How to Lower Hematocrit Levels

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Your hematocrit level is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Normal levels in adult males are around 41-50%, while normal levels in adult females are around 36-44%. [1] The hematocrit level is an important factor in diagnosing different health conditions, such as anemia and polycythemia. High hematocrit levels may be caused by dehydration, smoking, or high altitudes. An increase in your hematocrit level can increase blood viscosity, making it hard for oxygen to be delivered to the tissues. If your hematocrit level has spiked, start with Step 1 below to bring it back to a normal range.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Modifying Your Diet

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since red blood cells determine your hematocrit level, avoid taking iron supplements, which can increase the production of red blood cells. If you have any condition that affects your iron levels or red blood cells, you should not take iron supplements. [2]
    • If you're currently taking iron supplements and are worried about stopping, talk to your doctor about what your best course of action is.
  2. Dehydration increases hematocrit levels because it lowers all water content in your body (including plasma in your blood), increasing the ratio of red blood cells to blood volume. [3] This means that when you are severely dehydrated, your hematocrit level will be elevated; on the other hand, if you have a sufficient amount of water in your body, your hematocrit level should remain normal. [4]
    • If you don’t like the taste of water, try sparkling water or add a slice of lemon or lime. [5]
    • Electrolyte drinks, like Gatorade or Powerade, can replenish fluid in your body, but they are usually high in sugar. Limit drinking them when you sweat or work out. [6]
    • Generally, men should drink about 15.5 cups of water daily, while women should drink about 11.5 cups. You may need to drink more fluids if you’re sweating, in a hot environment, or taking medications that make you retain water. [7]
    Advertisement
  3. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which can make you urinate more often and lead to dehydration. [8] To keep your hematocrit levels low, skip the soda, wine, hard liquor, and beer, and stick to water or unsweetened juices.
  4. Some studies show that eating half to a whole grapefruit per day can lower your hematocrit levels. [9] You could eat half a grapefruit with your breakfast and eat the other half as a snack at midday.
    • This is because naringin, a flavonoid seen in high concentrations in grapefruit, can lead to phagocytosis, which is a process that naturally removes red blood cells from your blood, converting them into other uses.
  5. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and other heart diseases. When you consume supplements or foods rich in antioxidants, you prevent oxidative damage to your red blood cells, making sure they can effectively bind and carry oxygen. [10] Good sources of these are prunes, beans, and berries. [11]
    • Antioxidants also protect red blood cell function and integrity, and may prevent chronic diseases. [12]
    Useful advice for a concerning blood test. "As a 65-year-old woman with a high hematocrit level, this guide's diet and lifestyle tips resonated. I already donate blood regularly, but will also increase fluids, exercise moderately, and try grapefruit to improve my levels." - Pam M.
    Intrigued by the grapefruit fact as a frequent blood donor. "Also, getting regular therapeutic blood draws for polycythemia vera, I was fascinated to learn grapefruit can aid phlebotomy. As someone very motivated to maintain healthy levels, I can’t wait to add this helpful fruit to my routine!" - Nita W.
    Gained diet insights to complement medical care. "With concerning hematocrit levels requiring treatment, I sought additional ways to help myself. This clearly explained dietary choices like hydration and antioxidants that work alongside my doctor’s care." - Terry B.
    Demystified an unfamiliar medical term. "When my hematocrit levels came back high, I had no idea what that meant. This article clearly explained the causes, symptoms, and natural ways to lower levels. Now I understand this term and early steps I can take." - Shirley Sorrow Page (wikiHow Community Member)
    Rang true as a longtime hematocrit patient. "As a testosterone patient with severe symptoms of high hematocrit, this outline matched my experiences perfectly. Giving blood recently helped, and these diet tips should nicely complement medical care." - Dan H.
    Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here .
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Modifying Your Lifestyle

PDF download Download Article
  1. Getting regular moderate exercise is important for your health. However, you don't want to overdo it. Studies show that high-intensity interval training can temporarily increase your hematocrit levels. [13] Some good moderate exercises you can do are: [14]
    • Brisk walking
    • Light bicycling
    • Cleaning
    • Lawn mowing
  2. You can donate whole blood up to 6 times a year, with an interval of 8 weeks between donations. [15] Only do this if you meet blood donation requirements and have consulted with your healthcare provider. If they approve, here's why it can lower your hematocrit levels:
    • Donating blood removes red blood cells from your body, which leads to a decrease in hematocrit levels. [16]
  3. Areas with high elevation have a lower oxygen concentration than areas with lower elevation. An area of more than 8,000 feet (2,438.4 m) above sea level is considered to have “thinner oxygen.” Studies show people living at high altitudes may have higher hematocrit levels, since blood plasma volume decreases. [17]
    • To adapt to the environment, your body produces more red blood cells to compensate for the low oxygen level. As a result, it increases your hematocrit levels.
  4. Stop smoking . Nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products impairs blood circulation by reducing oxygen delivery by your red blood cells. [18] The body compensates for the problem of having low oxygen levels by having the bone marrow produce more red blood cells, increasing the hematocrit levels in your body. [19] Stopping smoking or consuming any other tobacco product can help lower your hematocrit level.
    • Quitting smoking is also best for your heart, lungs, skin, hair, and your entire body. Aside from that, it's also better for those around you. [20] If doing it to lower your hematocrit levels isn't enough, do it for these reasons.
  5. Sometimes, elevated hematocrit levels can be caused by polycythemia vera (PV), a blood-related cancer. PV causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. [21]
    • Do not jump to any conclusions if you have a high hematocrit count. Consulting your doctor is the best way to know how to reduce your hematocrit level effectively, and the only way to know why your hematocrit level is high.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Recognizing a High Hematocrit Level

PDF download Download Article
  1. These two symptoms may be the result of too many red blood cells, making your blood concentrated. As a signal and compensatory mechanism, headache and dizziness can result from high hematocrit levels. [22]
    • Concentrated blood is viscous, meaning it's thick and sticky and doesn't flow as well. In return, the delivery of oxygen to the brain is slightly decreased. A lack of oxygen in the brain can turn very serious very quickly. [23]
  2. This may be an overall response to viscous blood that is having difficulty delivering oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. If you're feeling weak 24/7, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. [24]
    • Fatigue can be a sign of various ailments, not just high hematocrit levels. To know what your fatigue is a symptom of, see your doctor. Only a medical professional can then point you in the right direction.
  3. Those with high hematocrit levels may face shortness of breath when lying down. [25] This is a short-term compensatory mechanism of the body in response to a poor delivery of oxygen.
    • Again, in isolation, this is not a symptom to worry about. Only if you find your breathing is hastened more often than not and for no good reason should this be cause for alarm.
  4. High hematocrit levels may cause bruising if you have polycythemia vera. [26] Concentrated, viscous blood is prone to blood clots all over the body. Bruising appears as a violet to black in color anywhere on the body. Some are painless and some are painful.
    • Bruising is a normal result of injury. The bruises that you should pay attention to, especially when considering hematocrit levels, are bruises that seem to have no cause. If you have bruises that appear out of nowhere, these could be hematocritic bruises.
  5. Too many red blood cells can cause vague and irritating skin issues, such as itchiness, redness, and burning. [27] The blood flowing right beneath your skin, when it lacks oxygen, can mess with the functioning of your sense receptors. Here's how:
    • Itching . Itching may be caused by the histamine secreted by the body in reaction to a high hematocrit level. Histamine is a chemical messenger involved in inflammation and allergy. [28]
    • Paresthesia . This is a condition of having a tingling, prickling, or burning sensation on the soles of the hands and feet. [29] A high hematocrit level makes the blood more viscous due to the concentration of red blood cells in the blood plasma. This is also common in diabetic clients who have poor circulation.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Your hematocrit levels may rise in response to starting testosterone therapy. [30] If you have recently begun this, talk to your doctor about alternative measures.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you have chronic lung or heart disease, or if you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about managing your condition so it doesn't affect your hematocrit levels.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Blood Blister Treatment Plus Causes and When to See a Doc
      How to
      Decrease Platelets
      How to
      Raise Neutrophils
      How to
      Lower Calcium in Blood
      How to
      Lower GGT Levels
      How to
      Use a Wrist Blood Pressure Cuff
      How to
      Lower BUN Levels
      How to
      Naturally Raise Your Lymphocyte Count
      Increasing Low Blood Sodium: At-Home and Medical Options
      How to
      Reduce White Blood Cells
      How to
      Lower Hemoglobin
      How to
      Lower AST Levels
      How to
      Calculate Blood Alcohol Content (Widmark Formula)
      What Is Trench Foot? Home Remedies, Causes, & More
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17683-hematocrit
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ferrous-sulfate/who-can-and-cannot-take-ferrous-sulfate/
      3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17683-hematocrit
      4. ↑ https://adscresources.advocatehealth.com/resources/polycythemia/
      5. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/
      6. ↑ https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/how-to-drink-more-water/
      7. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
      8. ↑ https://allcaremedical.org/the-dehydrating-effects-of-caffeine-and-alcohol-what-you-need-to-know/
      9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3243695/
      1. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10906601
      2. ↑ https://www.stjohns.health/documents/content/top-20-foods-high-in-antioxidants.pdf
      3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11762794/
      4. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9803156
      5. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/beyond-the-table/stories/even-with-exercise-moderation-is-the-key
      6. ↑ https://www.redcrossblood.org/faq.html
      7. ↑ https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html
      8. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8979750/
      9. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4958544/
      10. ↑ https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.118.312338
      11. ↑ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/guide-quitting-smoking/benefits-of-quitting-smoking-over-time.html
      12. ↑ https://www.lls.org/myeloproliferative-neoplasms/polycythemia-vera/diagnosis
      13. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hematocrit-test/
      14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23938-hyperviscosity-syndrome
      15. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hematocrit-test/
      16. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hematocrit-test/
      17. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17742-polycythemia-vera
      18. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17742-polycythemia-vera
      19. ↑ https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/what-makes-us-itch
      20. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24932-paresthesia
      21. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23468-erythrocytosis
      22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17683-hematocrit

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The easiest way to lower your hematocrit levels is to stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water a day. You should also avoid taking iron supplements, because they can push your hematocrit levels up. If you smoke, try to quit, since nicotine restricts your blood flow. Additionally, try to eat foods containing anti-oxidants, like prunes or beans. Along with dietary changes, engage in a moderate exercise routine, like brisk walking or light bicycling. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to identify the symptoms of high hematocrit levels, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 435,303 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Shirley Sorrow Page

        Jun 4, 2017

        "When my hematocrit levels came back high, I had no idea what that meant. This article clearly explained the causes, ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement