How Long Does It Take To Raise Hemoglobin Levels?

By - Aneeza Pervez

After oxygen blood is the substance that makes your body live and thrive. And red blood cells are most vital because of the hemoglobin they contain. The question is, what happens when your hemoglobin levels are low and how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels?

In 4-6 weeks, you can raise your hemoglobin levels. Moreover, iron and other supplements also raise hemoglobin levels quickly in the blood.

Hemoglobin is a protein that is responsible for carrying oxygen around your body. A drop in it can cause fatigue, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, headaches, and, in severe cases, anemia that affects your heart and lungs.

Approximately 1.62 billion people (24.8%) of the world suffer from the low level of hemoglobin in their blood.

What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein-rich in iron, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. Besides carrying oxygen, hemoglobin carries carbon dioxide away from the cells and into the lungs. Then, Exhalation releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Indeed, hemoglobin aids our body in respiration and metabolism. Moreover, it plays a life-saving role in human as well as in animal bodies.

What Is the Normal Hemoglobin Level?

Hemoglobin levels depend on your age and gender. Ranges of normal hemoglobin values are as follows:

There may be some variations between these values among laboratories. Several laboratories do not differentiate between adult and post-middle age hemoglobin levels.

Pregnant women need to avoid high and low hemoglobin levels to avoid stillbirths (high hemoglobin levels — over the normal range) and premature births or low birth weight babies (low hemoglobin levels — below the normal range). Before we move to how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels it’s essential to know the symptoms of low hemoglobin.

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin in Blood

The most evident symptoms of dangerously low hemoglobin levels in the human body are the following:

How Can I Know if I Have Low Hemoglobin Level at Home?

Hemoglobin levels can be measured conveniently using the BIO SAFE Anemia Meter. BIOSAFE Anemia Meter is the first FDA-approved, handheld instrument for testing hemoglobin at home.

A low level of hemoglobin in blood is a significant sign of anemia. Anime meters can therefore function as a complementary screening method. Moreover, smartphone applications HemaApp give quick serum hemoglobin levels.

When you can check the levels with ease at home finding the answer for how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels will be prompt.

Variations may be apparent in the instrumentation and application. If you believe your symptoms do not match the results. Make an appointment with your healthcare consultant.

Hemoglobin level and anemia diagnosis can be carried out through blood tests by your healthcare provider. Blood tests can vary depending on how severe the abnormal hemoglobin level is suspected.

Long-Term Outlook for People With Low Hemoglobin

In the United States, low hemoglobin deaths cause 1.7 deaths per 100,000 people each year. Treatment is usually possible if diagnosed in time, although some types are chronic, which is caused by the negligence of the victims.

Is long-term low hemoglobin fatal? Unfortunately, the answer is YES! And people with such issues should seek a way of how to increase hemoglobin in a week or month.

If your hemoglobin level remains too low for a long time, your body makes insufficient blood cells, eliminates red blood cells, or produces malformed red blood cells.

Indeed, red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. In the absence of enough red blood cells, organs cannot get enough oxygen to function correctly. There can be severe repercussions from this.

How Long Does It Take To Raise Hemoglobin Levels?

On average, it takes 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a normal hemoglobin level. To attain this level, you need to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. 

However, it will be beneficial if you use iron supplements along with a healthy diet. Indeed, it will take 2 to 3 weeks for your hemoglobin levels to return to normal.

Furthermore, if you have a low hemoglobin level in your body, and you are still not caring enough to include nutrients in your diet. In these circumstances, you may become anemic late or soon.

How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels at Home Naturally

Your body will experience fatigue and dizziness if you have low hemoglobin levels. Therefore, you must ensure that your hemoglobin level is in the normal range.

Now the question is how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels?

I have discussed some natural ways to raise hemoglobin levels in your body. They include foods to increase hemoglobin and avoiding iron blockers.

Eat Foods Rich in Iron

A low blood count is most common when there is an iron deficiency. Iron is essential for boosting hemoglobin production, which in turn provides a boost to red blood cell production.

Among the top in the blood increasing foods list are;

Among the foods richest in iron are meat and fish.

The consumption of sustainable amounts of iron is of relatively high importance. Consequently, women aged 18-50 need roughly 19 mg daily, while men need around 8 mg every day.

Consume More Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vital carrier molecule for iron, so you should take iron with vitamin C for maximum absorption. Among the foods that are good for supplying vitamin C are:

Add More Folate to Your Diet

Vitamin B-complex folic acid is necessary for the production of more blood cells. Thus, low folic acid levels result in low hemoglobin levels. Some foods rich in folic acid are:

Does beetroot increase haemoglobin fast? Yes, it is. In fact, beetroot is one of the highest sources of folic acid.

Daily Take an Apple or Pomegranate

Apples contribute to a healthy level of blood hemoglobin, as they contain iron, along with other nutrients. You can consume one apple per day. Alternatively, you can drink half apple juice and half beet juice two times a day.

Besides apples, Pomegranates contain a good quantity of calcium, fiber, protein, and iron. This extract’s nutrition can contribute to increased hemoglobin levels and healthy blood circulation.

Take Nettle Tea

Several nutrients in nettles are necessary to increase hemoglobin levels. They include vitamins B, C, and iron. You can make nettle tea by adding two teaspoons of nettle leaves to one cup of hot water and let it steep for about ten minutes. Finally, add the honey and strain. Consume it twice daily if you have symptoms of low hemoglobin.

Don’t Use Iron Blockers

As we all know, calcium is one of the essential substances that block iron. It is best to take calcium supplements an hour before or after any iron-rich food. It will help the iron absorbed by the body.

Besides calcium, tea, coffee, wine, beer, cola, and other beverages contain tannins that also block iron. So how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels depends on how much iron blocker you can avoid.

Exercise

Exercising generates more hemoglobin to meet the need for more oxygen. The activity should be moderate to intense. Jogging and walking are good ways to ensure adequate blood circulation.

To ensure an adequate supply of all nutrients, you should follow a balanced diet. Consult your health professional for diet improvements and to know how long does it take for hemoglobin levels to increase after blood loss.

Home Remedies to Increase Hemoglobin

In the kitchen, you can find spices and herbs that will help you increase your iron stores. Take a look at these easy yet effective home remedies that can boost your iron levels and increase your energy and stamina.

No matter how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels, these home remedies will make things quick.

Moringa Leaves

The moringa plant leaves contain a great deal of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium. Indeed, this magical leaf offers 28 milligrams more iron than spinach per serving.

Adding moringa leaves regularly to a diet improves red blood counts and hemoglobin levels.

How to Take Moringa Leaves?

How long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels depends on your consumption routine. Crush about 20-25 moringa leaves into a paste, add about a teaspoon of jaggery powder, and blend. Take this powder with breakfast for improved iron levels.

Drink Up

The juice of fresh beetroot or pomegranate is great for boosting blood flow and cleansing the blood. With carrots or apples, you can enjoy beets’ high folic acid content. Meanwhile, pomegranates are rich in iron, as well as copper, and potassium. The juice, when consumed regularly, can support healthy blood flow and increase your energy levels.

How to Take It?

To make the juice, blend about one cup of chopped beets, carrots, pomegranate, or whatever you want in a blender. Strain the liquid, mix with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and then drink the morning after morning.

Dates and Raisins

A fusion of these unique dry fruits includes iron, magnesium, copper, and vitamins A and C. You can include these dry fruits in your daily diet to boost your immune system and aid in iron absorption.

It doesn’t matter how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels with iron supplements but with these dry fruits the spike will be quick and big.

How to Take It?

As a snack or with your breakfast, including 2-3 dates and a tablespoon of raisins.

Copper Water

Professionals in healthcare highly recommend drinking water stored in copper vessels. The copper adds natural minerals to the water and can also prevent hair loss by filling your body with essential minerals.

How to Take It?

Store water in a copper bottle and drink it as and when needed to uplift iron stores.

Sesame Seeds

The seeds of sesame are full of iron, copper, zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamin E. Studies have shown that consuming black sesame seeds regularly promotes hemoglobin levels and facilitates the absorption of iron.

How to Take It?

In freshwater, soaked sesame seeds for up to 3 hours. Take this daily with a tablespoon of honey.

People at Risk for Low Hemoglobin Levels

Hemoglobin levels can be affected by many factors, including age, location, gender, and health. Women and children are more likely to develop this condition due to their gender and age.

When a person loses a lot of blood, such as during surgery, heavy menstruation, or multiple pregnancies, their anemia risk increases.

Furthermore, young children face an increased risk of low hemoglobin because their diet is not iron-rich and they require an increased amount of hemoglobin due to their rapid growth.

Young Children

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47.4% of children and toddlers of preschool age have low hemoglobin levels, mainly due to their nutritional choices.

Even though children require more iron for growth and development. But, the number of iron kids receive each day may be less than recommended. Children in this age group are often given generous amounts of dairy products but they suffer from inadequate iron supplies, which can lead to anemia (loss of blood).

For children aged six months and up, iron-fortified foods will help raise the body’s hemoglobin level. Babies aged 12 months and younger should not drink cow’s milk exclusively.

Women Who Are Pregnant or Who Are Planning to Become Pregnant

Pregnant women are more likely to suffer from anemia and iron deficiency due to excessive blood loss through menstruation and more excellent blood supply from a growing fetus.

When pregnant women ask me how to increase hemoglobin in a week during pregnancy, I recommend iron-rich foods. Brisk walking and light chores can also help to boost the red blood cells and immunity as well.

People Who Have a Bleeding Complication From Illness or Surgery

Chronic illness can also affect hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin levels are common in cancer, AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and kidney disease. Other leading causes are malaria, fever, and sickle cell anemia.

Also, many factors lead to severe blood loss, particularly bleeding caused by surgery or bleeding from the digestive tract. Monitoring of hemoglobin levels using hemoglobin analyzers will help determine the best course of treatment.

For advice regarding the use of supplemental iron, patients should consult with their medical advisors to check how long does it take for hemoglobin levels to increase after blood loss.

Malnourished People

Low hemoglobin levels can affect anyone who is consistently lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Although young children are more likely to develop the condition, anyone would suffer from the situation.

Developing countries are especially vulnerable to malnutrition. A healthy diet containing the proper nutrients and minerals will benefit those suffering from this condition.

If you are wondering how long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels for malnourished people, the answer is much longer than usual. So they need extra care and food.

When to See a Doctor?

Get in touch with your doctor if you’re experiencing iron deficiency symptoms. In the absence of treatment, it can develop into severe iron deficiency anemia. Eventually, complications could arise, such as:

A woman is more likely to suffer from low hemoglobin levels in the blood than a man. The highest risk for blood loss is among pregnant or menstruating women, and these women should speak to their doctors.

Iron supplements should only be taken if prescribed by your doctor. If you consume too much iron, it can harm your heart, liver, and pancreas.

In addition, if you experience side effects from iron supplements, such as nausea or a metallic taste, you should ask your doctor how long does it take to raise low hemoglobin levels.

FAQs

How Quickly Can I Raise My Hemoglobin Levels? 

You can gain a healthy rise in hemoglobin level within a week if you eat a healthy diet (with plenty of vitamin E and iron) along with iron supplements.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Low Hemoglobin?

It takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover completely from a low hemoglobin level. Moreover, it may recover in 2 to 3 weeks in people with strong immunity.

How to Increase Hemoglobin Levels Naturally?

You need to consume foods high in iron, folate, and vitamin C. Moreover, you can also use home remedies to achieve better results.

Does Beetroot Increase Hemoglobin Faster?

Yes, beetroot is the best diet to raise hemoglobin level naturally. Indeed, it is rich in iron, folate, potassium, antioxidants, and many other micronutrients. In short, beetroot is the reservoir of health-essential nutrients.

Which Fruit Is Best for Hemoglobin?

Watermelon is the best food for low hemoglobin patients. Indeed, it helps in the absorption of iron. Moreover, it is rich in vitamin C along with iron. 

Watermelon aside, the following fruits can also boost normal counts of blood cells:

Bottom Line

You might feel better from consuming vitamin or mineral supplements for a short period. However, The long-term effect of a balanced diet will prevent you from nutritional deficiencies (when you include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, and nuts) in the long run.

So, it is your choice to add healthy foods to your plate or take iron pills to raise hemoglobin levels to combat health loss. How long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels now totally depends on you.