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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