The level of hemoglobin in the blood is one of the most significant indicators of human health, which is a complex protein that is part of red blood cells. Hemoglobin relies on the responsibility for supplying oxygen to all tissues and organs. Lack of iron in the body leads to a decrease in the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, which leads to an active decrease in all metabolic processes, as well as to a decrease in physical endurance.
Low hemoglobin levels are accompanied by poor health, weakness and lethargy, and the skin becomes tight and too dry. All this is explained by the fact that the body is not saturated with oxygen to the extent that it is necessary. The hemoglobin level is easily determined by passing a special blood test.
Often, a decrease in hemoglobin occurs along with the loss of an important trace mineral - iron. Quite often there is a disease called iron deficiency anemia, in other words - anemia, which today worries about 90% of women! This indicator is shocking, but at the same time, calls for a more attentive approach to health.
Naturally, it would be more accurate to protect yourself in advance from the occurrence of such diseases than to subsequently treat it. For this, prevention is appropriate, in which the principles of proper nutrition play a leading role. It is necessary to monitor your daily diet, because it should include at least 20 mg of iron in its content (for pregnant women - at least 30 mg). The amount of hemoglobin has an extremely close relationship with the gender and age of a person.
For men, women, children, an individual norm of hemoglobin level is established. So, the normal level of hemoglobin:
- men - 135-175 g / l;
- women - 125-155 g / l;
- children under 10 years old and pregnant women - 110-135 g / l.
For women, the problem of lowered hemoglobin levels is more significant than for men, because every month a woman loses part of the iron, which must be properly and fully replenished. The female body consumes incoming iron twice as fast as the male!
It is also important to follow a diet, which should be expressed in the correct selection of food products. First of all, you need meat (preferably veal), since it contains a fairly large percentage of iron. Fish and liver are also rich in iron, which will only beneficially affect the body.
Fresh vegetables are also healthy, but only in conjunction with meat dishes. We can say that these products to some extent complement each other's work. Vitamin C, which is found in fresh vegetables, assimilates the beneficial enzymes of meat dishes and fish, thereby the body is effectively supplied with iron.
After eating such food, it’s not out of place to drink a glass of orange juice, it will double the amount of assimilated iron. Hemoglobin levels increase honey, especially dark varieties.
Legumes and cereals contain significant doses of iron and copper (copper also positively affects this process). Often, the regular use of such cereals can prevent iron deficiency anemia, however, do not forget that these products include phosphorus compounds, which greatly interfere with the absorption of iron. In order to avoid this, you can simply sprout or soak legumes, cereals.
You should not abuse coffee and even tea (regardless of type), because they contain tannins, which very much “dull” the body’s ability to absorb iron, which is contained in other consumed products. It is better to drink clean water, juice, compote.
If you monitor your health, and just eat right, gradually the level of hemoglobin in the blood normalizes.