Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.  The Gut Microbiome influences and increases hemoglobin levels through its role in iron absorption. Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. The gut microbiome affects iron absorption and metabolism. It promotes the release of iron from food and influences its uptake by intestinal cells. Healthy gut bacteria produce compounds that enhance iron absorption. Whereas the pathogenic bacteria competes with the host for available iron.

How does Gut Dysbiosis affect iron absorption?
In the case of certain gut disorders, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and celiac disease, disruptions in the gut microbiome happen and it leads to impaired iron absorption. It leads to anemia (low hemoglobin levels) and chronic inflammation in the gut which further exacerbates the issue by interfering with iron utilization and storage.

What are the foods that increase hemoglobin levels?
Another important aspect linked to hemoglobin levels is the absorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential to produce healthy red blood cells, and its deficiency can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Healthy gut bacteria break down dietary sources of vitamin B12 and allow its absorption in the intestine. Foods like red meat of lamb, liver, chicken, and turkey, fishes like tuna, and salmon, shellfish like oysters, and clams legumes like lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, and soy products, spinach and other leafy greens, iron-fortified cereals and bread are great sources of iron.

Individuals with imbalanced gut microbiomes or conditions affecting gut health, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), may experience reduced vitamin B12 absorption and, consequently, a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Foods like lamb meat, fishes like salmon, trout, tuna, shellfish, eggs, dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), and fortified breakfast cereals are great sources of vitamin B12. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, legumes especially lentils, black beans, chickpeas, asparagus, avocado, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, fortified grains and cereals are great sources of folate.

When it comes to increasing your hemoglobin levels naturally, consuming a balanced diet that includes foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate can be beneficial. A healthy Gut Microbiome increases the Hemoglobin level in the body. If there is dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, then the food that you eat will be the food for the bad pathogenic bacteria to grow. The Hemoglobin Test, also known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood. This test helps evaluate your overall health and screens for various conditions such as anemia and polycythemia.

Why test at AMMAGENOMICS?
AMMAGENOMICS offers Gut Dysbiosis Test to know the status of the Gut Microbiome. We give the percentage of good bacteria and the pathogenic bad bacteria. Free treatment counselling and guidance are offered to correct dysbiosis and maintain a healthy microbiome. Once the Gut Microbiome is reset, the food you consume is automatically absorbed into your body, increasing hemoglobin levels. A healthy Gut Microbiome increases the Hemoglobin level in the body.