Hematocrit is a medical term for the ration of red blood cells to the total volume of blood in the body. Most healthy adults have a hematocrit of around 40 to 54 percent. A low hematocrit can be a sign of anemia or other medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease. While there are medications that can help to raise a low hematocrit, there are also natural remedies that can help to lower a high hematocrit. Here are some tips on how to lower hematocrit naturally.
1. Eat Iron-Rich Foods
Iron is an important mineral that helps to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause a high hematocrit, so eating foods that are rich in iron can help to lower it. Some good sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy green vegetables. Eating foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges and other citrus fruits, can also help to increase your iron absorption.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of fluids is important for keeping your body hydrated and helping to flush out excess red blood cells. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, or more if you’re exercising or in a hot climate. Water helps to keep your blood thinner and less viscous, making it easier for your body to carry oxygen to your cells.
3. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is important for overall health and can help to reduce your hematocrit. Exercise helps to increase blood flow, which in turn helps to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Regular exercise can also help to reduce stress and improve your overall mood.
4. Avoid Dehydrating Drinks
Dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol and caffeinated beverages, can increase the number of red blood cells in the body, leading to a higher hematocrit. If you’re trying to lower your hematocrit, it’s best to avoid or limit your intake of these drinks. Instead, opt for non-caffeinated beverages such as herbal teas or water.
5. Reduce Stress Levels
Stress can cause your body to produce more red blood cells, leading to a higher hematocrit. Therefore, it’s important to try to reduce your stress levels if you want to lower your hematocrit. Take time to relax each day, practice yoga or meditation, or take up a hobby such as reading or painting. Exercise can also help to reduce stress levels, so try to make time for regular physical activity.
6. Take Supplements
If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements to help lower your hematocrit. Iron supplements can help to raise your iron levels and reduce your hematocrit. Other supplements that may help include vitamin B12, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, before taking any supplements, it’s important to speak to your doctor to ensure they’re safe for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hematocrit?
A hematocrit is a medical term for the ratio of red blood cells to the total volume of blood in the body. Most healthy adults have a hematocrit of around 40 to 54 percent.
What causes a high hematocrit?
A high hematocrit can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, smoking, high altitude, and certain medical conditions such as anemia, liver or kidney disease.
How do I lower my hematocrit?
There are a number of natural remedies that can help to lower a high hematocrit. These include eating iron-rich foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, avoiding dehydrating drinks, reducing stress levels, and taking supplements.
Is it dangerous to have a high hematocrit?
Having a high hematocrit can be dangerous if left untreated, as it can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. It’s important to speak to your doctor if you think you may have a high hematocrit.
Can dehydration cause a high hematocrit?
Yes, dehydration can cause a high hematocrit. When the body is dehydrated, it produces more red blood cells in an attempt to increase the oxygen levels in the body. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated and help to reduce the number of red blood cells.
What supplements can help to lower hematocrit?
Iron supplements can help to raise your iron levels and reduce your hematocrit. Other supplements that may help include vitamin B12, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, before taking any supplements, it’s important to speak to your doctor to ensure they’re safe for you.
What foods are high in iron?
Some good sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy green vegetables. Eating foods that are high in vitamin C, such as oranges and other citrus fruits, can also help to increase your iron absorption.
Can exercise help to lower hematocrit?
Yes, exercise can help to lower a high hematocrit. Exercise helps to increase blood flow, which in turn helps to reduce the number of red blood cells in the body. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.
Should I take supplements to lower my hematocrit?
If you’re not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements to help lower your hematocrit. Iron supplements can help to raise your iron levels and reduce your hematocrit. Other supplements that may help include vitamin B12, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, before taking any supplements, it’s important to speak to your doctor to ensure they’re safe for you.