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How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count Naturally

How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count Naturally


There are five main nutrients that are essential for red blood cell production. These include: vitamin B6, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12, copper, and iron.  In addition, chlorophyll, the pigment found in plants and algae that give them their green color, has been proven to help with red blood cell production and hemoglobin. 


Here are some nutritional, supplemental, and lifesyle tips that can help you increase your red blood cells:


1. Focus on Food


  • Foods high in vitamin B6 - grass-fed/organic/lean red meat, poultry, fish, potatoes, squash, chickpeas, bananas, papaya, and cantaloupe

  • Foods high in vitamin B9 (folate)- leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans/legumes, and fortified grains

  • Foods high in vitamin B12 - organic meat, salmon, tuna, shellfish, eggs, fortified cereal, and nutritional yeast

  • Foods high in copper - shellfish, leafy greens, spirulina, shiitake mushrooms, nuts and seeds, dates, figs, grapes, cherries, and apricots

  • Foods high in iron - grass-fed/organic/lean red meat, leafy greens, and beans/legumes

  • Foods high in chlorophyll - spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and seaweed

 

2. Supplement When Necessary


Depending on your current levels of vitamins B6, B9, B12, iron, and copper, it may be beneficial to take these as dietary supplements. Ask your doctor to test these values before starting on any dietary supplement.  Both deficiency and excess of these vitamins/minerals can be harmful, so supplementing accordingly is important.


Also, as you may have read in one of my other blogs, not all supplements are created equally. Professional-grade supplements are (generally) higher quality than those that can be bought over-the-counter. I highly recommend only purchasing professional grade supplements from an authorized healthcare professional that orders directly from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, there have been numerous accounts of different online retailers selling counterfeit supplements. Here's just one account, "More Counterfeit Supplement Products Discovered on Amazon."


Here are my top picks for professional-grade supplements that can improve one's red-blood-cell count:


 Vitamin B6


Vitamin B9 (Folate)


Vitamin B12


Iron

Thorne Advanced Iron Complex


Copper

 

Chlorophyll 

 

3.  Stay Hydrated


Dehydration can decrease blood volume and affect red blood cell concentration. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, primarily water.


4. Exercise Regularly


Engage in moderate aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming to stimulate blood circulation and promote red blood cell production.


5. Get Plenty of Rest


Prioritize quality sleep as it supports overall health and enables the body to repair and regenerate cells, including red blood cells.


6. Manage Stress


Chronic stress can impact blood cell production. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress levels.


7. Avoid Smoking and Avoid/Limit Alcohol


Smoking impairs oxygen transport in the blood, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Minimize or eliminate these habits for optimal blood health.


8. Monitor Other Health Conditions


Certain medical conditions like kidney disease or inflammatory disorders can affect red blood cell production. Regularly monitor and manage any underlying health issues with the guidance of your healthcare professionals for personalized recommendations tailored to your needs.

 
 
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