We all know that hemoglobin is an essential component of our blood. It is the protein molecule present in red blood cells and helps transport oxygen from our lungs to various parts of our body. However, low hemoglobin levels can lead to serious health complications.
In this article, we will help you understand how low hemoglobin affects your body and discuss some ways to improve your hemoglobin levels. So let's dive into it!
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin (also known as Hb) is a complex protein molecule found in red blood cells (RBCs). It consists of four subunits: alpha-globin and beta-globin, which are responsible for binding with oxygen molecules.
When oxygen-rich air enters our lungs during breathing, it diffuses through the alveoli into the tiny capillaries surrounding them. Here, it binds with the heme group (a component of hemoglobin) present in RBCs, creating oxyhemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout our body.
Why do we Need Hemoglobin?
As mentioned earlier, hemoglobins play a crucial role in transporting oxygen from one part of our body to another. Precisely, Hb acts as a carrier that transfers gaseous substances between different tissues or organs within us.
If there's not enough oxygen delivered to these tissues/organs; their ability to function optimally gets affected significantly – leading to several fatal medical conditions like cancer or heart attack, just saying - this low-level condition where vital biomarker unable carry sufficient amount O2 called anemia
Anemic people have lower reserves when dealing under disease pressure and tend exhausted more quickly since they aren't getting enough gas!
There are several types based on what causes anemia - Some due insufficient production erythrocyte sometimes happens at bone marrow caused by infections, genetic disease or nutrients deficiency.
Other kinds of anemia happen due to impaired erythrocyte production sometimes genetics can be a cause or defective ways of breaking down old cells (hemolysis).
Low hemoglobin levels in the body are often associated with anemia.Anemic people generally experience several signs and symptoms that reflect their condition – including fatigue, dizziness, weakness pale skin etc., So how does low Hb cause this?
As we all know that one of the essential functions of hemoglobins is carrying oxygen molecules throughout our bodies; if there's not enough Hb production, it leads to a lack thereof in RBC. Consequently, lower amounts lead reduced O2 delivery, which affects different parts within us! This disrupts various organs' regular functioning - heightening seriousness multiple health conditions like chronic heart failure/cancer development
Although serious complications may arise at any age group but especially more severe for young children": affecting mental and physical growth.
Symptoms Related To Low Hemoglobin Levels
It isn't easy to identify the underlying causes responsible for lowered haemoglobin counts universally; however, some common signs & symptoms frequently noticed serve best indicators:
- Fatigue on minimal exertion
- Weakness
- Pale Skin color
- Jitteriness accompanied by restlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating/remembering things
We must keep our eye out for these aforementioned indications as they would help us catch up early onset anemia - easier initial phase detection will help prevent developing further dangerous illnesses!
Causes Of Low Hemoglobin Levels
Reduced Haemoglobin concentration in blood manifest itself owing various reasons which could either stem from external/internal factors:
Internal Factors:
1) Iron Deficiency Anemia:
One common reason why people have low Hb level s is insuffcient iron consumption or poor body absorption. The Iron present in our diets, crucial for erythrocytes production or red blood cell to carry oxygen has a significant impact on Hb levels.
2) Inherited Blood Disorders:
Another reason could be inherited / acquired defects impairing erythrocyte development - like sickle cell anemia that specifies hemoglobin mutations causing various malfunctioning within the blood cells.
External Factors:
1) Poor Nutrition :
Poor minerals and vitamins intake;like vitamin B12,folic acid,.or iron deficiency leads to lower Hb counts in the bloodstream. Usually observed insome food restrictions ( veganism).
2) Chronic kidney disease :
The decrease of EPO hormone as kidneys fail,(Short for erythropoietin)that stimulate bone marrow formation these directly impacting RBC eproduction& thus haemoglobin concentration
Thankfully all is not lost & there are ways out from low Haemoglobin cauldron! Depending upon severity and also persistency underlying condition determining next course, here some treatments usefuln easing symptoms:
Medical Treatments
Intravenous Injection
A standard medical practice where bypass oral medication ; injection under skin replacing into veins best applicable case Low Haemglobin
Transfusions
For severe cases ,plasma or sometimes whole-blood transfusion recommended replenishing RBC's count with healthy ones does little more than reinstate lost balance quickly.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Applicable when identified estrogen/progestin hormonal imbalance causing reduced Erythropoietin hormone production
Non-Medical Treatments
Natural processes deemed healthier attempting correcting deficiencies
Hydration correct dehydration-inspired anaemia restoration consuming foods enriched proteins(heme/non-heme),iron supplements getting extra Vitamin B-12 excess seeing gradual recovery signs
Takeaway
Lifestyles changing by keeping track of nutrients intake, drinking enough water and exercise allows for a stronger healthier body. It crucial receiving diagnosis from healthcare professional identifying root cause your blood before beginning any recommended treatments. Moreover, incorporating nature's gifts such as vegetables containing folic acid - along with animal products like beef liver rich in iron provides mixed variety excellent fulfilling dietary requirements to combat consequences low Hb 🌽+🥦=💪