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Published on: Nov 10, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Hemogram

A hemogram can tell you a lot about your blood. For instance, red and white blood cells, as well as platelets (also called thrombocytes), will be counted and examined for size, shape, volume, and degree of organization. Specific factors that may affect these parameters include a total number of erythrocyte progenitor stem cells; RBC membrane stiffness; frequency of RBC production; distribution and frequency of phagocytosis (cellular breakdown); distribution and type of leukocytes (white blood cells) in circulation; vitamin deficiencies like folic acid or B12 deficiency. The number of toxic substances such as lead poisoning can also be analyzed from a hemogram.

Your hemoglobin levels should be high and your white cell count should be low. It's very important to have a blood test done when you're pregnant to make sure that you don't have any type of disease that the blood could transmit to the baby through the placenta, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or other diseases.

It's also important when giving birth if one is Rh-negative and hasn't been vaccinated against it (if they can't remember their past). If they were exposed in pregnancy and gave birth with an Rh-positive partner, there's a chance for their newborn baby to receive too many RBCs from mom and develop jaundice/anemia;

A hemogram is a blood test that measures the hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and other substances in the blood (such as total protein and red blood cells). Hemograms can be differential or comprehensive. Comprehensive: performs a complete analysis of all forms of an organism's entire circulating cellular mass. Differential: analyzes two sources from one specimen- for example, plasma and white cells, platelets and red cells, prothrombin time combined with partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer level with complete lipid profile to provide a clear diagnosis of possible metabolic liver problems.

A blood count measures the number of each type of cell found in one cubic millimeter (1/10th of a teaspoon) or 500 microliters (a little less than half a cup) of whole blood. The numbers are reported as cells per cubic millimeter, so you need to know how many millions there are to divide by 10 to get the actual headcount. In this way, for example, someone under 20 could have 1.0x1012 neutrophils and have a CBC that says they have 10x109 neutrophils per cubic millimeter."

The blood count may reveal, for example, an abnormally high number of red blood cells (confirmatory diagnosis) or determinations made by routine inspection that are not obvious without the additional information present in the hemogram. A hemogram is typically conducted to investigate an abnormal indication on a CBC. For instance, if you have very low white counts and no cause for this can be determined using other lab tests like a peripheral smear or bone marrow biopsy, it's possible that your doctor will perform a complete hemogram. Most often abnormalities are seen on the CBC.

When you're involved in extreme sports like skateboarding, your chances of getting injured are much greater than if you're at the pool or sipping tea. Hematoma is a condition that usually arises from some form of blunt force or direct trauma-related injury to the muscles and/or bones due to the high blood vessels around those areas. This injury can cause swelling which creates pressure on these vessels causing red blood cells to either leak into the soft tissue, tissues fluids, or even lead to a blocked flow of fresh oxygenated blood through these vessels if not treated promptly with an incision.

A hematocrit test analyzes the volume of red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues and organs. The more severely an individual is afflicted with anemia, the lower the percentage of red blood cells they would have in one cubic millimeter of their own cardiac tissue.

If you endure a deep cut on your arm, your body will release stress hormones such as cortisol or epinephrine that prepare your immune system for increased levels of intense activity. These types of stress hormones also trigger a large release of iron from storage sites on red blood cells so that enough iron is available to help form new erythrocytes.

A haemogram is a study of the cellular inclusions in one's blood based on their shape, color, size, and specific gene expression. This process involves pumping a person's blood through a machine (this machine includes some spinning disks that separate out each type of cell for study). However, this test is not commonly done. Instead, analysis is usually limited to basic counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Anemia Diet Plan: What to Eat to Improve Hemoglobin Levels Naturally

Anemia is one of the most widespread nutritional disorders in India, affecting people across age groups. According to NFHS-5 and ICMR data, more than half of Indian women and a significant proportion of men suffer from anemia. While supplements are sometimes required, a structured anemia diet plan plays a central role in preventing and managing the condition.

Anemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently. Nutrition is the foundation of hemoglobin production, making dietary correction essential.

Understanding the Nutritional Causes of Anemia

Anemia commonly results from deficiencies of:

iron
vitamin B12
folate

Each nutrient plays a specific role in red blood cell formation.

Iron: The Core Nutrient in Anemia

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin.

Iron deficiency leads to:

fatigue
weakness
pale skin
shortness of breath

ICMR identifies iron deficiency as the leading cause of anemia in India.

Types of Dietary Iron

Heme Iron

Found in animal foods and absorbed efficiently.

Sources include:

eggs
fish
chicken
liver

Non-Heme Iron

Found in plant-based foods and absorbed less efficiently.

Sources include:

spinach
lentils
chickpeas
jaggery
dates

Vitamin C improves non-heme iron absorption.

Role of Vitamin B12 in Anemia

Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell maturation.

Deficiency causes:

megaloblastic anemia
nerve symptoms
memory issues

Vegetarians are at higher risk due to limited dietary sources.

Role of Folate

Folate supports:

DNA synthesis
red blood cell formation

Low folate intake worsens anemia, especially during pregnancy.

Foods to Include in an Anemia Diet Plan

Iron-Rich Foods

green leafy vegetables (spinach, amaranth)
legumes and pulses
dates, raisins and figs
jaggery
red meat and eggs

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

citrus fruits
guava
tomatoes
bell peppers

These enhance iron absorption.

Vitamin B12 Sources

milk and dairy products
eggs
fish
fortified cereals

Folate-Rich Foods

green leafy vegetables
beans and peas
peanuts
whole grains

Sample Daily Anemia Diet Plan

Breakfast

vegetable omelette or sprouted moong
citrus fruit or guava

Mid-Morning

soaked raisins or dates
lemon water

Lunch

brown rice or roti
dal or chickpeas
green leafy vegetable sabzi
salad with lemon dressing

Evening Snack

roasted peanuts or chana
fruit rich in vitamin C

Dinner

vegetable curry with paneer or fish
whole wheat roti
lightly cooked greens

Bedtime

warm milk if tolerated

Foods That Reduce Iron Absorption

Certain foods interfere with iron absorption:

tea and coffee
excess calcium
highly processed foods

These should be avoided close to iron-rich meals.

Special Considerations for Women

Women require more iron due to:

menstruation
pregnancy
lactation

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as a major women’s health concern in India.

Anemia in Men and Older Adults

In men and elderly individuals, anemia may signal:

nutritional deficiency
chronic disease
gastrointestinal issues

Dietary correction should be combined with medical evaluation.

When Diet Alone Is Not Enough

Diet may not be sufficient if:

anemia is severe
absorption is impaired
chronic illness is present

In such cases, supplements or treatment of underlying causes is required.

Importance of Regular Blood Tests

Monitoring hemoglobin helps:

assess improvement
guide dietary adjustments
prevent recurrence

Preventive checkups are essential for high-risk groups.

Lifestyle Factors That Support Recovery

Along with diet:

adequate sleep
stress management
regular physical activity

support blood health and recovery.

Preventing Anemia Long-Term

Long-term prevention includes:

balanced meals
iron-rich cooking methods
avoiding excessive junk food
periodic screening

WHO and NITI Aayog emphasize nutrition education as a preventive strategy.

Conclusion

A well-structured anemia diet plan is the cornerstone of improving hemoglobin levels and restoring energy. By including iron-rich foods, supporting nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate, and improving absorption through smart food combinations, anemia can be effectively managed and prevented. Early dietary intervention, supported by regular health monitoring, helps avoid long-term complications and improves overall quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiency Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia Prevalence Data
World Health Organization (WHO) – Nutrition and Anemia Guidelines
Lancet – Micronutrient Deficiency and Public Health Research
NITI Aayog – Poshan Abhiyaan and Nutrition Policy Reports
Statista – Nutrition and Health Trends in India

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