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I would like to share a few tricks I've learned over the years of how to lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels from being on cycle for extended periods, or as a side effect of blasting/cruising, and even HRT (some men are more sensitive to testosterone, but not many)
I abbreviate "hemoglobin and hematocrit" to just HEMO throughout this post to simplify.
Certain compounds may cause your HEMO levels to elevate more so than others, and I've noticed personally that the higher the dose, the faster my HEMO levels elevate. Research and know which compounds are more likely to cause elevated HEMO levels, and keep a close watch on them during cycle because if left alone, it can be a deadly mistake. High hemoglobin (or RBCs) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. A stroke can be a life-changing (or life-ending) event and should be avoided at all costs. There is also a long term risk as well: elevated hemoglobin could lead to unhealthy iron store levels which is associated with heart disease and dementia.
1.) Donate Blood
This is probably the easiest, most effective way to quickly lower it. Unfortunately, most places only allow you to donate every 3 months, so if it spikes again before then read the other options.. Collection of whole blood following a 500 ml (+/- 50 ml ) volunteer blood donation would be expected to decrease Hgb by 1 g/dL and hematocrit (hct) by 1-3 % in an average 75 Kg adult. While total blood volume will be replaced within hours by extracellular fluid transfer into intravascular space, red cell mass is replaced within 3-5 weeks in most donors.
2.) Drink Green Tea
Studies have shown that drinking green tea will lower HEMO levels - Green tea leaves naturally contain high levels of polyphenols, and when consumed have shown to lower my HEMO levels roughly 30%, results may vary from person to person and are “dose dependent” from what I have seen - more polyphenols = lower HEMO, just don’t go overboard thinking it will be the only thing you need to do!
3.) Drink Water!
HEMO levels are very dependent on your hydration levels. Staying hydrated helps to keep your HEMO levels down, which in turn keeps them from spiking to even higher levels.. Stay hydrated at all costs, this includes a decent intake of sodium and electrolyte drinks in the summer if needed! Glycerine added to one drink each morning also helps you retain water easier!
4.) Grapefruit
Eating grapefruit has shown to also lower HEMO levels. - see study below. Thanks J20! Did not know, and I LOVE eating grapefruit, so this is definitely a plus!
Effects of green tea on hemoglobin and hematocrit
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18060378
Effects of Water on hemoglobin and hematocrit
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK259/
Grapefruit lowers hemoglobin and hematocrit!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3243695
I abbreviate "hemoglobin and hematocrit" to just HEMO throughout this post to simplify.
Certain compounds may cause your HEMO levels to elevate more so than others, and I've noticed personally that the higher the dose, the faster my HEMO levels elevate. Research and know which compounds are more likely to cause elevated HEMO levels, and keep a close watch on them during cycle because if left alone, it can be a deadly mistake. High hemoglobin (or RBCs) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. A stroke can be a life-changing (or life-ending) event and should be avoided at all costs. There is also a long term risk as well: elevated hemoglobin could lead to unhealthy iron store levels which is associated with heart disease and dementia.
1.) Donate Blood
This is probably the easiest, most effective way to quickly lower it. Unfortunately, most places only allow you to donate every 3 months, so if it spikes again before then read the other options.. Collection of whole blood following a 500 ml (+/- 50 ml ) volunteer blood donation would be expected to decrease Hgb by 1 g/dL and hematocrit (hct) by 1-3 % in an average 75 Kg adult. While total blood volume will be replaced within hours by extracellular fluid transfer into intravascular space, red cell mass is replaced within 3-5 weeks in most donors.
2.) Drink Green Tea
Studies have shown that drinking green tea will lower HEMO levels - Green tea leaves naturally contain high levels of polyphenols, and when consumed have shown to lower my HEMO levels roughly 30%, results may vary from person to person and are “dose dependent” from what I have seen - more polyphenols = lower HEMO, just don’t go overboard thinking it will be the only thing you need to do!
3.) Drink Water!
HEMO levels are very dependent on your hydration levels. Staying hydrated helps to keep your HEMO levels down, which in turn keeps them from spiking to even higher levels.. Stay hydrated at all costs, this includes a decent intake of sodium and electrolyte drinks in the summer if needed! Glycerine added to one drink each morning also helps you retain water easier!
4.) Grapefruit
Eating grapefruit has shown to also lower HEMO levels. - see study below. Thanks J20! Did not know, and I LOVE eating grapefruit, so this is definitely a plus!
Effects of green tea on hemoglobin and hematocrit
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18060378
Effects of Water on hemoglobin and hematocrit
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK259/
Grapefruit lowers hemoglobin and hematocrit!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3243695
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