Posted by Seminal Wellness Team on 8/6/2023 to
News
The blood's vital components include plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. But, there's one tie for all these vital components—hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells, which transports oxygen. However, hemoglobin's value spans way beyond the red blood cells. Hemoglobin supplies the air that is required for cell generation, cell repair, and optimized organ functioning throughout the body (Abbaspour, Hurrell, & Kelishadi, 2014; Friar, 2017; Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d). Let's see why hemoglobin is so critical.
Hemoglobin's Role
Hemoglobin's primary component, iron—which grants blood its red color—enables it to capture oxygen from the air we're breathing, and distribute it through the body. For proper oxygen distribution though, hemoglobin must be at an adequate level. The optimal hemoglobin range is 14.0 grams per deciliter (14 gm/dL) to 17.5gm/dL for men, while it is 12.3gm/dL to 15.3gm/dL for women (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Along with its role as an oxygen transporter, hemoglobin has other functions including transducing heat (converting heat into usable energy) through its oxygenation-deoxygenation cycle; regulating erythrocyte—the red blood cell that carries hemoglobin and carries it throughout the body—metabolism; minimizing oxidation, which can damage cells, as a result of erythrocyte senescence or degradation; heightening genetic resistance to malaria and similar diseases; maintaining physiological activity amid consumption of drugs and antivirals; and providing active catabolites, a product of a metabolic process that yields the release of energy due to the breakdown of proteins, fats, and other nutrients in an organism (Badior & Casey, 2017; Giardina, Messana, & Castagnola, 1995). Just as importantly, after delivering oxygen, hemoglobin becomes a magnet for carbon dioxide (among the body's waste products), returning it to the lungs and facilitating carbon dioxide's release upon exhalation. However, a low hemoglobin level can compromise these processes, and lead to deleterious effects. Fatigue and weakness, and even tachycardia (increased heart rate)—particularly, in the instance of concordant anemia—are potential consequences of inadequate hemoglobin (Holzner, Kemmel, & Greil, 2002; Mayo Clinic, 2022). As can be discerned, hemoglobin is a cornerstone of respiration, metabolism, immunity, and overall physiology.
Hemoglobin and Platelets
Hemoglobin is also instrumental to the formation of platelets, the clotting mechanism in the body, which, according to recent studies (Koupenova, Livada, & Morrell, 2022; Mandel et al., 2022; Scherlinger, Richez, Tsokos, Boilard, & Blanco, 2023), is a bulwark for the body's immunity. A low hemoglobin count may impede the production of platelets in the body. Low hemoglobin was concomitant with depressed platelets in a patient with cholangiocarcinoma (a cancer originating in the bile ducts) (Morton & George, 2016). Low hemoglobin is also a common effect of thalassemia—an inherited blood disorder which prompts the body to produce an abnormal or inadequate form of hemoglobin—a condition that can result in anemia (Mayo Clinic, 2021). In a case study, Seminal observed that a subject's platelets were steadily, and perniciously, declining until their hemoglobin level increased. Upon their consumption of Lifeblood for four consecutive days, the subject's hemoglobin level reached the healthy range. For more information on the link between hemoglobin and platelets, please see Seminal's blog March 2023 post.
We would be remiss if we didn't provide more details regarding platelet generation. The hormone thrombopoietin, produced in the liver and kidneys, which regulates platelet production. In turn, thrombopoietin stimulates the production of megakaryocytes, rare cells in the bone marrow that control the daily production and release of millions of platelets into the bloodstream (Feher, 2012; Malara et al., 2016). Though more research is needed, findings suggest that an adequate hemoglobin level is needed to optimize megakaryocyte and thrombopoietin levels, and, consequently, to optimize platelet count.
Foods that Increase Hemoglobin
You can increase, and optimize, your hemoglobin naturally. Foods that are stocked with iron and folate (vitamin B9), and maximixe iron absorption, will boost your hemoglobin level (Medical News Today, 2018). These foods include:
- Black Beans
- Spinach
- Edamame
- Tofu
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Salmon
- Green Beans
- Black Rice
- Kale
- Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Peanut Butter
The above, of course, is not an exhaustive list. Leafy greens and lean meats—along with a diet of whole, unprocessed foods—will elevate your hemoglobin level, and strengthen your health.
Maintaining an Optimal Hemoglobin Level
When you've reached the healthy hemoglobin range, it's imperative to maintain it. Along with maintaining an iron- and folate-rich diet, daily cardiovascular exercise—at least 10 minutes, or short bursts, daily of brisk walking running, cycling, and similar activity—will raise hemoglobin count, and ensure sufficient oxygen levels (Min & Lin, 2012). Additionally, deep, mindful breathing will also aid in raising hemoglobin level, and maintaining sufficient oxygen.
With the right foods, exercise, and routine, your body will always have the hemoglobin, and the air, to go full blast.
Works Consulted
Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 19(2), 164-174. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999603/
Badior, K.E. & Casey, J.R. (2017). Molecular mechanism for the red blood cell senescence clock. IUBMB Life, 70(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1002/iub.1703
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Low hemoglobin. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17705-low-hemoglobin
Fehrer, J. (2012). White blood cells and inflammation. In J. Fehrer's Quantitative Human Physiology (2nd ed.) (Unit 5.3). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B978012800883600046X
Florida Health. (n.d.). What is hemoglobin? https://www.floridahealth.gov/AlternateSites/DOH_LMS_Resources/WIC/az-hematology/CourseFiles/page4462.html
Friar, G. (2017). Make way for hemoglobin. https://hms.harvard.edu/news/make-way-hemoglobin
Giardina, B., Messana, R.S., & Castagnola, M. (1995). The multiple functions of hemoglobin. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 30(3), 165-196. DOI: 10.3109/10409239509085142
Holzner, B., Kemmler, G., & Greil, R.. (2002). The impact of hemoglobin levels on fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients. Annals of Oncology, 13(6), 965-973. https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdf122
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Facts about blood. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/facts-about-blood
Koupenova, M., Livada, A.C., & Morrell, C.N. (2022). Platelet and megakaryocyte roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Circulation Research, 130(2), 288-308. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/circresaha.121.319821
Malara, A., Abbonante, V., Di Buduo, C.A., Tozzi, L., Currao, M., & Balduini, A. (2016). The secret life of a megakaryocyte: Emerging roles in bone marrow homeostasis control. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 72(8), 1517-1536. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369169/
Mandel, J., Casari, M., Stepanyan, M., Martyanov, A., & Depperman, C. (2022). Beyond homeostasis: Platelet innate immune interactions and thromboinflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(7), 3868. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073868
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Thalassemia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thalassemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354995
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytopenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378293
Medical News Today. (2018). How to increase hemoglobin: Home remedies. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321530
Min, H. & Lin, W. (2012). Effects of exercise training on red blood cell production: Implications for Anemia. Acta Haematalogica, 127(3), 156-164. https://doi.org/10.1159/000335620
Morton, J.M. & George, J.N. (2016). Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and throbocytopenia in patients with cancer. Journal of Oncology Practice, 12(6), 532-530. https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JOP.2016.012096
Scherlinger, M., Richez, C., Tsokos, G.C., Boilard, E., & Blanco, P. (2023). The role of platelets in immune-related inflammatory disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 23, 495-510. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-023-00834-4
Seminal Wellness, LLC. (2023). Fortify your defenses: Platelets and how to optimize their count. https://www.seminalwellness.com/platelets-immunity
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3 Comments
Farah Arnstead
Date
8/8/2023
I'm a vegan and get concerned sometimes that I don't get enough iron. What are the best fruit or vegetable iron sources?
Seminal Wellness Team
Date
8/8/2023
That's a very important question Farah. We appreciate your asking it. There are many iron-rich fruit and vegetable sources. Iron-rich fruits include strawberries, figs, and apricots. Along with the vegetables mentioned in the post, sweet potatoes, beans, and chard are also packed with iron. As you know, beans and lentils are full of iron too. Kidney, garbanzo, and white beans are delicious ways to boost iron content. And, you can get a sweet treat while you're stocking up on iron. Organic molasses and organic maple syrup are excellent iron sources. A few drops, or a little drizzle, will go a long way (to minimize sugar). For all our readers, no matter your diet (Mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, etc.) there are many options for ensuring an adequate iron intake. Thanks again for your question.
Matt Geota
Date
8/10/2023
What could cause your hemoglobin to go down?
Seminal Wellness Team
Date
8/10/2023
Thanks for the question Matt. More research needs to be done, but there are several proven causes of low hemoglobin. One is anemia, as was suggested in the article. A second possible cause are cancers, including leukemia and cholangiocarcinoma , as was also noted in the post. As was alluded to in the previous answer, insufficient iron intake could also depress hemoglobin levels. A fourth possible cause of low hemoglobin is gastrointestinal bleeding. Particularly, for the elderly, vitamin B12 can also contribute to lower hemoglobin levels. Low physical activity and respiratory conditions can also decrease oxygen, and hemoglobin, in the body. As can be surmised, diet and activity are primary drivers of the hemoglobin level in the body. Thanks again for your question.
Sara
Date
8/10/2023
Thanks for all the information in this post. I was checking out Lifeblood. Is it safe for people with diabetes?
Seminal Wellness Team
Date
8/10/2023
Thanks for reading Sara, and for your question. Yes, Lifeblood is safe for individuals with diabetes. Lifeblood only has 4g of sugar; and, the sugar only comes from vegetables and fruit that were ground or pulverized. No artificial sugars were added. If you have any other questions, please contact the team. Thanks again for your question.