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When your red blood cell count (hematocrit) is low, you might develop a condition called anemia. This means you are not making enough red blood cells or are losing blood from your body. You need red blood cells to carry oxygen everywhere. The main food sources of iron should be added to the diet.
If your doctor tells you your red blood cell count is low or if you have been unable to donate blood because your hematocrit level is too low, you may not be ill but could stand to pump up your blood. And the best way to help your body replenish its red blood cells is to increase your intake of iron. Iron is needed to make red blood cells.
8 Food sources of iron:
Meats
Liver, beef, pork, poultry, and fish
Shellfish
Shrimp, clams, mussels, and oysters.
Iron-fortified cereals
Beans or legumes
Especially kidney beans, pintos, and chickpeas
Vegetables
Such as peas, spinach, and lentils
Fruits
Especially apricots and raisins
Enriched and whole grain bread
Molasses
And to improve the absorption of iron from any of these sources, eat vitamin C-rich foods at the same meal.
For example, a glass of orange juice, cantaloupe, green peppers, or tomatoes, suggests the American Red Cross Blood Services.
Avoid drinking tea with meals. It decreases your body’s ability to absorb iron.
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