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.
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.
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.
“Too Big” or “Abnormal” – What’s That All About?
If your red blood cells are larger than they should be (that’s called macrocytosis), or they just don’t look right under a microscope, your body might be waving a little red flag.
Sometimes it’s something simple—like not getting enough vitamin B12 or folate. Other times, it might mean your bone marrow isn’t working as well as it should.
A few common reasons red blood cells can go a little haywire:
-
Not getting enough B12, folate, or iron
-
Drinking alcohol regularly (even just a little too much)
-
Certain medications, especially chemo or seizure meds
-
Liver issues
-
Bone marrow disorders
What About Bone Marrow Problems?
Okay, this part sounds scary—but stay with me. Your bone marrow is like the factory that makes your blood cells. When something’s not working right in the factory, the red blood cells coming out might not be up to par.
Conditions like MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) or aplastic anemia can cause your bone marrow to make immature or misshapen cells. You may not feel anything at first—but over time, you might notice you’re more tired than usual, bruising easily, or getting sick more often.
If you’ve ever heard the term “leukemia” or “pre-leukemia,” that’s often referring to something in the MDS family.
That said—not all big or funny-looking red blood cells mean something serious. Sometimes, your body just needs a little nutritional support.
So… What Can You Do About It?
Food is one of the best places to start. It may not fix everything, but it sure can give your body a helping hand.
Here are a few of my favorite red blood cell–friendly foods:
-
Red meat – great for iron (especially if you’re tired or anemic)
-
Seafood like salmon and tuna – loaded with B12 and omega-3s
-
Leafy greens – think spinach, kale, and collards for folate
-
Beets and beet juice – help with blood flow and oxygen use
-
Seeds and nuts – packed with Vitamin E and healthy fats
-
Beans and lentils – folate and iron in one little package
-
Eggs – for B12 and a little protein kick
-
Seaweed or iodine-rich foods – for thyroid support (because it’s all connected!)
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. 🌱
When Should You Be Concerned?
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 better health for seniors.
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.
Just Remember…
You don’t have to have all the answers today. Start with one small change—a food, a habit, even just learning a bit more about what your body needs. Healing is a journey, and every step counts. Don’t forget how important it is to keep your pH balanced. It’s vital to life.
You’re not alone in this. I’ve been walking this road too, and I’ll be right here cheering you on.
Red blood cells offer a window into how well the body is delivering oxygen and maintaining balance at the cellular level. While lab values provide useful information, they are best understood within the broader context of energy levels, circulation, and overall well-being.
Paying attention to red blood cell health encourages a more informed and proactive approach to wellness. Small shifts in nutrition, lifestyle, and awareness can make a meaningful difference in how the body functions over 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!
