Laboratory blood tests can talk about what is happening in the human body. There are a number of diseases that may not be felt for a long time, and only a blood test can alert the therapist. For example, low hemoglobin in men, the reasons for the decline of which may indicate a wide variety of pathologies. That is why it is so important to undergo a full medical examination at least once a year.
What is hemoglobin?
First of all, it is a specific protein that is found in red blood cells - red blood cells. Its amount indicates the degree of saturation of the body with oxygen. The main element of hemoglobin is iron. Its amount depends on the food containing this element, and special additives (vitamins and minerals) that contribute to its absorption. Oxygen contained in cells is an element necessary for oxidative processes, without which energy production would not be possible.
Drowsiness and weakness, decreased performance and fatigue - all this can provoke low hemoglobin in men. The reasons can be attributed to seasonal depression and not take any action. However, this can lead to other consequences: the hair and nails become brittle, the complexion fades, barbs and cracks appear in the corners of the lips.
Norm indicators
To begin with, it is worth noting that the level of hemoglobin in the blood in men is much higher than the same indicator in women. The fact is that a strong half of humanity regularly experiences great physical exertion, which means that they need more oxygen to release energy. The norm for men in adulthood is 130-170 grams per 1 liter of blood. In older people, this figure is slightly lower - 117-138 g / l. For example, low hemoglobin in an elderly man is not a cause for concern.
There are a number of factors that affect minor deviations from the norm, up or down. So, for example, among smokers and those who live at high altitudes, this figure can always be increased. The reason for this is the compensation for the lack of oxygen. Low hemoglobin in men, the causes of which are formed even as a result of malnutrition, can be observed in old age, as well as due to some other factors.
Diet
A slight decrease in hemoglobin in men, women and children can be observed due to malnutrition, or rather, the use of foods not saturated with iron. Therefore, when the indicator drops below the norm, it is recommended to review your diet and include products such as:
- Beef or rabbit meat.
- Beef heart and tongue.
- Some bean crops.
- Seafood.
- Eggs and white poultry.
- Buckwheat.
- Garnet.
- Carrots, beets and other red-green vegetables.
- Vitamin C-rich apples and berries. They help the body absorb iron.
When cooking beef or rabbit meat, it is important not to overdo it with the processing process. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures contributes to the destruction of iron in foods. Steamed meat or liver.
Other reasons
Inadequate physical activity or a prolonged lack of fresh air also provokes low hemoglobin in men. The reasons for the deviation from the norm depend not only on nutrition and lifestyle. There are a number of specific factors that you should pay attention to. What else can low hemoglobin in men indicate?
Causes and consequences:
- Some diseases of the stomach and, as a consequence, thinning of the walls.
- Blood vessel slagging negatively affects the digestibility of nutrients.
- Some blood diseases.
- The formation of malignant tumors.
- Hidden blood loss. Some pathological processes can lead to intracavitary hemorrhage. As a result of this, a sharp decrease in hemoglobin levels is observed.
- Donation - frequent blood donation does not always positively affect the body.
Based on the results of the tests, the therapist cannot immediately understand what is the reason for the low hemoglobin in the blood in men, but further medical examination will help to accurately diagnose it.
Effects
A high level of hemoglobin may indicate cardiac pathology, dehydration and a lack of oxygen in the blood. It should be understood that constant deviations from the norm indicators - an alarming sign.
So, one of the signs of anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. This is a very serious disease, which is better not to joke. In any case, only the doctor will be able to diagnose the exact cause of the deviations from the norm. If there is a slight decrease in indicators, a diet rich in iron can be indicated, and special food supplements - vitamin B12 and folic acid. In especially advanced cases, the patient may be prescribed intravenous infusions and injections.
What should I look for?
Why is low hemoglobin dangerous? Causes and treatment in men do not differ significantly from women. Symptoms that indicate a deviation from the norm:
- Asthenic signs. Sleep impairment, fatigue, decreased performance, dizziness and fainting, severe weakness.
- Dystrophic signs. The appearance of barbs and cracks in the corners of the lips, brittleness and dryness of hair, exfoliating nails, dry skin and pale skin color, taste and smell disturbances.
Most often, these symptoms occur in spring or autumn, when the human body suffers from a lack of vitamins. That is why, for the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend taking vitamin complexes that contain iron in their composition, as well as timely passing all tests in order to monitor the state of health.
Hemoglobin increase at home
It is important to review your diet, consult a physician for diet foods rich in iron. Good in this regard helps black caviar. Of course, such a diet will most likely lead to a depletion of the family budget, so you can replace it with other seafood, which also contain iron in large quantities.
Dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins, walnuts), honey and lemon are the best recipe for a folk remedy that helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Rosehip tea, cranberries, grated with walnuts and honey, as well as pomegranate juice, chicken and beef liver, buckwheat, cabbage and dill - all these products contain iron in their composition, and there are a huge number of them. Therefore, to develop a diet "iron" diet is not at all difficult.