pomegranate fruits, which have “deposits” of iron, effectively help increase the level of this iron-containing complex protein. The juice made from them is also useful.

Red grape wine is an effective assistant in increasing hemoglobin. However, this drink is prohibited for expectant mothers.

Even a diet menu based on the use of iron-containing dishes does not guarantee success. The production of hemoglobin that occurs in the body depends not only on this substance. You also need to take care of your copper intake.

Pear is a fruit that speeds up the process of restoring healthy levels of iron-containing protein. It is often recommended by doctors for patients suffering from anemia, especially if iron supplements do not produce results.

Honey not only improves the situation with hemoglobin, but also has a restorative effect on the body. It is recommended to eat about 50-70 g of healthy sweets every day.

The absorption of iron will become better if you include foods rich in vitamin C. The best effect is provided by freshly squeezed fruit drinks and citrus fruits. Buckwheat contains folic acid, which activates the process of hematopoiesis. Bananas are recognized as a supplier of vitamin B6, without which hemoglobin cannot be normalized.

There are also a number of long-acting drugs:

• heferol;
• ferrogrademet;
• ferrograd;
• irovit;
• sorbifer durules;
• fefol;
• Tardiferon-retard.

Drugs that are effective for a short period of time are ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate.

Traditional medicine offers its own methods of combating low hemoglobin.

The following recipes will be useful:

• Raisins, prunes, dried apricots and walnuts are taken in equal quantities and mixed thoroughly. The resulting mixture is processed using a meat grinder and supplemented with a small amount of honey. Every day you need to consume this sweet dish in the amount of 6 tablespoons.
• Freshly squeezed carrot juice is effective in increasing hemoglobin; 300-400 ml per day will benefit the body. Beetroot juice is mixed with honey in equal proportions, the mixture is consumed in the amount of 2 tablespoons three times a day.
• Red clover helps normalize the substance. 4 heads of the plant are dissolved in boiling water and infused for half an hour. Treatment lasts for a month, the mixture is consumed half a glass three times a day, preferably taken before meals.
• “Compote” made from fresh juices mixed in equal (100 g) parts effectively helps increase hemoglobin. Necessary juices: apple, carrot, beetroot, pomegranate. You should add 50 g of honey, consume 2 spoons three times a day.
• Blue blackberry (2 parts leaves), mixed with white clasp grass (2 parts), St. John's wort grass (3 parts). Take a tablespoon of the resulting composition and pour it with a glass of boiled water. Infuse the mixture for three hours, take a spoon three times a day for 30 days.

Ayurvedic teachings

To increase hemoglobin, there are natural preparations based on the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda. They contain rare plant extracts that have a general strengthening effect on the body, improve the functioning of internal organs and blood composition.

The most common of them is Chyawanprash. The drug is made in the form of viscous marmalade or jam with a sweetish taste. This is a dietary supplement that contains amla pulp. The fruits are a valuable source of ascorbic and folic acids, other vitamins and minerals. It is recommended to take 1 tbsp. l. every day.

Indian centenarians who preach Ayurvedic teachings believe that the composition of the blood is influenced by a person’s state of mind. Therefore, to increase hemoglobin, it is necessary to regularly clear the mind with the help of meditation and yoga asanas, and practice pranayama breathing exercises.

What vegetables increase hemoglobin?

Beetroot helps to cope most effectively with iron deficiency; it is useful in raw or boiled form. This product ensures the regeneration of iron content, “starts up” red blood cells, and enriches the blood with oxygen. Other vegetables will help increase hemoglobin.

• Carrot. The product is consumed fresh, can be added to salads, and can be boiled.
• Tomato. The vegetable improves blood composition, saturates it with essential elements, and prevents the formation of blood clots. Tomatoes do not lose valuable qualities after heat treatment.
• Potato. The vegetable is saturated not only with iron, but also with other useful elements - calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamins and organic acids. It is included in the menu boiled.
• Zucchini. The product is rich in iron, potassium and magnesium. The vitamin C content helps in the absorption of iron.

All of these vegetables strengthen the body, restore the functioning of the intestines, which makes the fight against low hemoglobin more effective.

Foods High in Lysine

Amino acids are actively involved in the production of hemoglobin. To raise it, it is recommended to eat foods rich in lysine, which accelerates the absorption of iron. This will enable the body to quickly normalize blood composition.

List of plant foods with lysine:

• spinach;
• lentils;
• sprouted wheat sprouts;
• cocoa and chocolate;
• potato;
• soy;
• walnuts, pine and hazelnuts;
• agar-agar.

What fruits increase hemoglobin?

Modern research has found that the first fruit in the fight against iron deficiency is the fresh peach. 4 mg are present in 100 g of fresh product, in dried - about 3 mg. The following fruits are also relevant.

• Quince. Adding 100 g to the menu provides 3 mg of iron.
• Persimmon. Eating 100 g of fruit “gives” the body 2.5 mg of iron.
• Pear. In addition to iron (2.3 mg), the fruit is rich in zinc, manganese, cobalt, copper, and is effective in treating anemia.
• Apple. For a long time it was considered the number one fruit in the list of fruits that increase the concentration of hemoglobin in the body. When fresh, 100 g of apples contain 2.2 mg. The indicators of dried fruits look better - approximately 2.7 times more.
• Pomegranate. By eating 100 g of the product, you can replenish iron reserves by 1 mg. It is also good for its abundance of valuable vitamins.
• Apricot. It is best consumed in dried form, the concentration of essential elements increases. The fresh product is also useful - 0.7 mg. In addition to iron, apricots contain cobalt, manganese, and copper. All these elements together are useful for anemia and activate hemoglobin biosynthesis.
• Kiwi (0.8 mg) and fresh plums (0.5 mg) will be beneficial for the body.
• Watermelon is famous for its high concentration of iron; its consumption can enrich the body with other valuable substances - potassium, vitamins. Not only is the hemoglobin level restored, but also energy increases, and the person gets rid of chronic weakness.

Iron absorption is a process that occurs in the proximal intestine. There are certain foods that contain phytates and phosphates that inhibit it. The solution to the problem will be to include in the menu fruits that activate the absorption of iron and are endowed with vitamin C. The most beneficial will be all citrus fruits, melon, pineapple, and sour apples.

Hemoglobin norm depending on age

The normal level of iron-containing protein depends on several factors. It differs radically depending on the age and gender of a person. Before determining the amount of iron-containing protein in the blood, you need to familiarize yourself with the generally accepted reference values ​​for this indicator.

• middle-aged men - 120-160 g/l;
• middle-aged women - 110-140 g/l;

• children under 6 months - 140-220 g/l;
• children from 6 months to 18 years - 95-140 g/l.

A decrease in hemoglobin levels below critical levels is called iron deficiency anemia and requires treatment. Correction of healthy protein levels can be carried out using medications containing iron or following a special diet.

To verify the reduced value, it is advisable to repeat the home measurement several times.

If all the results indicate a pathologically low level of hemoglobin, you should definitely consult a physician, since anemia can have dangerous consequences for the human body.

Which berries increase hemoglobin?

Berries will also help improve hemoglobin levels when levels are low. You should definitely eat cranberries and black currants; the products are healthy not only fresh, but also frozen. Cranberries can be mixed with sugar. Strawberries, strawberries and blueberries are also recommended for iron deficiency.

A berry that is useful for anemia and anemia is rowan. To achieve the effect, you must eat at least a tablespoon daily.

Harm from iron-containing drugs

Medicines help to quickly increase hemoglobin. The tablets are prescribed by a doctor after examination and diagnosis of anemia. But they have contraindications and side effects.

Harm of anti-anemia pills:

• overdose is possible;
• intoxication of the body;
• inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
• increased load on the heart;
• growth of pathogenic microflora in the gastrointestinal tract;
• high probability of the formation of malignant tumors.

Which nuts increase hemoglobin?

Of the nuts that are used in the fight against low hemoglobin, walnuts are the most useful. The product contains iron, potassium, magnesium, cobalt, and a large number of vitamins. This composition allows it to stimulate the process of synthesis of the necessary substance and have a strengthening effect on a weakened body.

Eating nuts in combination with raisins is beneficial for hemoglobin. Half a glass of raisins is soaked in water for 2 hours. Then the water is drained, the raisins are mixed with walnuts (20 g is enough). The dish is divided into three servings, the approximate volume of each serving is a couple of tablespoons.

You can also try a combination of nuts with cranberries and honey. All these elements are mixed using a blender.

Fresh juices

Store-bought juices will not be useful in the battle with low hemoglobin; only natural products will be useful. Freshly squeezed drinks are perfectly absorbed and are rich in a huge number of vitamins. During the treatment process, it is worth preparing them two to three times a day and using them immediately after preparation.

Champions for eliminating iron deficiency in the body: carrot, apple, beet juice. Other freshly squeezed foods will also benefit.

• Fresh zucchini juice mixed with carrot or potato juice is extremely beneficial. It activates intestinal peristalsis, has a calming effect, and promotes the absorption of iron thanks to potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.
• Potato (freshly squeezed) juice helps solve the problem of low hemoglobin. The drink is drunk 30 minutes before a meal; it is enough to take about half a glass 2-3 times a day. Red potatoes are optimal for making juice.
• The benefits of pomegranate juice, once popular as a drink that restores iron levels in the body, are disputed by modern medicine. It is believed to cause constipation and a number of other side effects.

Carrot

Carrot juice has long been used to improve hemoglobin synthesis in the body. To restore the process, you need to drink about 2-3 glasses a day, about half an hour before meals (or an hour after meals).

Excellent results will be provided by a drink prepared from freshly squeezed juices of beets, carrots and radishes. To improve the situation with hemoglobin and increase the concentration of iron in the blood, the composition is taken in the amount of 2 tablespoons per day, treatment lasts a month.

In order for carrot juice to be better “perceived” by the body, you should eat sour cream (in a small amount) before drinking it, so the valuable components will be better absorbed.

Beetroot

Beets are a useful product for low hemoglobin, especially effective in the form of freshly squeezed juice. Good results are ensured by consuming a mixture of carrot and beetroot drinks, the recommended proportion is 2:1.

Beetroot juice should not be taken in large quantities due to its increased biological activity. The drink may have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes. Therefore, you should drink it exclusively in combination with soft formulations, not exceeding a dose of half a glass per day (divided into several doses). You should definitely keep the freshly prepared mixture in the refrigerator for 3 hours in an open container.

Apple

Unlike beet and carrot juice, which do not have an attractive taste in their pure form, apple juice is a tasty medicine. To enrich the body with iron, you can use it either alone or in combination with the juice of other vegetables (carrots, beets).

For example, you can prepare a drink by taking a quarter glass of carrot juice, a quarter of beet juice, and half of apple juice. The thoroughly mixed mixture is consumed twice a day.

All of the above products are not only effective tools for increasing hemoglobin, but also preventing problems associated with it. They should be included in the menu of pregnant women and children, if there are no contraindications.

Reviews and results

• “... I periodically go on this diet, because due to heavy periods my hemoglobin level is low. As a rule, after a month of dietary nutrition and taking iron supplements, everything returns to normal”;
• “... After a long stay on a mono-diet and the development of anemia, the doctor prescribed a therapeutic diet and said that although dietary nutrition for anemia is an important stage of treatment, it is not able to independently compensate for the iron deficiency in the body. Therefore, he prescribed iron tablets.”

Products for better absorption of iron

Iron is one of the most important elements necessary for normal hematopoiesis and human life. The body receives it along with everyday meals. Complete absorption of dietary iron depends on the presence of certain foods.

Products with vitamin C

An increase in foods rich in vitamin C in the diet allows you to fully absorb non-heme iron contained in legumes, nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.

Thanks to chemical reactions, the microelement is preserved in the form most suitable for absorption.

High concentrations of vitamin C are found in citrus fruits, sweet peppers, melon, strawberries, black currants, and dark green leafy vegetables.

According to one study, taking 100 mg of vitamin C with meals stimulates iron absorption by 67%! [1]

Based on these results, we can recommend drinking orange juice or other foods rich in vitamin C for better absorption of dietary iron.

Vegetables rich in vitamin C are a must for vegetarian or vegan dieters. They are essential for optimal absorption of iron found in various plant foods.

Foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A

The introduction of foods containing vitamin A into the diet is necessary to maintain visual acuity, maintain bone density, growth in children, and ensure full immunity. Vitamin A is converted in the human body from beta-carotene, which comes with foods.

Unsaturated hydrocarbon carotene is characterized as a powerful natural antioxidant. Oranges, peaches, red peppers, apricots, melon, pumpkin, cabbage, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes are the best sources of beta carotene and vitamin A.

In one experiment, 100 subjects were given a grain-based diet supplemented with vitamin A for several weeks. The results showed that the absorption of iron from rice was increased by 200%, from wheat by 80%, and from corn by 140%. [2]

The introduction of beta-carotene into the daily diet allows you to optimize the absorption of iron from rice by 300%, and from corn and wheat by 180%.

Meat, poultry and fish

Meat, fish and poultry contain a high content of easily digestible heme iron. In addition, the products actively promote non-heme absorption.

Numerous medical and dietary studies suggest that the introduction of fish, chicken or beef into grain flour promotes active absorption of plant iron, more than doubling. Introducing a small amount of meat into the diet—75 grams—can increase the absorption of the non-heme form of iron by almost 2.5 times. [3]

One observation showed that just one gram of fish, meat or poultry has almost the same stimulating effect as one gram of vitamin C.

You can increase the absorption of iron from food by eating foods rich in vitamins C, A, or beta-carotene. Introducing meat, poultry and fish into the diet helps not only to get enough heme iron, but also to fully absorb the non-heme form.

Superfoods

In modern dietetics, a term has appeared that combines products containing maximum concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Eating superfoods brings only benefits to the body. They are recommended to be eaten separately or added to ready-made dishes.

Super healthy products:

1. Cocoa.

   
   Beans contain most of the biochemical compounds necessary for the full development of the body. In addition to increasing hemoglobin, it acts as an antidepressant. Due to the large amount of magnesium, iron and other substances, it improves myocardial function and prevents hemorrhages or cerebral hypoxia. Regulates blood pressure and strengthens hair and nails.

2. Goji berries.

   
   This unique exotic product contains substances that are not found in other foods of plant origin. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, amino acids and vitamins strengthen the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, and help burn fat and bad cholesterol.

3. Wheat sprouts.

   
   Sprouted young greens contain a high concentration of minerals and vitamins. They are used to prepare tonic drinks and add them to food. They improve the quality of blood, normalize blood pressure, and promote the removal of toxins from the body. Regular consumption helps keep hair and skin beautiful.

4. Chia seeds.

   
   Proteins, omega-3s, amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins nourish the body, maintaining health and youth. Superfood acts comprehensively - strengthens the immune system, fights pathogens, and increases hemoglobin levels.

5. Spirulina.

   
   Record holder among plant products for the content of minerals, amino acids and vitamins in an easily digestible form. Helps fight depression and excess weight, improves blood composition, promotes the elimination of toxic and carcinogenic substances.

6. Turmeric.

   
   An aromatic spice is added to food and drinks to improve brain function, strengthen the nervous system, and increase hemoglobin.

7. Sesame seeds. Rich in folic acid, magnesium, iron. Used in baked goods and ready meals.

Foods that limit iron absorption

Foods can either stimulate iron absorption or inhibit its absorption.

Foods that contain phytates

Whole grains, cereals, soy, nuts and legumes contain a specific component - phytic acid or phytate. The intake of even a small amount of phytate into the body has an inhibitory effect on the absorption of iron.

During a medical experiment, subjects were offered 2 mg of phytate in foods. It turned out that even this amount reduces iron absorption by 18%. When 250 mg of phytate enters the body, about 82% of iron is not absorbed. [4]

If circumstances require the consumption of foods containing phytic acid, meat, fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C should be introduced into the diet. These measures will help improve the absorption of the non-heme form of iron.

Calcium rich foods

Calcium is the main material for the mineralization and health of bone tissue. We must not forget that it affects the absorption of iron. Calcium intake from dairy products or food additives inhibits these mechanisms.

Observational results show that consuming 165 mg of calcium in the form of milk, cheese or active supplements inhibits the absorption of any type of iron by more than 50-60%. The data obtained concerned doctors who recommend calcium to children, women, and patients with iron deficiency. [5]

Analysis of the studies revealed their short-term nature, carried out with a single use. Other, longer-term observations have shown that calcium in the form of supplements or from dairy products does not inhibit absorption.

To ensure maximum absorption of iron, you should not combine calcium-containing foods with iron-containing foods. It is best to consume them at different times of the day. The same rule applies to active supplements with calcium and iron.

Products with polyphenols

In the everyday diet, polyphenols are present in tea and coffee. In addition, active compounds can be found in plant foods, fruits, vegetables, grains or legumes.

Widely consumed tea and coffee, which contain a fairly high concentration of polyphenols, inhibit the absorption of the plant form of iron. A medical study has shown that one cup of black tea with a meal can suppress iron absorption by 60-70%. It is important to note that the non-concentrated drink has the same effect. If tea is taken between meals, the mechanism of inhibition of iron absorption is no more than 20%.

If you like tea or coffee, it is best to drink a cup 1-2 hours after eating iron-rich foods. This method of taking drinks containing polyphenols will help ensure optimal absorption of iron in any form.

Pros and cons of eating meat dishes

Meat and liver contain proteins, amino acids, minerals and vitamins that are easily absorbed by the body. Some of them cannot be obtained from plant foods, which is why vegetarianism has many opponents. But there are also disadvantages to meat dishes. It is believed that animal products are difficult to digest due to the fact that this is not inherent in nature, and human enzymes are “tuned” to plant foods.

After eating meat, an increased concentration of air is formed in the intestines, the person feels discomfort and heaviness. If you overuse fatty varieties - pork, lamb, or constantly cook dishes with a lot of oil, the level of cholesterol in the blood increases. This leads to atherosclerosis, obesity, and various inflammatory processes.