How to increase low hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin also abbreviated as Hb or Hgb is a iron containing protein molecule which is present inside the red blood cells (RBCs). Each molecule of hemoglobin consists of four heme groups which surround a globin group which further consists of two linked pairs of polypeptide chains.

How does Hemoglobin works?

It transports oxygen from respiratory organs such as lungs or gills (in aquatic organisms) to the tissues present throughout the body and releases oxygen, permitting aerobic respiration and thus provides energy to the cells which is called metabolism.

It also facilitates transport of other gases like carbon dioxide, nitric oxide etc. Carbon dioxide is bound to the globin molecule as carbaminohemoglobin and is carried by the hemoglobin molecules to release it at the same time as oxygen. An important regulatory molecule nitric oxide is also carried by hemoglobin by binding it to the globin molecule.

Hemoglobin Structure:

Hemoglobin structure consists of two pairs of polypeptide chains called as globin chains.
Heme is attached to each of the four chains which is an iron complex.

Normal Hemoglobin Levels

Normal hemoglobin range:

For men: 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter
For women: 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter

Blood Test: CBC Complete Blood Count test

Low Hemoglobin Symptoms

Maintaining normal hemoglobin levels in the blood is very important for every individual irrespective of age. Low levels of hemoglobin creates a deficiency of iron in the red blood cells which leads to anemia.

Now-a-days a large number of population is facing the problem of low hemoglobin levels which causes a lot of trouble to the people. Some of the common symptoms related to low hemoglobin levels are as follows:

Fatigue
Pale skin
Weakness
Dizziness
Short of breath
Craving to eat non edible things like dirt, clay etc
Soreness
Swollen tongue
Cold limbs
brittle nails
irregular heartbeat
headache
Unwellness

Causes of Low Hemoglobin levels

Low hemoglobin levels are caused by a deficiency of iron in the blood. If your diet is deficient in iron then you are at a risk of suffering from anemia.

Iron deficiency
Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Folate deficiency
Excessive blood loss through bleeding
Leukemia
Kidney or liver problem
Hyperthyrodism
Thalassemia (genetic disorder causing low hemoglobin levels)

Causes of High Hemoglobin levels

Polycythemia vera ( production of too many red blood cells by bone marrow)
Dehydration
Lung problems
Living at high altitude
Smoking and alcohol
Vomiting
Extreme physical exercise