Iron increases the number of RBCs that the body makes. Vitamin C occurs in a variety of foods, including :. Copper is an essential mineral that helps the body use the iron in the blood. If someone is deficient in copper , their body has difficulties absorbing iron into the blood cells. The following foods are good sources of coppe r:. It may help the cells absorb the iron they need to function at full capacity.
Foods that can supply vitamin A include :. It may be helpful to eliminate or reduce alcoholic beverages from the diet, as drinking too much alcohol may lower the RBC count. According to dietary guidelines in the United States, moderate drinking for adult males is two alcoholic drinks per day or less. For adult females, moderate drinking is one alcoholic drink a day or less. Moderate exercise can provide benefits for any person who practices it.
However, it is especially important for creating healthy RBCs. This is why the heart beats faster, and the lungs breathe deeper and quicker.
This need for oxygen stimulates the body to produce more RBCs. Regular exercise alongside a healthful diet means the bone marrow has the best tools to create those cells. However, even taking the stairs instead of an elevator, going for a walk, or engaging in a little gardening can count toward a daily or weekly exercise requirement. The American Heart Association AHA recommend engaging in minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per week.
Read more on anemia here. Normal RBC counts vary from around:. These ranges can vary between individuals and may also change depending on the lab performing the tests. Higher than average RBC counts are also dangerous and may also be life threatening.
Several conditions can increase RBC levels too far, including:. It can be an indicator of your overall health. It may also be performed before a surgery. Doctors can use CBC tests to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. You doctor will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. The steps involved in the blood draw are:. These include any over-the-counter OTC drugs or supplements. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm.
Certain drugs like gentamicin and methyldopa can increase your RBC count. Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood. Methyldopa is often used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily through the body. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you take.
A high RBC count may be a result of sleep apnea , pulmonary fibrosis , and other conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood. Performance-enhancing drugs like protein injections and anabolic steroids can also increase RBCs. Kidney disease and kidney cancers can lead to high RBC counts as well. Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells.
They can also result in unusual RBC levels. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. But if the cause is a nutritional deficiency, medication use, or a chronic condition, there may be things you can do to not only improve your blood count but your overall health too. If you have a high RBC count:. If you have a low RBC count including anemia :.
A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Blood count tests. Published June 2, Understanding blood counts. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Front Physiol. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Iron-deficiency anemia. Red blood cell count RBC. Updated April 10, Ford J.
Red blood cell morphology. Int Jnl Lab Hem. Your Privacy Rights. A slightly low hemoglobin count isn't always a sign of illness — it can be normal for some people. Women with menstrual periods and pregnant women commonly have low hemoglobin counts. A low hemoglobin count can be associated with a disease or condition that causes your body to have too few red blood cells.
This can occur if:. Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include:. Diseases and conditions that cause your body to destroy red blood cells faster than they can be made include:. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom.
Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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