Why Red Blood Cells Matter, What Can Go Wrong, and How to Give Them a Boost

Red blood cells play a vital role in overall health, yet they’re often overlooked until a problem appears on a lab report. Red blood cell size and function play an important role in oxygen delivery, circulation, and overall energy levels.

These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body and returning carbon dioxide for removal. When red blood cells are too few, too large, too small, or not functioning efficiently, the effects can show up as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or reduced stamina—symptoms that are frequently attributed to aging rather than underlying imbalances.

Understanding how red blood cells work, and what influences their size and function, can provide valuable insight into circulation, energy levels, and whole-body wellness.

Have you ever looked at your lab results and thought, “Red blood cells too big? What does that even mean?” You’re not the only one. Honestly, it can feel a little scary when you see words like “enlarged” or “abnormal” on a test result—especially when no one really explains what it means.

So let’s sit down, pour a cup of something warm, and have a simple chat about what red blood cells do, why size and shape matter, and how you can help your body naturally if things are a little off.

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First Things First – What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells (or RBCs) are like the delivery trucks in your body. Their job is to pick up oxygen from your lungs and drop it off all over your body—your muscles, your brain, your heart… every little part of you depends on these hardworking cells to keep things running smoothly.

When you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells—or they’re the wrong size or shape—it’s kind of like a delivery truck running low on gas. Things slow down, and you start to feel it.

Why Red Blood Cell Size Matters

(And What Lab Numbers Don’t Always Tell You)

Red blood cells aren’t just counted by how many you have — their size, shape, and flexibility matter just as much. This is why changes in red blood cell size can affect circulation and contribute to fatigue or low stamina over time.

Think of red blood cells as tiny delivery vehicles traveling through an incredibly fine network of blood vessels. Some of those vessels are so small that red blood cells have to bend and squeeze to get through. When everything is working well, oxygen is delivered efficiently, and your tissues get what they need to function.

But when red blood cells are too large, too small, or poorly formed, that delivery system doesn’t work as smoothly.

Larger-than-normal red blood cells may have trouble moving through tiny capillaries, slowing oxygen delivery.
Smaller red blood cells may move easily but carry less oxygen per cell.
Misshapen or fragile cells may break down early or struggle to do their job effectively.

The result?
You may feel tired, short of breath, foggy, or weak — even when your lab numbers don’t look “that bad.”

What Lab Tests Don’t Always Tell You

Standard blood tests are helpful, but they don’t always show the whole picture.

A lab report might say your red blood cell count is “within range,” yet it doesn’t always reflect:

How efficiently those cells deliver oxygen
How flexible they are
How well they’re surviving over time
How your circulation is functioning at the tissue level

This is why some people are told their labs are “normal,” yet they still feel exhausted or unwell. The body can compensate for quite a while before numbers fall outside the reference range.

Why This Matters More As We Age

As we get older, several things can quietly affect red blood cell quality:

Nutrient absorption (especially B12 and folate) becomes less efficient
Bone marrow activity may slow slightly
Circulation can become less elastic
Chronic inflammation or oxidative stress can take a toll

None of this means something is “wrong” with you — it simply means the body may need more targeted support than it did years ago.

Paying attention to red blood cell size and function gives valuable insight into energy levels, circulation, and overall vitality — long before a serious problem develops.

What About Bone Marrow Health?

Your bone marrow is the part of your body responsible for making blood cells — including red blood cells. You can think of it as a quiet factory that works around the clock, renewing your blood supply as older cells wear out.

Sometimes, that process can slow down or become less efficient. When this happens, red blood cells may be released into circulation before they are fully mature, or they may vary more in size and shape than usual.

There are a range of reasons this can happen, many of them far more common and far less serious than people often fear. Nutrient deficiencies, chronic inflammation, medication effects, or simply the natural aging process can all influence how well the bone marrow functions.

In less common cases, certain bone marrow conditions can affect blood cell production more significantly. These are typically identified through patterns over time, additional testing, and careful evaluation by a healthcare provider — not from a single lab result.

It’s important to remember that seeing “abnormal” red blood cell size on a report does not automatically mean a serious condition. In many situations, the body is signaling that it needs better nutritional or metabolic support.

If lab changes persist or are accompanied by ongoing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, frequent infections, or unusual bruising, further evaluation may be helpful. The goal is always understanding — not fear — and addressing root causes early whenever possible.

A Note on Ongoing Research and Natural Support

In recent years, there has been growing interest in how certain foods and natural compounds may support overall immune and blood health. One area some researchers and practitioners continue to explore involves medicinal mushrooms, including Maitake. Supporting red blood cells through nutrition and lifestyle can gently improve circulation and energy, especially as we age.

Maitake mushrooms contain compounds that are being studied for their potential role in immune system balance and overall cellular support. Because of this, you may see Maitake mentioned in discussions about immune health or more complex conditions involving the blood.

It’s important to approach this information thoughtfully. Research in this area is ongoing, and these natural substances are not treatments or cures. Instead, they are part of a broader conversation about nutrition, immune resilience, and supporting the body alongside appropriate medical care.

For those who enjoy learning and researching, Maitake may be one topic worth exploring further — always in coordination with a qualified healthcare provider, especially when dealing with existing medical conditions.

Gentle, Natural Ways to Support Red Blood Cells

Supporting healthy red blood cells doesn’t require drastic measures. In many cases, the body responds best to steady, consistent support—especially through nutrition, hydration, and everyday habits that encourage good circulation and oxygen delivery.

Rather than focusing on “fixing” numbers, the goal is to give your body the raw materials it needs to do what it already knows how to do.

Nourishing Foods That Support Red Blood Cell Health

Food is often the simplest and most effective place to start. Certain nutrients play key roles in red blood cell production, size, and function.

Some supportive foods include:

Iron-rich foods such as red meat, beans, and lentils, which help form hemoglobin
Vitamin B12 sources like eggs, seafood, and animal proteins, important for proper cell size and maturation
Folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, beans, and citrus, which support healthy cell division
Beets and beet juice, traditionally used to support circulation and oxygen use
Seeds and nuts, which provide vitamin E and healthy fats that support cell membranes
Seafood, which supplies B vitamins and omega-3 fats that support blood flow

Eating a variety of whole foods tends to be more helpful than focusing on any single “superfood.”

Simple Daily Habits That Make a Difference

Beyond food, small lifestyle choices can gently support circulation and oxygen delivery:

Staying well hydrated, which helps blood flow more easily
Gentle movement, such as walking or stretching, to encourage circulation
Adequate rest, allowing the body time to repair and regenerate
Supporting digestion, since nutrient absorption is just as important as intake

These habits may seem basic, but over time they can have a meaningful impact—especially as we age.

A Word About Supplements

Some people choose to explore supplements such as iron, B12, or folate, particularly if lab work or symptoms suggest a deficiency. It’s best to approach supplementation thoughtfully and, when possible, with guidance from a healthcare provider, as more is not always better.

Food-first support, paired with targeted supplementation when needed, tends to be the most balanced approach.

To read more about my journey – check out this post that goes over what I do every day… “My Holistic Cancer Treatment”.

Simple Ways to Work These Into Your Day:

Toss a handful of pumpkin seeds on your salad
Add a few spoonfuls of black beans to your taco night
Roast some beets with olive oil and sea salt—yum!
Make a salmon patty instead of a burger one night
Keep hard-boiled eggs in the fridge for a quick snack

It doesn’t have to be complicated—just small, doable changes that add up over time. 🌱

Why Red Blood Cell Health Matters for Long-Term Wellness

If you’re feeling tired all the time, getting dizzy, short of breath, or your lab results are off—you don’t want to ignore that. It doesn’t always mean something serious, but it does mean your body needs some attention. As we age, it’s important to work toward simple natural health practices.

And if you’re already dealing with something like anemia, MDS, or another blood-related issue, it’s so important to work with a trusted health provider who respects both natural and conventional care options.

Bringing It All Together

Red blood cells offer a quiet but powerful window into how well the body is delivering oxygen, maintaining circulation, and supporting energy at the cellular level. While lab values can provide useful information, they don’t always tell the whole story on their own.

Changes in red blood cell size or appearance are often the body’s way of asking for attention — not sounding an alarm. Nutrition, digestion, circulation, and daily habits all play a role in how efficiently these cells do their work, especially as we age.

Small, thoughtful shifts over time can make a meaningful difference. Learning what supports your body, paying attention to how you feel, and working with providers who listen can help you move forward with confidence rather than worry.

Healing and balance are rarely about one test or one solution. They’re about understanding the bigger picture and giving the body the support it needs — one step at a time.

Please be aware that Maitake mushrooms might be worth looking into for help with blood cancers.

Medical Disclaimer

I’m not a medical doctor, and this blog isn’t meant to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. It’s just me sharing what I’ve learned through my own health journey. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet, supplements, or treatment—especially if you’re managing a condition like anemia or a bone marrow disorder. There are many articles about blood cancers in this website. I encourage you to research at your convenience. And feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. I love hearing from you!