If blood test results (CBC) show low hemoglobin levels, it can be concerning. It is important to understand why hemoglobin levels are decreasing in the body and how beneficial the consumption of greens and beetroot is for increasing them. To do this, one must examine the role of iron in the human body.
Iron plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, which is responsible for delivering oxygen to all parts of the body. Iron deficiency can lead to a number of problems, such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, decreased concentration, and hair loss.
Some people experience cravings for substances like ice or chalk, while others may suffer from restless legs syndrome, characterized by a constant desire to move their legs, especially at night, and a feeling of discomfort. All these symptoms can be a consequence of iron deficiency, as iron is the most essential component for hemoglobin formation; with iron deficiency, the bone marrow is unable to produce sufficient hemoglobin.
Dr. Anamika Baklival from the clinical hematology department at S.K. Bidla Hospital explained that iron deficiency can occur due to the absence of green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, or other iron sources in the diet. Deficiency can also be observed in young children. In women, hormonal changes associated with heavy menstrual bleeding can also contribute to iron shortage. In some cases, the cause may be a blood clotting disorder, which also leads to iron deficiency.
If a woman experiences constant severe bleeding, simply taking iron supplements will not solve the problem. It is necessary to find and treat the underlying cause of excessive bleeding, otherwise, iron deficiency will recur, leading to anemia. It should be noted, however, that not all forms of anemia are caused specifically by iron deficiency; conditions such as thalassemia, vitamin deficiencies, and kidney diseases can also lower hemoglobin levels.
If a man or woman is diagnosed with anemia due to iron deficiency, but the clear cause has not been established, it is crucial to check for internal bleeding. Ulcers, intestinal diseases, or even cancer can develop in the stomach or intestines, slowly leading to blood loss. Although blood may be discharged with hemorrhoids (piles), it cannot automatically be considered the cause of blood shortage without proper examination. Furthermore, frequent use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can damage the internal lining of the stomach and intestines, causing gradual internal bleeding and lowering hemoglobin.
Dr. Anamika asserts that beetroot does indeed help increase hemoglobin levels, but it is not the only factor. To improve indicators, the diet should include legumes, green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified foods, meat, and fish. While consuming beetroot, dates, and honey is healthy, it is not an anti-anemia treatment on its own. Many patients require iron supplements, and in some cases, intravenous iron infusion may be necessary. After treatment, it is essential to undergo a follow-up blood test to ensure improvement in hemoglobin levels.
