How To Increase Hemoglobin Naturally: Top Foods And Lifestyle Tips

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Kanika
How To Increase Hemoglobin Naturally: Top Foods And Lifestyle Tips

If you're feeling weak or fatigued, low hemoglobin may be the reason. This can result in anemia, a state where your body is not receiving sufficient oxygen. Increasing hemoglobin does not have to be difficult. Prioritize iron-rich foods, the best vitamins for hemoglobin, and natural remedies for anemia or hemoglobin boosting supplements. With a combination of these methods, you can raise hemoglobin levels quickly and regain your energy naturally.

What Is Hemoglobin and Why Is It Important?

Hemoglobin is a protein with a high concentration of iron, located in red blood cells. It has a very crucial role in your body—it transports oxygen from your lungs to all the organs and tissues and returns the carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.

Low hemoglobin indicates your body is not receiving sufficient oxygen. This will cause symptoms of:

  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Weakness

Raising hemoglobin levels is extremely crucial to overall health, particularly for females, children, and individuals suffering from chronic illness.

What Are the Normal Hemoglobin Levels?

Before you begin to increase your hemoglobin, it's beneficial to know what's normal:

  • Men: 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
  • Women: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL
  • Children: 11 to 13 g/dL

If your levels are in this range or below, your physician may tell you that you are anemic and may recommend dietary changes, iron tablets, or additional testing.

What Are the Best Foods to Increase Hemoglobin?

Making the right food choices is perhaps one of the most organic methods of raising hemoglobin. Here are some of the best iron-containing foods and hemoglobin-raising foods that you can include in your daily diet.

1. Leafy Green Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, fenugreek (methi), mustard leaves, and amaranth contain a lot of non-heme iron (vegetable iron). Slight cooking makes their iron more easily absorbed by the body.

2. Pulses and Legumes

Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas are all wonderful plant sources of iron. They are low cost, rich, and easy to add to curries, soups, and salads.

3. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds are good sources of iron, zinc, and magnesium. They are excellent snacks and assist in enhancing hemoglobin levels.

4. Beetroot

Beetroot has been seen to enhance hemoglobin levels quickly. It assists in the creation of red blood cells and is also a rich source of folate, which is vital for healthy blood.

5. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are filled with iron, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. Consuming pomegranate juice or the seeds daily may improve hemoglobin.

6. Dates and Raisins

These fruits are high in iron and convenient to carry around as snacks. A daily serving of a handful can boost your body quickly with iron.

7. Red Meat and Poultry

If you consume meat, red meat such as beef and lamb are rich in heme iron, which is well absorbed by the body. Chicken and turkey are also good options.

8. Fish and Seafood

Fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are good sources of iron and omega-3 fatty acids, which also benefit the heart.

9. Eggs

Eggs contain iron, protein, and vitamin B12, which are all vital for the production of red blood cells.

Which Vitamins Help in Increasing Hemoglobin?

Simply consuming iron-rich foods is not sufficient. Your body also requires some vitamins to absorb and utilize iron effectively.

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C assists your body in absorbing iron, particularly from plant foods. Consume fruits such as oranges, lemons, guavas, strawberries, and tomatoes with iron-rich foods.

2. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Folic acid is necessary for red blood cell formation. Spinach, bananas, avocados, and eggs are good sources of folate.

3. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 aids in the production of red blood cells and the avoidance of anemia. Dairy products, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals are good sources.

4. Vitamin A

Vitamin A aids in iron absorption and enhances immunity. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and mangoes are good sources of vitamin A.

What Are Some Natural Remedies for Anemia?

In addition to diet, a few natural remedies for increasing haemoglobin can also contribute to your blood health:

  • Beetroot juice with lemon – Consume it daily for an iron and vitamin C boost.
  • Jaggery (Gur) – A common remedy in Indian households, jaggery is iron-rich and can be consumed with warm water or as part of food.
  • Copper Water – Drinking overnight water stored in a copper vessel is said to enhance iron levels.
  • Moringa (Drumstick leaves) – A superfood with iron, calcium, and vitamins.

Always consult your doctor before using any home remedy, particularly if you are already taking medicines.

How Can You Raise Hemoglobin Quickly?

If you want to raise hemoglobin quickly, make the following practices a mix:

  • Consume iron-containing foods in each meal (such as green vegetables, beets, dates).
  • Add vitamin C-containing fruits for iron absorption.
  • Take iron tablets if your doctor advises you to.
  • Avoid tea or coffee immediately after meals because they inhibit iron uptake.
  • Drink lots of water, particularly if taking tablet iron.

Do not consume alcohol and cigarette smoke, as they hinder red blood cell formation.

What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Low Hemoglobin?

There are certain foods that cause interference with iron uptake. If you are attempting to increase your hemoglobin, try to avoid:

  • Tea and Coffee – Have tannins that inhibit iron absorption.
  • Dairy Products – Rich in calcium, which competes with iron for absorption.
  • High-fiber cereals or bran – Although healthy, excessive fiber can inhibit iron absorption when consumed along with iron-containing meals.

Consume these at other times and not with your primary iron-containing meals.

Who Is at Risk of Low Hemoglobin?

Certain individuals are likely to develop low hemoglobin and would require special care:

  • Women – Particularly in pregnancy, menstruation, or postpartum.
  • Teenagers and Children – Require additional nutrients during development.
  • Vegetarians/Vegans – Can lose heme iron (animal iron).
  • Individuals suffering from chronic illnesses – Such as kidney disease, cancer, or gastrointestinal problems.
  • Old people – May consume less or absorb less nutrients.

If you are one of these groups, regular visits and a balanced diet are highly necessary.

When Should You Go to the Doctor?

If you always feel tired, pale, or catch your breath easily, speak to your doctor. A quick blood test will examine your hemoglobin levels. Based on the report, your doctor may advise additional tests or courses of treatment.

Do not brush off anemia symptoms, particularly if they're impacting your everyday life.

Conclusion

Low hemoglobin makes you weak and tired, but it doesn't have to be that way. Eat iron-rich foods such as spinach, beets, and dates. Combine them with fruits such as oranges to improve absorption. Avoid tea, coffee, and excessive dairy with meals. Use iron supplements only if your doctor advises you to.

With a few clever food choices and daily routines, you can naturally increase your hemoglobin and feel more energetic. Little steps everyday can lead to big improvements in your health.

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