One of the most important criteria forcontrol the development of a variety of diseases, is the hemoglobin of the blood. As in blood tests hemoglobin is designated, every patient knows, perhaps. Why is it so important in the life of our body, what are the norms of this indicator, how to raise the level of hemoglobin, we will understand in more detail.
The concept of hemoglobin
The hemoglobin blood pigment consists of two importantcomponents: protein - globin, and non-protein, heme, iron enters into it. All hemoglobin in the human body is in red blood cells (erythrocytes). Constructing the most complex compounds around the iron atoms, globin is responsible for the respiratory system of the body as a whole, for supplying oxygen to tissues from the pulmonary alveoli, for transporting carbon dioxide to the lungs from the tissues. Hemoglobin maintains the acid-base balance of the blood. During human breathing, hemoglobin captures oxygen in the lungs, adapts it and carries it through the tissues of the body to every cell to ensure normal oxidative processes. After that, hemoglobin also collects all the produced carbon dioxide and sends it back to the lungs for further removal from the body.
Every literate person should know how todenotes hemoglobin in a blood test. The process of oxygen transportation is constant and continuous. In the blood plasma there is only 2% of oxygen, the rest is transferred by hemoglobin. Human life depends on the normal functioning of this process.
As in blood tests, hemoglobin is indicated. Norm
The norm of hemoglobin in the blood of children is significantlyunderstated compared with adults. If up to five years the value will show 110-130 units, then do not worry, it's perfectly normal. With age, every four years, hemoglobin rises by 5 units. Approximately before the age of 12, the testimony of girls and boys does not differ, the sex does not play any role during this period. Only after puberty in men and women, hemoglobin differs by approximately 10%.
Having received the result, you need to know howhemoglobin is indicated in blood analysis in Latin letters. Hemoglobin - Hb. Having found this value, pay attention to the numbers. In men, normal indications of hemoglobin are from 130 to 160 g / l. For women, the norm is 120-150 g / l. With age, watch the numbers, they should not go down. If there was a drop in the indication of hemoglobin, you need to take measures, to achieve correction of normal results.
Iron in the body
How is hemoglobin indicated in the general analysisblood, we understood. Well, what role does iron play? The human body constantly needs to exchange iron, this process is continuous. The norm of the content of this element in the body of an adult is 3-4 g. In case of high demand, 20% is always deposited by the body. Daily from 30 to 35 mg of iron is carried by blood plasma. Most get red marrow. Here, ripening red blood cells include iron in their composition. Erythrocytes contain 60% of the total body iron. The daily requirement for this element in women is 18 mg, in men - 10 mg. Pregnant and lactating women should receive 20-30 mg of iron per day on a daily basis. As in blood tests, hemoglobin is indicated, you already know. Having found this indicator, you can determine whether you need an additional source of iron.
Low hemoglobin
Decreased hemoglobin is a clear sign of iron deficiency in the body. The level of its content decreases, as a result, the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases. What is the reason?
- The disadvantage of getting trace elements through food.
- Disruption of iron absorption in the body.
- Significant blood loss.
Often iron deficiency is felt by those who are moreprefers plant foods. Often the nutritional deficiency of this element is found among vegetarians. The situation is aggravated if there is a shortage of vitamin B12, which is contained in animal products. Plant foods contain non-heme iron, and it is poorly absorbed, by about 6-10%, in contrast to the heme contained in animal products. It is absorbed by 25%. Patients with anorexia nervosa often suffer from alimentary iron deficiency. Knowing how hemoglobin is designated in a blood test, you can easily check whether you have signs of anemia, whether you need additional sources of iron.
Signs of low hemoglobin
Decreased hemoglobin levels significantlyaffects the state of health. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle, may not immediately notice the changes, those who are physically busy, feel weakness, fatigue. What could be signs of anemia (iron deficiency)?
- Dry, pale skin and mucous membranes.
- With a lack of B12, the surface of the tongue is smooth, hyperemic, painful.
- Exfoliate nails, hair breaks.
- Cracks in the corners of the mouth.
How is hemoglobin indicated in blood tests?Easy to remember: Hb - hemoglobin. Knowing the rules, be sure to track this indicator in yourself and your loved ones. In severe anemia, neurological disorders occur: appetite distortion, changes in smell, optic nerve inflammation, headaches, paresthesias. In children, intelligence and behavior are impaired. In old age, adaptation mechanisms are reduced, there is a lack of blood supply to the tissues. Dizziness, fainting.
How to increase hemoglobin
Having clarified what letters mean hemoglobin inblood tests, check your results. Are there signs of anemia? It is necessary to take all measures to increase the level of hemoglobin. It is very important for the state of the whole organism.
To begin, the doctor must find out the reasonlower your blood hemoglobin level. If the reasons are significant: blood loss, red blood cell death - these factors need to be eliminated by symptomatic treatment. In these cases, iron preparations are prescribed.
With a small deficiency of hemoglobin recommendeddiet with a high content of iron, vitamins PP, C, group B. In the preparation of the diet, remember that iron is divided into heme, which is absorbed by 25% and non-heme (about 6%). Heat treatment oxidizes iron and is unsuitable for hemoglobin production. Tea and coffee are best eliminated from the diet: free radicals present there slow down iron absorption. Drink cocoa. Products suitable for diet:
- Red meat.
- Citrus.
- Offal, in particular veal and pork liver.
- Hard cheeses.
- Potatoes.
- Green salads.
- Egg yolk.
- Black bread.
- Brewer's yeast.
Increased hemoglobin
Hb is the so-called hemoglobin blood testits rate for women is 120-150, for men - 130-160. Well, if the figures exceed the permissible, what does this mean? You should be alerted, you need to pass a full examination by a doctor. Elevated hemoglobin levels - witness some body dysfunctions:
- Hemoglobinemia (when destroyed red blood cells enter the blood plasma).
- Erythrocytosis (increase in the number of red blood cells in the serum).
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Excess vitamin B12 or B9.
- Pulmonary insufficiency.
- Cancer tumors.
- Elevated sugar levels.
With a long stay in the fresh airathletes, hemoglobin may increase in pilots. Often this is observed in the inhabitants of the mountains, where the air is thin. Excess hemoglobin adversely affects health. The state, working capacity worsens, blood thickens, viscosity occurs, as a result - poor current circulation, the blood does not have time to deliver oxygen to the organs. Hence, cardiovascular diseases, the formation of blood clots, plaques, then - heart attacks, strokes. Foods high in iron, fatty, fried foods, vitamins C and B should be excluded from the diet. Go to a sparing diet and blood thinning drugs prescribed by a doctor.
