Your blood count -- the number of red blood cells in your body -- depends on many factors, including the foods you eat. If you are a patient with anemia, or a low blood count, consuming foods with a high iron content will allow your bone marrow to produce the necessary components that make up red blood cells. Over time, choosing the proper foods and taking iron medications as necessary will result in an improvement in blood counts.
Meats
Increase your intake of meats that are high in fiber to increase blood counts, says MayoClinic.com. Meats high in iron include red meat, pork, seafood and poultry. Seafood and poultry are preferable because these foods are lower in saturated fat than red meat and poultry and will reduce your risk for heart disease. Include meats in every meal to improve your blood count.
Legumes
Legumes are high in iron, says Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website. Legumes, including peas and beans, contain adequate iron stores that can help replenish the body's iron stores in the bone marrow over time. Furthermore, legumes are rich in nutrients and high in fiber, which can improve your overall health. Include legumes in your daily meal plans.
Whole Grains
Eat more whole grains to increase your blood count. Whole-grain breads naturally contain iron that will help improve blood counts. In addition, eat iron-fortified cereals, which are an additional supplement to your regimen. Whole grains are also nutritious and high in fiber. Commit to substituting white breads and processed cereals with whole-grain breads and iron-fortified wheat or whole-grain cereals.
Spinach
Vegetables offer many benefits, including increasing blood counts. MayoClinic.com states that spinach is an example of a dark, green, leafy vegetable that is rich in iron. Spinach and other green vegetables can be consumed raw, steamed or cooked with meals. Plan to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
