The term "hemoglobin" refers to an iron-containing protein that performs a large number of important functions in the body. With its deviation from the norm in a smaller direction, it is customary to talk about anemia. This is a pathological process that negatively affects the work of all internal organs. In this regard, many people are puzzled by how to quickly and effectively raise hemoglobin in the blood. It is possible to normalize the concentration of iron-containing protein at home, simply by adjusting the diet. However, doctors still recommend contacting a medical institution to find out the cause of the development of anemia. Specialists will conduct diagnostic measures and, based on their results, will prescribe highly effective drugs.
Hemoglobin: concept, functions
Complex protein is found in red blood cells. Its low concentration is also present in plasma in free form. Normally, a single red blood cell can hold approximately 400 million molecules of iron-containing protein.
Hemoglobin is directly involved in many vital processes:
- It carries oxygen from the lungs to each cell of the human body and carries carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. Accordingly, a lack of hemoglobin always leads to a dangerous condition - hypoxia.
- Maintains acid-base balance in the body. Hemoglobin has unique properties, which is why it is he who is the key link in the blood buffer system. Iron-containing protein binds acidic compounds and removes them from the body. Thanks to this, acidosis does not develop. The latter is a dangerous condition in which blood and tissues are acidified. In the lungs, hemoglobin, in contrast, prevents the alkalization process.
- The first to take the blow in case of intoxication. Methemoglobin (a derivative of iron-containing protein) firmly binds toxic compounds, including hydrocyanic acid. Due to this, the degree of intoxication of the body is significantly reduced.
Thus, when anemia occurs, everyone should know how to raise hemoglobin in the blood. Ignoring the alarming signs often leads to consequences that pose a danger not only to health, but also to human life.
Low hemoglobin: causes
The concentration of iron protein depends on gender and age. In addition, it changes in women during pregnancy. The process of updating hemoglobin is inextricably linked with the life cycle of the red blood cell to which it is attached. On average, it takes about 120 days. After this period, red blood cells together with iron-containing proteins are transferred to the liver, where they are cleaved. After this, the synthesis process starts again, and hemoglobin joins the free red blood cell.
Thus, the concentration of iron-containing protein varies for natural reasons. Normally, in the blood of women should contain 120 g / l of hemoglobin and higher, in the liquid connective tissue of men - from 130 to 160 g / l.
The main reasons for reducing the concentration of iron-containing protein:
- Pregnancy. During the period of gestation, the volume of circulating blood increases significantly, and the process of assimilation of iron worsens due to gastrointestinal tract disorders and toxicosis.
- Unbalanced diet. Many people who were interested in what food should be to increase hemoglobin are surprised to note that dietary adjustments did not help normalize the level of iron-containing protein. It is important to know that it is necessary to eat those foods that contribute to its assimilation. It is necessary to exclude from the menu everything that interferes with the absorption of iron.
- The presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, helminthic invasions. Similar problems also impede the absorption of iron by the body.
- Blood loss. They can pose a threat to life and health or be harmless (a vivid example is menstruation or blood donation for analysis).
If there are signs of iron deficiency (weakness, fatigue, deterioration in the quality of hair and nails, disorders of the internal organs), you need to contact a therapist. The doctor will find out the cause of the development of anemia and tell you how to raise hemoglobin in the blood.
Sorbifer Durules
In order to normalize the level of iron-containing protein, doctors often prescribe medications. Sorbifer Durules is a modern and effective drug for hemoglobin. The active components of the drug are: ferrous iron, ascorbic acid and anhydrous sulfate.
The main indication for use is the presence of anemia or its prevention. Against the background of intake, the lack of iron is compensated, and ascorbic acid contributes to its maximum absorption in the intestine.
The dosage regimen is determined by the attending physician. Unless the specialist has indicated otherwise, the information reflected in the abstract should be taken as the basis. According to the instructions, tablets should be consumed at least half an hour before a meal. For the prevention of anemia, it is necessary to take 1 pill per day, for treatment - 2.
Ferrum Lek
This medication is also antianemic. It is available in the form of tablets and syrup.
"Ferrum Lek" is a drug whose active component is a complex compound of iron. It is stable and has a large molecular weight, due to which the signs of anemia quickly and effectively disappear.
It is necessary to take the drug during the meal or immediately after its completion. In this case, the tablets can be chewed and swallowed whole. The dosage regimen is determined by the attending physician based on the results of a patient’s blood test.
"Ferrum Lek" - this is what can raise hemoglobin in the blood, even in infants. However, initially it is necessary to exclude the possibility of anemia that is not associated with a lack of iron (for example, megaloblastic or hemolytic).
Maltofer
This medication is also antianemic. Its composition is represented by a complex compound of iron. "Maltofer" is what raises hemoglobin in the blood very quickly. The effectiveness of the medication has been proven by numerous clinical studies.
According to the instructions, Maltofer is indicated both for latent iron deficiency and severe anemia. In addition, as part of the prevention of the disease, pregnant and lactating women, children, the elderly, blood donors, as well as vegetarians can take it (hemoglobin obtained from plant foods is rather poorly absorbed by the body).
The dosage of the drug depends on the degree of iron deficiency. Doctors usually prescribe 1 to 3 tablets per day.
Totem
The drug is available in the form of a solution. Its active components are: iron, copper, manganese. All active substances are presented in the form of gluconate.
Indications for use of the drug:
- The presence of iron deficiency anemia.
- Prevention of hemoglobin reduction in people at high risk (children, pregnant women, the elderly).
It is necessary to take the drug before eating food. It is necessary to tear off a piece of cardboard from the packaging along the marked line, bend it in half and gently break off the head of the ampoule. The solution must then be poured into a glass of water or any other soft drink.
The dosage regimen is also determined by the doctor. As a rule, for the treatment of anemia, it is enough to take the contents of 2-4 ampoules per day.
Hematogen
Almost everyone knows that this sweet bar is something that can raise hemoglobin in the blood.
"Hematogen" is a dietary supplement, which first saw the light in 1890. Initially, it was produced in the form of a mixture, the active component of which was bovine blood. The tool was so effective that it became widespread almost instantly. After the revolution, “Hematogen” could be purchased in Russia.
After the Second World War, it was decided to produce dietary supplements in the form of solid tiles. For several decades now, they have not added whole bovine blood to them; this technology has been declared obsolete.
The composition of the "Hematogen" according to GOST:
- Black food albumin - from 4 to 5%.
- Condensed milk with sugar - from 30 to 33%.
- Starch syrup - from 18 to 23%.
- Vanillin - from 0.01 to 0.015%.
- Sugar - 40%.
However, the composition of the Hematogen does not always comply with GOST. According to the law, manufacturers are entitled to make adjustments to the traditional recipe. Many use various additives. In this regard, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the composition before buying, albumin protein must be present in it.
Iron rich foods
If anemia is the result of an unbalanced diet, it is enough to make adjustments to the diet. With regards to how you can raise hemoglobin in the blood. The list of products is very impressive. Doctors recommend initially including in the diet those that contain the maximum amount of iron.
The following products will help to quickly raise hemoglobin at home:
- Halva. To the surprise of many, it is this sweetness that contains a large amount of iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. Doctors recommend giving preference to tahini halva. 100 g of sweets contains approximately 50 mg of iron. In sunflower halva - 33 mg.
- Meat and offal. It is important to remember that iron contained in food of animal origin is well absorbed by the body (by 20% or more). That is why anemia is not uncommon among vegetarians. Iron contained in plant foods is absorbed by only 5%. To quickly raise hemoglobin at home, you must include veal, beef, rabbit, tongue and liver on the menu. Doctors recommend purchasing fresh meat and not heat it for too long. To increase hemoglobin, beef liver or pork, tongue or tenderloin should be consumed in an amount of 100 g daily.
- Dried mushrooms. This is an excellent tool that helps to normalize the hematopoiesis system. 100 g of dried mushrooms contain about 30 mg of iron. Doctors say that consuming 50 g of this product per day will quickly get rid of signs of anemia.
- Seafood. Shrimp, squid, shellfish and scallops are products that are recommended to be included in the diet. They not only contribute to an increase in hemoglobin concentration, but also positively affect the work of most internal organs.
- Wheat bran. They contain about 15 mg of iron and B vitamins, which are directly involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. The maximum daily dosage is 30 g. It can not be exceeded, so as not to provoke the occurrence of disorders of the digestive system.
- Beet. 30 ml of juice per day will significantly increase hemoglobin levels. In addition, this fluid contains proteins, vitamins and amino acids, which positively affect the hematopoiesis system. It is important to know that it is better to breed beetroot juice with carrot or apple juice. In addition, before use, it must be kept in the refrigerator for half an hour.
- Honey. Valuable product containing not only iron, but also a combination of minerals that contribute to its maximum absorption. Doctors recommend giving preference to honeydew, heather and buckwheat honey. 2-3 tablespoons per day is enough to increase hemoglobin.
- Nuts. Especially with anemia, walnuts are useful. To increase hemoglobin, nuts can be eaten in pure form or chopped and mixed with raisins or honey.
What other foods need to be included in the diet:
- Chicken eggs
- Brewer's yeast.
- Stickoku.
- Cooked broccoli.
- Chicken meat.
- Potatoes.
- Peaches.
- Legumes.
- Green salad.
- Buckwheat
- Tomatoes
- Cocoa.
- Wheat flour products.
- Pasta.
- Apples
- Almond.
- Semolina.
Those interested in how to quickly raise hemoglobin in the blood, you need to know that for the human body the most valuable is ferrous and ferrous. The first is absorbed better by the intestines. In products there may be both the first and second options. But if, after adjusting the diet, the hemoglobin concentration does not increase, you must consult a doctor who will help you choose an effective drug.
Products that promote and inhibit the absorption of iron
As mentioned above, protein levels can be significantly increased by just adjusting the diet. However, it is not recommended to eat foods that interfere with the absorption of iron.
These include:
- Milk and dairy products. If it is difficult to refuse them, it is necessary to consume them and food containing iron at different times.
- Coffee. At the time of treatment, it is recommended to replace it with cocoa.
- Black tea. You can replace it with green.
- Cereals. They bind iron in the intestine and interfere with its absorption. Doctors recommend eating meat without bread. It is also incompatible with cereals and pasta. As a side dish, it is better to choose vegetables, beans, green peas.
The absorption of iron can be significantly increased if you use foods rich in vitamin C (grapefruit, lemon, tangerines, green onions, etc.). In addition, doctors recommend drinking cabbage pickle, tomato and orange freshly squeezed juices, as well as water with lemon juice.
Additionally, you can take folic acid and vitamin B 12 . These substances contribute to better absorption of iron.
Finally
Hemoglobin is a complex protein that is part of red blood cells. This iron-containing compound performs many vital functions in the body, in particular, it is responsible for the acid-base balance and oxygen delivery to each cell of the body. In addition, it binds poisons and thereby reduces the rate of intoxication in case of poisoning.
Low levels of hemoglobin pose a risk to health, and severe anemia - to life. The first signs of a deviation in the level of iron-containing protein from the norm are: constant weakness, fatigue, deterioration of the skin, hair and nails. With severe anemia, hypoxia occurs, that is, the functioning of all internal organs is disrupted.
If the first symptoms occur, consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct diagnostic measures and tell you how to quickly raise hemoglobin in the blood.