A high hematocrit, also known as erythrocytosis, means your blood contains a higher proportion of red blood cells than normal. This can increase blood viscosity, making it thicker and potentially raising the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and other complications. While high hematocrit can result from various medical conditions, including polycythemia vera, heart or lung disease, or simply dehydration, certain dietary choices can help manage your levels.
Dietary interventions focus primarily on limiting iron intake, especially the more easily absorbed heme iron found in animal products. However, it's crucial to consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet. These strategies are intended to be a supportive measure alongside any medical treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Limiting Excess Iron: Foods and Supplements
Iron is a vital mineral, but for those with high hematocrit, excessive intake can worsen the condition. Two main types of iron are found in food: heme iron, from animal sources, and non-heme iron, from plants. Heme iron is much more easily absorbed by the body, making it a priority to limit.
High Heme-Iron Sources to Reduce
- Red Meat: Beef, lamb, and pork are significant sources of highly bioavailable heme iron and should be restricted. Some experts suggest consuming red meat in moderation, perhaps just a few ounces, or pairing it with foods that inhibit iron absorption.
- Organ Meats: Liver, kidney, and other organ meats are particularly dense in iron and should be avoided or consumed very sparingly.
- Certain Seafood: Shellfish, especially mussels, oysters, and clams, can be high in iron. Furthermore, people with high iron levels are more susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus bacteria found in raw shellfish, making raw consumption particularly risky.
Reducing Iron-Fortified and Enriched Foods
Many processed foods are enriched with iron to combat deficiency in the general population. For someone with high hematocrit, these foods contribute to excess iron levels.
- Iron-Fortified Cereals and Grains: Many breakfast cereals and breads have added iron, which should be avoided. Check labels to ensure no added iron is present.
- Dietary Supplements: Iron supplements and multivitamins containing iron or vitamin C should be avoided entirely unless a doctor specifically prescribes them. Vitamin C significantly increases iron absorption.
Limiting Factors That Increase Iron Absorption
Certain substances and habits can increase the body's absorption of iron, making it important to limit them, especially during meals.
- Alcohol: Chronic alcohol consumption can increase iron absorption and damage the liver, a vital organ for iron metabolism.
- Excess Vitamin C: While a necessary nutrient, consuming large amounts of vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods can enhance iron absorption. Consider consuming vitamin C-rich foods and supplements at separate times from meals.
- Sugar: A 2013 study found that foods and beverages high in certain sugars can significantly increase the absorption of non-heme iron.
Comparative Guide: Foods to Limit vs. Foods to Include
Balancing your diet to manage high hematocrit involves more than just avoidance. Incorporating certain foods can actively help reduce iron absorption.
| Foods to Limit/Avoid | Foods to Include/Incorporate |
|---|---|
| Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) | Lean white meat (poultry, fish) |
| Organ meats (liver, kidney) | Eggs (the phosphoprotein can bind iron) |
| Iron-fortified cereals and bread | Wholegrains (contain phytates that inhibit iron) |
| Iron supplements or multivitamins with iron | Dairy products (calcium inhibits iron absorption) |
| Raw shellfish (oysters, mussels) | Tea and coffee (contain tannins that inhibit iron) |
| High alcohol consumption | Ample water intake (prevents dehydration-related spikes) |
| Pairing high Vitamin C foods with iron sources | Phytate and calcium-rich foods |
The Critical Role of Hydration
One of the most common and simple reasons for an elevated hematocrit reading is dehydration. When your body lacks enough fluid, the plasma volume in your blood decreases, causing the red blood cells to become more concentrated and increasing the hematocrit percentage. Staying properly hydrated with water is an effective and immediate step to help regulate your hematocrit levels.
The Role of Phytates, Tannins, and Calcium
Beyond just avoiding high-iron foods, you can actively include foods that inhibit iron absorption. Incorporating these foods, especially with meals, can further assist in managing iron levels.
- Phytates: Found in whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, phytates can bind to non-heme iron in the digestive tract, reducing its absorption. Oat bran is particularly effective.
- Tannins: These are plant compounds found in tea, coffee, and some fruits. They can reduce iron absorption when consumed with meals. Pairing a cup of tea or coffee with a high-iron meal can help mitigate absorption.
- Calcium: Rich sources like dairy products and tofu have been shown to inhibit the absorption of both heme and non-heme iron.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Managing Hematocrit
Managing high hematocrit through diet is a multifaceted process that involves more than simply avoiding a single food group. The primary goal is to strategically limit the intake of highly-absorbed iron, minimize factors that enhance absorption, and boost hydration. Reducing red and organ meats, cutting back on iron-fortified products and alcohol, and avoiding iron supplements are all key steps. Simultaneously, incorporating iron-inhibiting foods like tea, coffee, wholegrains, and dairy can provide added benefit. However, it is vital to remember that dietary changes should complement, not replace, the treatment plan developed by your healthcare provider. For conditions like polycythemia vera, medical interventions such as phlebotomy may be necessary. Always consult your doctor to ensure your dietary choices align with your overall health needs.
Learn more about polycythemia vera
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dehydration cause high hematocrit? Yes, dehydration is a common cause of high hematocrit. When you're dehydrated, your plasma volume decreases, making the concentration of red blood cells appear higher than normal. Staying well-hydrated is a simple and effective way to manage this issue.
2. Is it necessary to completely eliminate iron from my diet? No, it is not necessary to completely eliminate iron. The goal is to limit excessive intake, particularly of highly absorbed heme iron from red and organ meats. Focus on reducing these sources rather than eliminating all iron.
3. Why should I avoid alcohol if my hematocrit is high? Alcohol can increase iron absorption and, if liver issues are present, can worsen them. Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is recommended.
4. Do I need to avoid all iron-rich vegetables? Plant-based iron (non-heme) is not as readily absorbed as heme iron from meat, so generally, iron-rich vegetables like spinach don't need to be completely avoided. They also contain other compounds, like oxalates, that can inhibit non-heme iron absorption.
5. Can drinking coffee or tea help reduce iron absorption? Yes, the tannins in coffee and tea can inhibit iron absorption when consumed with meals. Drinking these beverages with meals is a simple way to help manage iron intake.
6. Is it safe to donate blood to lower my hematocrit? Blood donation is a common and effective method to lower hematocrit and remove excess iron, particularly for conditions like polycythemia vera. However, this should only be done under a doctor's supervision and as part of a proper medical treatment plan.
7. What is the difference between heme and non-heme iron? Heme iron is found exclusively in animal products like red meat, poultry, and fish and is easily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron is found in plant-based foods, such as grains, legumes, and leafy greens, and is not as efficiently absorbed.
