As a fitness enthusiast and advocate for healthy living, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy red blood cell count to combat cancer. Millions of people worldwide are affected by the devastating disease known as cancer. While there are many different factors that contribute to cancer development, a healthy red blood cell count can play a critical role in preventing and fighting this disease. Red blood cells transport oxygen and are vital to the immune system. Red blood cells are critical in supporting natural immunity, and more importantly, it plays a key role in specific immunity, which can directly kill tumor cells.
What is Blood?
Blood is a mixture of blood cells, salts, proteins, and plasma – a watery fluid. Your blood houses three primary cell types – Red blood cells – carry oxygen throughout your body. White blood cells, which tackle infections, and Platelets, which assist in blood clotting.
Blood cells are produced by the bone marrow, and their levels may fluctuate for various reasons. Your blood count is compared to a reference point.
Why is CBC important?
When we have unfortunate circumstances, like cancer, chemotherapy, and radiation, our bodies can be weakened, and our blood counts may change. And without paying attention to your blood count, we may not even know that we are already in danger. That is why testing our blood is so important. By measuring the number of red cells, white cells, and platelets, things can be measured, such as kidney and liver functions. Nonetheless, your blood counts and other blood tests can make a difference during your treatment.
Richard Uzelac on the Significance of Red Blood Cells and Platelets: Why They Matter
Red Blood Cells, or RBCs as they’re known, are the couriers of life. Their sole purpose is to transport oxygen to every nook and cranny of your body’s cells. And they do this with the aid of a remarkable protein called hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is the driving force behind this essential process. It snags oxygen in the lungs and ferries it away to every tissue in your being. It’s a cycle that plays out tirelessly, day in and day out, keeping you alive and thriving.
But when the RBC count takes a nosedive, that’s when things get tricky. Anemia sets in, and the body is starved of the oxygen it so desperately needs. It’s a precarious situation, one that demands swift attention and a steady hand. “For in the absence of enough RBCs, life itself is at risk.” – Richard Uzelac
Platelets
Well, you see, platelets are a remarkable type of cell that your bone marrow produces to assist with blood clotting and regulate bleeding. These small but mighty agents play a critical role in maintaining your body’s overall health and well-being.
Now, when it comes to cancer treatment, it’s important to note that certain therapies can diminish the number of platelets your body generates. And with a shortage of these vital components, the risk of bleeding increases substantially.
How Do We Keep Strengthening Our Hemoglobin?
It is well known that nutrition plays a critical role in our physical and mental health. A balanced diet that includes foods that increase red blood cell count can be particularly beneficial for cancer resistance. I will outline some of the foods and vitamins that can increase red blood cell count and their benefits in cancer prevention.
Iron
Iron is one of the most important nutrients for red blood cell production. Its deficiency can cause anemia, where there are insufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to body tissues. Anemia can make a person more susceptible to infections, including cancer. Therefore, it is essential to consume foods that are rich in iron.
IRON-RICH FOODS
Heme Iron (Animal Meat)
Seafood
Poultry
Red Meats – one of the which rich in iron. But keep in mind to consume red meat in moderation, as excessive consumption can increase the risk of cancer.
Liver – Livers are also one of the riches in iron
Non Heme Iron (Plant Source)
Beans, Lentils, Tofu
Vegetarian foods like spinach that contain iron do not absorb much in the body.
Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient for red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia and can also increase the risk of cancer. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in animal products (meat, fish, and dairy), while vegetarians and vegans can obtain it from fortified cereals, soy products, and nutritional yeast.
Folic acid, or folate is essential for red blood cell production. Folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia and can also increase the risk of cancer. Foods that are rich in folic acid: leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. Other sources of folic acid include beans, lentils, citrus fruits, and fortified cereals.
Vitamin C aids in absorbing iron from plants, boosting the immune system and preventing cancer. Vitamin C-rich foods: citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, grapefruits), kiwi, strawberries, and guava.
Another antioxidant that can help prevent cancer is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is found in nuts and seeds such as almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Other sources of vitamin E include avocados, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
How One Increases Iron Absorption From Foods
- Taking iron enhancers
- Avoid iron inhibitors such as tannins that are found in coffee and tea. It is recommended to drink coffee an hour or two before or after eating a meal. Too much Calcium can cause blockage in iron, so add iron supplements.
- It’s important to soak, cook, and germinate food for better iron absorption.
Richard Uzelac’s TakeAway:
A balanced diet that includes foods that increase red blood cell count can be particularly beneficial for cancer prevention. Iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E are essential nutrients for red blood cell production and can help prevent anemia and reduce the risk of cancer. It is essential to consume these nutrients through a varied diet that includes a mix of animal and plant-based sources. As always, moderation is key, and it is crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
