MCH is the mean cellular hemoglobin content, i.e. the mean hemoglobin mass in red blood cells. In most cases, low levels are the result of an iron deficiency and / or anemia; therefore, the best way to increase them is to change your diet and take supplements. In rare cases, however, they can result from serious health problems and should be diagnosed by a doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Diagnosing Low MCH Levels
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
If you are concerned about having low MCH levels, take time to pay attention to the symptoms and catalog them. Among the most common you can note:
- Exhaustion;
- Shortness of breath;
- Propensity to hematomas;
- Pale skin
- General weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Loss of stamina.
Step 2. Contact your doctor
If you are experiencing the typical symptoms of a reduced MCH, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. The cause of this disorder could be attributable to anemia, some types of cancer, parasites, eating disorders (such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease) and other diseases; MCH levels can also depend on taking certain medications. Be prepared to tell your doctor about:
- The symptoms you are experiencing
- Their onset;
- Your medical history;
- The medications you are taking (if you take any);
- Your standard diet.
Step 3. Get tested
Your doctor will want to see you and prescribe a series of tests, from which they can define the best treatment to manage low MCH levels. The tests that are most often performed in this case are:
- A blood test to establish MCHC levels (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration);
- A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test to measure the mean volume of red blood cells.
Method 2 of 3: Change Your Diet
Step 1. Review your nutrition with your doctor
Before making any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor, who can help you determine the exact amount of iron (and other nutrients) you need and draw up a conscious plan for your health. your health.
It is not necessary to cause the MCH level to rise if there is no underlying problem, such as anemia
Step 2. Increase the amount of iron in your diet
The best way to increase MCH levels is to eat larger doses of foods rich in this mineral. The amount of daily iron you need varies based on age, gender, and other factors; you can do an online search to define your needs based on your specific situation. Among the foods that are richest in it are mentioned:
- Spinach;
- Beans;
- Seafood;
- Red meat and poultry
- Peas.
Step 3. Make sure you are getting enough vitamin B6
In order for the body to absorb iron adequately, this vitamin must be present; you can therefore increase your MCH levels by ensuring you have an adequate supply of this nutrient in addition to iron. Among the foods that are particularly rich in it, consider:
- Bananas;
- Wild tuna (not farmed);
- Chicken breast;
- Salmon;
- Sweet potatoes;
- Spinach.
Step 4. Increase the amount of fiber in your diet
They are an important aspect of any diet. For your specific purpose, increasing the foods that are rich in it will facilitate the absorption of iron by the intestine. Here are the ones that contain them in high quantities:
- Peas;
- Lentils;
- Black beans;
- Broccoli;
- Brussels sprouts.
Method 3 of 3: Take Supplements
Step 1. Take iron supplements
If you don't like to eat foods that are rich in it (or you can't on days when you are too busy), an alternative is represented by supplements; iron ones are cheap and safe.
Avoid taking iron-rich supplements if you don't have anemia because too high levels of iron can damage vital organs
Step 2. Learn about side effects
Unfortunately, such supplements can have negative effects; some of these are moderate and disappear as the body gets used to the active ingredient. Others may be more serious (albeit less common) and may be worthy of medical attention. Of course, if you experience any adverse effects that create discomfort or if you have any concerns, contact your doctor right away.
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Side effects that generally do not require medical intervention are:
- Constipation;
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Leg cramps
- Dark urine
- Stains on the teeth;
- Stomach ache.
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Those that require prompt medical attention are:
- Back pain or muscle aches
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Metallic taste in the mouth;
- Dizziness or fainting
- Pain, numbness, tingling in the hands and feet
- Tachycardia;
- Severe headache;
- Red skin
- Skin rashes or hives
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling in the mouth and throat.
Alleviate Breast Tenderness Step 7 Step 3. Take Vitamin B6 Supplements
Regardless of whether you take it through food or with supplements, it is an essential component of iron; an iron supplement therapy must be accompanied by vitamin B6.
Add Calcium Into Your Weight Loss Diet Step 15 Step 4. Don't get too much calcium
If you decide to take it, make sure you don't exceed the recommended daily dose; an excessive intake of this mineral makes iron absorption more difficult.
