What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin isa protein found in red blood cells, whichis responsible for transporting oxygento the lungs, tissues of the respiratory system and other organs.
Hemoglobinhas a compound called heme and more than 250 amino acidsof different groups, which are what allow the human body toinhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.
On the other hand, when a person has diabetes, the level ofglycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) is studied in order tomeasure the body’s sugarduring the previous 3 months, which will inform if the patient is improving or worsening.
Important: According to an article by an endocrinology specialist,Dr. José Ramón Calles, “a small blood sample determines the calculation of hemoglobin A1c for monitoring the metabolic control of diabetes.” (1)
Causes of High Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is responsible for maintaining all the organs of the body with oxygen. When there are imbalances in this protein, the body can be affected. For this reason, we show you some of the causes that raise red blood cells:
Obesity
Cigarette Consumption
Hemoglobin usually increases, when the body has a need for oxygen. A person who consumes a high level of cigarettes causes overwork in the lungs and limits their proper functioning.
To highlight: Cigarettes cause degeneration in the circulatory and respiratory systems. Constant exposure to carbon monoxide produced by tobacco is lethal to the proteins in the cells of the bloodstream.
Drugs
Some types of medications and treatments generate a high content of red blood cells, which causes the blood to thicken. Certain drugs increase the production of erythropoietin , which is a hormone that makes too many red blood cells in the body.
high altitudes
People who live in places above sea level tend to have a lower production of red blood cellstag. This is because the body naturally limits the production of protein to compensate for thelack of oxygen.
Curious fact: These cases are known as “Altitude sickness”.It usually happens in places with 2000 meters above sea level.
Cardiac disorders
Dehydration
The absence of water in the body can decrease blood plasmaand increase hemoglobin. There is also alack of electrolytes that leads to tiredness, headache and symptoms of lack of oxygen.
lung conditions
Pulmonary-type diseases such as hypertension and fibrosis cause a reduction in oxygen in the bloodstream. This results in an increase in hemoglobin.
Note: Other conditions that can affect red blood cell production are bronchitis, emphysema, and birth defects.
Cancer
How to lower hemoglobin?
Having controlled hemoglobin is necessary for the proper functioning of the organs. Below we will give you some recommendations to lower the levels of this protein in the blood, in order to have a lower risk of complications:
Avoid cigarette consumption
To reduce hemoglobin levels it is necessary to stop smokingtag. This removes carbon monoxide, which takes the place of oxygen in the blood. This situation causeshypoxia and an increase in red blood cells.
constantly hydrate
Drinking water regularly controls the percentage of hematocrit in the blood. Dehydration produces an absence of fluid in the blood that causes respiratory and cardiac diseases, and even death.
Eat in a balanced way
It is necessary to maintain an efficient diet,to take care of the nutrients we consume daily. Eating foods high in minerals can cause an increase in hemoglobin in the blood.
Tip: Foods such as grains, legumes and seeds should be consumed with regulation to avoid disproportionate spikes in hemoglobin.
Keep a healthy weight
The ideal is to maintain a healthy diet, accompanied by daily physical activitytag. By taking care of our body weight, we are avoiding suffering from diseases and discomforts that uncontrol protein levels in the blood.
Important: A study conducted at theSanto Tomás University of Chile, ensured an improvement in hemoglobin in patients who performed resistance and aerobic exercises. (2)
Control iron intake
Iron is a very useful mineralfor the proper functioning of the body, which helps prevent anemia; butconsuming this mineral in excess through pills or foods that contain it, can cause a decrease in protein in the blood and an increase in hemoglobin.
Tip: To achieve the percentage of iron in the body , the consumption of parsley, shellfish, egg yolk, grains and cereals must be controlled.
In this sense, a study carried out at the Catholic University of Murcia in Spain , was based on incorporating a food high in iron (quinoa) in the daily diet of 35 subjects, who presented an increase in hemoglobin, muscle mass and sensation of satiety, therefore, it is necessary to consume this mineral in moderation . (3)
give blood
Donating blood is completely safe and does not endanger your health. In this process, the body loses fluids, which it seeks to replace, and this can be very useful for those with high hemoglobin.
Stay in areas with higher oxygen
If you have high hemoglobin problems, it is necessary to avoid places with very high altitudes. It is recommended to reside in places with lower atmospheric pressure. Thus, oxygen levels are controlled and the production of red blood cells decreases.
Lower stress levels
See a specialist if necessary
High hemoglobin levels can cause heart, respiratory, and kidney disease. In case of presenting an increase in this protein, itis necessary to go to a specialist doctor who can offer the patient a specialized treatment.
Curious fact: Some doctors Recommend the consumption of vitamin B12 for the good formation of blood and proteins, thus regulating hemoglobin and preventing anemia.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.