How to Reduce Rbc Count?
Learn how to reduce RBC count, its types, symptoms, causes and ways to maintain health. This article explores efficient yet effective ways to treat a high platelet count.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
A high red blood cell (RBC) count, also known as erythrocytosis, means your body is producing more red blood cells than normal. While RBCs are essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body, too many can thicken your blood, increasing the risk of complications like blood clots, stroke, or heart problems.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a high RBC count, don’t worry—there are ways to manage it. This guide will help you understand the causes, symptoms, and simple steps to bring your RBC levels back to normal.
What Causes a High RBC Count?
Several factors can lead to an increased RBC count, including:
Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake concentrates the blood, leading to a temporarily elevated red blood cell count.
Low Oxygen Levels: Chronic lung diseases, smoking, or high altitude living prompt the body to produce more RBCs to improve oxygen delivery.
Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions like polycythemia vera cause the bone marrow to produce an abnormally high number of red blood cells.
Kidney Problems: Tumors or cysts in the kidneys can increase the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell formation.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as testosterone and anabolic steroids, can stimulate the body to produce more red blood cells.
Symptoms of High RBC Count
You may not always notice symptoms, but some common signs include:
Fatigue or weakness: An unusually high number of red blood cells can thicken the blood, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently, leading to feelings of tiredness or weakness.
Headaches or dizziness: The increased viscosity of the blood due to a high RBC count can sometimes impair blood flow to the brain, causing headaches or dizziness.
Shortness of breath: Thicker blood can reduce the efficiency of oxygen transport, potentially leading to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Blurred vision: Impaired blood flow to the eyes, caused by increased blood thickness from high RBCs, can sometimes result in blurred vision.
Itchy skin (especially after a warm shower): An elevated RBC count can sometimes cause the release of histamine or other substances, leading to itchy skin, particularly after exposure to warmth.
Reddish or purplish skin tone: The increased concentration of red blood cells in the blood can give the skin a flushed, reddish, or even purplish appearance.
Joint pain: In some cases, a high RBC count can be associated with conditions that also cause inflammation and joint pain.
If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for a complete blood count (CBC) test to check your RBC levels.
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How to Lower RBC Count Naturally
1. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can falsely elevate RBC counts. Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses daily) to keep your blood volume balanced.
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking reduces oxygen levels, forcing your body to produce more RBCs. Quitting helps normalize oxygen flow and RBC production.
3. Increase Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and beans help reduce oxidative stress, which may contribute to abnormal RBC production.
4. Avoid Iron-Rich Foods (If Recommended)
Excess iron can stimulate RBC production. If your doctor advises, limit:
Red meat
Iron-fortified cereals
Spinach & lentils (in excess)
5. Exercise Moderately
Regular, moderate exercise (like walking, swimming, or yoga) improves circulation and oxygen use. Avoid extreme endurance sports, which may temporarily increase RBCs.
6. Consider Blood Donation (Phlebotomy)
For severe cases, doctors may recommend therapeutic phlebotomy (removing blood periodically) to reduce RBC count.
7. Manage Underlying Conditions
If conditions like sleep apnea, lung disease, or kidney issues are causing high RBCs, treating them can help stabilize levels.
When to See a Doctor?
If lifestyle changes don’t help, or if you have:
Severe headaches or dizziness: Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity due to low RBCs can lead to severe headaches or a persistent feeling of dizziness.
Chest pain: The heart has to work harder to pump oxygen-poor blood, which can manifest as chest pain, especially during exertion.
Unexplained weight loss: While not always directly linked, significant and unintentional weight loss can sometimes accompany underlying conditions causing low RBC counts.
Excessive fatigue: A primary symptom of low RBC count is overwhelming and persistent tiredness due to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
Consult a hematologist (blood specialist) for further evaluation. You may need medications or additional tests to manage the condition.
Conclusion
A high RBC count isn’t always dangerous but should be monitored. Simple steps like staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can make a big difference. If needed, medical treatments like phlebotomy or medications can help. If you suspect a high RBC count, book a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test or consult a specialist through Apollo 24|7. Early detection and management can prevent complications to maintain good health.
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Consult Top physician
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Kamran
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS, FIDM
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Suraja Nutulapati
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(850+ Patients)
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(425+ Patients)
Consult Top physician
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Kamran
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS, FIDM
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Suraja Nutulapati
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(850+ Patients)
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(425+ Patients)
