How Red Blood Cells Are The Key To Healthy Blood

Blood Types

Many people work towards having a healthy body, whether that is their gut health, heart, brain function, the list goes on. However, some may forget that the health of their blood is just as important. 

Red blood cells are the most common cells in human blood; the body produces millions of these cells each day in the bone marrow. Circulating around the body for 120 days, RBC’s then go to the liver, where they are destroyed and their cellular components are recycled.

Having healthy blood, specifically red blood cells (RBC), is important when it comes to day-to-day tasks. When experiencing low RBC, or anemia, you will feel weak and fatigued because your body is working harder to deliver oxygen throughout your body. Anemia can put you at risk for a number of complications, such as heart and other vital organ damage. 

Keep reading to learn the importance of maintaining a healthy RBC level, what you can do at home, and what doctors recommend. 

NUTRIENTS

Eating foods that are loaded with nutrients can help you better your RBC levels. Nutrients rich in iron, folic acid , vitamin B-12, copper, and vitamin A are fantastic for those that experience low RBC levels. Foods with these nutrients include:

Iron:
-red meat
-dark, leafy greens
-egg yolks

Folic Acid or vitamin B-9:
-beans
-peas
-nuts

Vitamin B-12:
-fish
-dairy products
-eggs

Copper:
-poultry
-cherries
-shellfish

Vitamin A:
-sweet potatoes
-carrots
-fruits

SUPPLEMENTS

If your diet isn’t supporting enough key nutrients, then you may want to consult with your doctor about implementing supplements into your routine. Key nutrient supplements can help increase the body’s RBC production, or support related processes. 

It’s very important to consult with your doctor when you are interested in taking diets because some supplements can interfere with medications you may be taking. 

Information about key nutrient supplements include:

Iron: Low iron, or iron deficiency is a common cause of low RBC levels. Men need about 8 mg of iron a day, whereas women need about 18 mg daily.

Vitamin C: Studies show that vitamin C may help your body absorb iron better. An adult needs about 500 mg of vitamin C per day.

Copper: Copper deficiency may have a strong link to low RBC production, so it is best to make this nutrient a priority in your diet. One’s daily copper requirement depends on multiple factors; including gender, age, and weight. It’s important to consult with your doctor to find what dose of copper is right for you.

Vitamin A: Also called retinol, this nutrient has a list of benefits that support a healthy RBC. Women need an average of 700 micrograms per day, and it varies for men, where some doses increase to 700 mcg daily.

Vitamin B-12: Playing a vital role in the health of RBC, Vitamin B-12 has shown to help RBC formation and anemia prevention. People who are 14 years and older need 2.4 mcg per day.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9): Helpful with the production of red blood cells, the average person needs between 100-250 mcg daily. 

LIFESTYLE IMPROVEMENTS

You’re on the right track if you’ve changed your diet, and even added supplements to your regime; however, it may be even more beneficial to make some other lifestyle changes. 

The two major suggested lifestyle changes are cutting back, or eliminating alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular exercise. High alcohol consumption may lower your RBC count, it is suggested to keep your alcoholic drink intake to one per day. 

Exercise is key to RBC production, as well as promoting overall wellness. Vigorous exercise requires more oxygen for your body, in return creating more RBCs. A few suggested vigorous exercises include: jogging, running, and swimming.

In conclusion, the health of your blood and a well maintained Red Blood Cell count level is key to your health. Consult your doctor regularly to have your blood count evaluated, and talk about small, but positive improvements you can make for a healthier body.