A hemoglobin above 14 may cause blood clots

[Guest guest]

I recently found out that a famous New York Hematologist by the name

of Dr. Silver encourages his patients (both men and women) to keep

their Hemoglobin at 14. I was under the impression that men could

have a Hemoglobin of 15....this apparently has changed in the past

year or two.

The thinner your blood the less likely blood clots will

form....although there is a sub-group of persons that have a

condition called hyper-coagubility and the blood will clot

anyway....thus, it behooves men and women to have a lower Hemoglobin

and to hydrate well. (Water alone will not work as effectively as

small meals of protein, fruit and water are the best way to

hydrate).

I feel best when my Hemoglobin is at 13 and my Hematocrit around

40. (There is generally a 1:3 ratio with some slight variations.)

Since afib tends to make us more prone to blood clots, I am

definately keeping my Hgb low. I eat much less red meat...1 to 2oz

and try not to eat anything fortified with iron above 4%. Vitamin C

in pill form enhances the absorption and storage of iron in all the

major organs. Up to 500mg from fruit and veggies is permitted and

safe. I hope this helps.

Isabelle