Low red blood count symptoms signal anemia development. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor and get a proper treatment.
Your body needs at least 4 to 6 million red blood cells in order to function properly. Red blood cells are part of the blood; your blood is made out of white and red blood cells.
The red blood cells are produced by the kidney and they are responsible for transferring oxygen to the organs.
Low red blood count symptoms may signal that something is wrong with your kidneys or you lack iron. Nonetheless, it is always bad to lack red blood cells because you’re at risk of getting anemia.
Anemia develops when you lack hemoglobin, which in return is made out of iron. So, iron deficiency will mean you lack hemoglobin, and when you lack hemoglobin, the red blood cells cannot do their function.
If there’s a combination of these two, lack of red bloods then lack of hemoglobin, then you’ll definitely get anemia.
Who’s at risk of having anemia?
The target group for anemia is vegans and vegetarians. This is because they don’t consume the greater iron source: the meat. Although they may find substitute in supplements, meat iron is still the best iron source.
Women are also more prone to getting anemia because of their menstrual cycles, as they lose a significant amount of blood.
Blood donors who share their iron from their blood are at risk as well.
Low red blood count symptoms
- Weakness and fatigue (being sleepy, not rested, with weak muscles)
- Light-headedness, dizziness and headaches ( mostly when you stand up)
- Irregular breathing or shortness of breath
- Chronic infections (wounds that heal slowly, infected cuts)
- Cold feet and hands
- Extremely weak nails
- Changes in heartbeat (increased heartbeat, due to lack of oxygen)
- Weird cravings (usually sugar cravings)
- Leg tingling (tingling feeling that won’t go away)
- Chest pain (the most serious sign)
How to improve your blood count?
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, and this is your own choice, you have all the rights, then try finding the most suitable substitution for meat iron. Eat more lentils and beany veggies; they are the richest in iron when it comes to vegetables.
People who eat meat and milk should focus more on egg, fish, milk and bread consumption. If you want to take supplements as well, consult with your doctor first; according to your blood test results, your doctor will recommend the right dosage.