Red Blood Cells Age: 4 Months
Red blood cells are the body’s vital transport system, carrying oxygen to every tissue and carrying waste away,
They wear out every four months, after which the liver removes any remaining in iron that is needed for healthy red blood cells, and then the remaining cell is destroyed in the spleen.
Since red blood cells can also be lost through injury and menstruation, the body constantly makes more.
These nutrients will maintain your red blood cells:
Eating foods rich in these nutrients can help you improve your red blood cell levels.
Iron
Eating an iron-rich diet can increase your body’s production of red blood cells. Iron-rich foods include:
- red meat, such as beef
- organ meat, such as kidney and liver
- dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins
- beans
- legumes
- egg yolks
Folic acid
Adding certain B vitamins to your diet can also be beneficial. Foods high in vitamin folic acid include:
- enriched breads
- enriched cereals
- dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- beans
- lentils
- peas
- nuts
Vitamin B-12
Foods high in vitamin B-12 include:
- red meat, such as beef
- fish
- dairy products, such as milk and cheese
- eggs
Copper
Copper intake doesn’t directly result in red blood cell production, but it can help access the iron they need to replicate. Foods high in copper include:
- poultry
- shellfish
- liver
- beans
- cherries
- nuts
Vitamin A
Vitamin AÂ also supports red blood cells production. Foods rich in vitamin A include:
- dark, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and kale
- sweet potatoes
- squash
- carrots
- red peppers
- fruits, such as watermelon, grapefruit, and cantaloupe
Vitamin C
- Citrus fruit
- Red capsicums
- Berries
- Parsley
- Watercress
- Papaya
 This vitamin may help your body better absorb iron. The average adult needs about 500 mg per day.
Tonify your red blood cells with these herbs: they nourish and invigorate the blood by enhancing the effect of iron.
- Nettle
- Codonopsis
- Licorice
- Withania
Lifestyle
If you’re eating a healthy diet and taking supplements, you’re off to a great start. Keep up this balanced approach by cutting back on or eliminating alcoholic beverages. Excessive drinking may lower your red blood cell count. For women, this is defined as more than one drink in one day. For men, this is more than two drinks in one day.
Regular exercise is also beneficial. In addition to promoting overall wellness, exercise is key to red blood cell production. Vigorous exercise causes your body to need more oxygen. When you need more oxygen, your brain signals your body to create more red blood cells.
Your best vigorous activities include:
- jogging
- running
- swimming
- brisk walks
Christine Gozlan
B.H.Sc, Naturopathy
Dip. Herbal Medicine
Dip. Nutrition