What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein molecule found in red blood cells of all living organisms, especially in vertebrates. The pigment imparts the red color to the RBCs and the blood. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to tissues and returns the carbon dioxide to the lungs.

Normal Range of Hemoglobin:

The normal range for hemoglobin in human body: 

For Women:  12.1 to 15.1 gm/dl

For Men:  13.8   to 17.2 gm/dl

For Children:  11 to 16 gm/dl

For Pregnant women:  11 to 15.1 gm/dl. 

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin

Low Hemoglobin signs and symptoms includes:

·         Dizziness

·         Fatigue

·         Pale skin and gums

·         Irregular Heartbeat

·         Troubled Breathing

·         Pounding in the ears

If you have any of the above-mentioned signs, please consult a doctor.

     If your test reveals of low hemoglobin count, you are more likely to go for more testing to

     determine the cause.

What happens if hemoglobin decreases?

A slightly low Hemoglobin count is not always a concern of illness. It is normal for a few people or conditions. Women that are in menstrual periods and Pregnant women commonly have low blood counts.

If the hemoglobin counts drop more than normal level, then it is a risk factor that may be indicative for any underlying diseases. Here are a few listed diseases that are likely to be detected, in case of low hemoglobin count.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia is the most common type of all. Iron deficiency in the human body leads to such illness. Your bone marrow requires an adequate amount of bone marrow to make hemoglobin, thus the oxygen supply to organs decreases due to the absence of hemoglobin in RBCs.

Pregnancy-Related Anemia During pregnancy and Childbirth body needs a significant amount of iron. In case of malnutrition or improper diet, the presence of hemoglobin in red blood cells decreases.

Vitamin-Deficiency Anemia caused by the changed shape of Red Blood Cells due to the low levels of nutrients like Vitamin B12 or folic acid in the diet. The changed shape of RBCs is less effective.

Sickle Cell Anemia is a condition where the hemoglobin protein is abnormal in your body.This means it makes the red blood cells sickle-shaped or rigid, and they cannot flow through small blood vessels causing illness to different parts of the human body.

Aplastic Anemia is an illness when the body stops producing new blood cells. This disorder occurs when the new blood cells produced in the bone marrow are attacked by the immune system of the body.

Prevention

To treat the low hemoglobin level, one must find the definitive cause behind it. You should be

thoroughly diagnosed if the disorder caused is due to improper diet or serious health issues. 

Iron deficiency is usually treated by using iron-rich foods or iron supplements prescribed by medical

professionals. There are a few foods that are advised in such conditions, such as:

·         Dark, Leafy Greens (Spinach, kale etc.)

·         Kidney Beans

·         Whole Wheat Bread

·         Eggs

·         Shrimp

·         Fish

·         Nuts and Dried Fruits

Takeway

You can boost your hemoglobin level through dietary changes and iron supplements. Consult a medical professional for proper dosage.

If the hemoglobin level remains low, one must seek medical attention for better diagnostics and treatment.