Article: Getting in regular moderate exercise is important for your health. However, you don't want to overdo it. Exercising too rigorously can increase your hematocrit levels. Some good moderate exercises you can do are: Brisk walking Light bicycling Cleaning Lawn mowing According to the NHS Blood and Transplant, the frequency of giving blood should be a maximum of 4 times a year or an interval of 12 weeks between blood donations. Only do this as a last result and only if you have consulted your physician. If he or she does approve of this measure here's why it's helpful: This can cleanse your blood as your body tries to replenish the amount of blood that it has lost, making the circulating blood fresh. This removes excess iron in your body. An excessive amount of iron is thought to be the cause of atherosclerosis or the hardening of your arteries. When you donate blood, about 250 mg of iron will be removed from your body cutting your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Again, only do this as a last resort because it can have other untoward effects. Make sure that you consult your doctor about taking aspirin as a means to lower your hematocrit levels because the only way for mini aspirin to help in lowering your hematocrit level is when it causes gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug. Platelets help a lot when it comes to clotting in the event of an injury. When you take mini aspirin as a means to lower your hematocrit level, know that it can thin out your blood completely which can result to your blood's inability to clot, lightheadedness and other neurological deficits. Areas with high elevation have a lower oxygen concentration than areas with lower elevation. An area of more than 8,000 feet (2,438.4m) above sea level is considered to have "thinner oxygen." People living in these areas generally have high hematocrit. Moving to a lower altitude residence will help return your hematocrit count to normal. As an adaptation to the environment, the bone marrow which is responsible of producing RBCs produces more RBCs to compensate for the low oxygen level of the body and as a result, there is a high concentration level of hematocrit in the body. . Nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products impairs the blood circulation by altering the oxygen carrying capacity of your red blood cells. The body compensates for the problem of having low oxygen levels by having the bone marrow produce more RBCs, thus increasing the level of hematocrit in your body. Stopping smoking or consuming any other tobacco product will 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. If doing it for your hematocrit isn't enough, do it for these reasons. Elevated hematocrit levels may be related to a different disease entirely, namely variations in cancer and a potential tumor. Tumors and cancer especially in the bone marrow create an uncontrolled production of blood cells. 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.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Exercise in moderation. Donate blood. Take mini aspirin. Stick to lower ground. Stop smoking Treat the underlying cause.