What is Haemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a vital protein in your red blood cells that plays a major role in transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. In this article, we’ll cover what is haemoglobin, how medical test of haemoglobin is done, how we can check healthy range, what haemoglobin indicates, and the diet for maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels. Let’s dive right in!
What is Haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin (often spelled hemoglobin) is an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. It binds oxygen molecules in the lungs and delivers them to tissues and organs throughout the body. Without sufficient haemoglobin, your body would struggle to get the oxygen it needs, leading to fatigue, weakness, and serious health issues.
A healthy haemoglobin level is crucial for energy, brain function, and overall vitality. It also helps maintain the right balance of red blood cells to keep your body functioning optimally.
How Medical Test of Haemoglobin is Done
Getting a haemoglobin test is a simple and quick process usually performed in a clinic or diagnostic lab.
How is the Test Performed?
Blood Sample: A healthcare provider draws a small blood sample, typically from a vein in your arm.
Automated Analysis: The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where machines analyze the haemoglobin concentration.
Results: The results are usually available within a few hours to a day.
If you recently got a blood test and want a quick recommendation of your medical reports, Click Here for a professional consultation!
When is the Test Recommended?
Doctors often recommend a haemoglobin test if you show symptoms like:
How We Can Check Healthy Range of Haemoglobin
What is the Normal Range for Haemoglobin?
| Group | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 13.8 – 17.2 g/dL |
| Women | 12.1 – 15.1 g/dL |
| Children | 11.1 – 16.1 g/dL |
(Values may slightly vary depending on the laboratory and the method used.)
Low haemoglobin could suggest conditions like anemia, while high haemoglobin might be a sign of dehydration, lung disease, or heart problems.
To know whether your haemoglobin level is in the healthy range, reviewing your complete blood count (CBC) report is essential.
What Haemoglobin Indicates About Your Health
Hemoglobin levels can reveal a lot about your overall health:
Low Haemoglobin: Could indicate anemia, nutritional deficiencies (like iron, vitamin B12, folate), chronic kidney disease, or blood loss.
High Haemoglobin: May indicate conditions like polycythemia vera, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or living at high altitudes.
Monitoring haemoglobin regularly can help detect health issues early and guide appropriate treatment.
What is the Diet for Maintaining Healthy Haemoglobin?
Eating the right foods can significantly help you maintain and even boost your haemoglobin levels naturally.
Iron-Rich Foods
Red meat, chicken, and fish
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens
Lentils, beans, and chickpeas
Tofu and fortified cereals
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better:
Oranges
Strawberries
Bell peppers
Tomatoes
Foods with Folate and Vitamin B12
Eggs
Dairy products
Fortified cereals
Broccoli
Avocados
Quick Tip:
Try combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods in your meals to enhance iron absorption!
If you want personalized advice based on your haemoglobin reports, Click Here to get instant expert recommendations!