red blood cells

Question

A few weeks ago, I started feeling extremely tired, even after getting a full night’s sleep. My muscles felt weaker, I was getting lightheaded when standing up, and sometimes I’d even feel short of breath after doing basic things like climbing stairs. I thought maybe it was just stress or not eating enough, but then I went for a blood test, and the doctor told me my red blood cells are lower than normal.

He said this could be a sign of anemia and recommended eating more iron-rich foods. But here’s the thing—I already eat a decent amount of iron from spinach, lentils, and nuts, so why are my red blood cells still low? Could there be a deeper issue going on, like poor absorption or some kind of deficiency that’s preventing my body from making enough red blood cells?

I started looking into Ayurveda because I don’t want to just take iron supplements without fixing the actual cause of the problem. Does Ayurveda have natural ways to increase red blood cells? I read that herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Punarnava are good for blood health, but do they actually help build more red blood cells?

Also, could my digestion be affecting my red blood cells? I’ve had bloating and indigestion issues for a long time, and I read that weak Agni (digestive fire) can lead to poor nutrient absorption. Should I be doing anything to improve my digestion first before trying iron-rich foods?

Another thing—I drink a lot of tea and coffee, and someone told me that they can block iron absorption. Is that true? Should I be avoiding certain foods while trying to increase my red blood cells?

If anyone has used Ayurveda to improve their red blood cells, what actually worked? Did you follow a specific diet, take herbal supplements, or try any Ayurvedic treatments? I just want to feel normal again and stop feeling so drained all the time.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Your symptoms and blood test results suggest anemia, which can happen not just from low iron intake but also from poor absorption, weak digestion (low Agni), or deficiencies in other nutrients like vitamin B12 or folate. Even if you're eating iron-rich foods, factors like bloating, indigestion, or excessive tea and coffee consumption can inhibit iron absorption, making it harder for your body to produce healthy red blood cells. Ayurveda focuses on addressing the root cause, and in your case, improving digestion might be the first step before relying solely on iron supplementation.

To naturally boost red blood cells, Ayurveda recommends herbs like Punarnava (blood purifier and RBC booster), Ashwagandha (strengthens the body and improves oxygen levels), Shatavari (nourishes blood and balances Pitta), and Guduchi (enhances absorption and immunity). You might also benefit from Lohasava (an Ayurvedic iron tonic) or Draksharishta (a grape-based formulation for blood health). However, digestion is key—if your gut isn't absorbing nutrients well, even the best foods won't be effective. Strengthening Agni with ginger, cumin, and Triphala, avoiding heavy, hard-to-digest foods, and taking Chyawanprash (a rejuvenating Ayurvedic jam rich in iron and vitamin C) can support both digestion and nutrient absorption.

Yes, tea and coffee can block iron absorption due to their tannins, so try consuming them away from meals or reducing intake. To improve iron absorption, pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources like amla (Indian gooseberry), citrus fruits, or pomegranate juice. Cooking in a cast iron pan can also naturally boost iron intake. Ayurveda also emphasizes lifestyle adjustments—getting morning sunlight, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive stress—as these factors influence blood health. If your energy levels are still low despite dietary changes, you might also want to check for B12 or folate deficiency, which are equally important for red blood cell production. Let me know if you’d like specific herbal or dietary recommendations!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, low red blood cell count or anemia can be linked to a weakened Agni (digestive fire), which affects the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients properly. If your digestion is not optimal, even iron-rich foods may not be properly absorbed, leading to deficiencies despite a good diet. Improving your digestion should be a priority, and this can be done by focusing on foods that are warm, easily digestible, and avoiding heavy or cold foods that can aggravate digestive issues. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Punarnava can help improve blood health by strengthening digestion, reducing stress, and nourishing the body. Additionally, you should be mindful of your tea and coffee intake, as they can inhibit iron absorption, particularly if consumed with meals. It’s best to have them between meals rather than during. To support red blood cell production naturally, incorporating foods like beets, pomegranate, and jaggery into your diet, along with herbs that support digestion and blood-building, can be beneficial. It's essential to balance your diet, improve your Agni, and be consistent with Ayurvedic herbs to restore energy and vitality.

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