A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is one way to determine how the circulating cells in your body are operating to support good health. The CBC examines your platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
One part of the CBC is the MCV or Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin test. This unique test measures the average size of the red blood cells in your body, otherwise known as erythrocytes.
Evidence from an MCV test showing red blood cells are too large or small could indicate the presence of a blood disorder contributing to issues with good health.
The Importance of the MCV Test
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin tests are conducted often in Complete Blood Count examinations with “differential” insights. By examining the nature of the blood in the human body, professionals can diagnose potential blood disorders, and subsequent ailments.
It’s common to order an MCV test with a CBC when a patient has potential blood disorder symptoms. Common symptoms of issues with your blood might include:
- Fatigue
- Unusual bruising
- Uncommon bleeding
- Cold extremities (hands and feet)
- Pale skin
Decreased red blood cells can lead to symptoms of anaemia throughout the body, such as weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and iron deficiency. Some patients with blood conditions also suffer from B12 and folic acid deficiencies, which can lead to further issues with inflammation and exhaustion.
Patients who have issues with their erythrocytes, evidenced by an MCV test should often be encouraged to adjust their diet to facilitate better blood production and circulation. Dark leafy vegetables, legumes, and red meat are often associated with better red blood counts.
Interestingly, mushrooms can also be a powerful tool for overcoming the symptoms and side effects of a problematic red blood cell count.
Mushrooms for Common Blood Problems
Medicinal mushrooms are a valuable source of crucial nutrients for people with red blood cell issues. Many strains of mushroom are associated with high levels of B vitamins, iron, and potassium. These substances help to reduce the fatigue and cramps often associated with poor circulation.
Via mushroom supplementation, it’s possible to provide patients with common blood count issues with the exact nutrients they need to support healthy circulation. Supplementation ensures that patients can get the minerals they need to reduce nutritional deficiencies, fatigue, and discomfort.
Some of the most effective mushrooms for blood health include:
- Reishi: These mushrooms are considered to be one of the most powerful in the world, capable of assisting with a wide range of conditions. Reishi mushrooms are highly antioxidant and antiinflammatory, proven to assist with hormone issues, immune system functionality, and even improving metabolism performance. Reishi can improve blood pressure and tackle the immune system lowering issues of a low red blood cell count.
- Shitake mushrooms: Shitake mushrooms are popular for lowering LDL cholesterol, which supports the effective circulation of the blood. These mushrooms contain numerous bio-components with pharmacological potency against hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular complications.
- Oyster mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of iron. A single cup of these mushrooms can give up to 12% of your iron intake, and supplements are even better at delivering focused doses of iron.
- Chaga mushrooms: Chaga mushrooms contain significant levels of antioxidants which help to reduce bad cholesterol. High cholesterol is a common risk factor for heart disease and can be problematic when dealing with circulation.
- Cordyceps: Cordyceps is a must-have fungus for people dealing with the symptoms of fatigue caused by low red blood cell counts. Cordyceps is known for helping the body to utilize oxygen more efficiently, which is crucial in an haematological disorder or in the presence of fatigue.
Together with other common clinical interventions, supplementation through the intake of quality nutraceuticals based on medicinal mushrooms, can help patients with altered values detected in a CBC or MCV test or patients that begin to show nutrition deficiencies linked to particular blood conditions.