How to Reduce High RBC Levels: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Ways to Lower RBC Count
Red blood cells (RBCs) are important for carrying oxygen throughout the body. But when RBC levels become too high, the blood becomes thicker, which increases the risk of clots, stroke, heart strain, and other complications. High RBC count is known as polycythemia, and it can happen due to many reasons such as dehydration, smoking, lung problems, or certain chronic diseases.
This article explains the causes, symptoms, and natural ways to reduce high RBC levels safely.
What Does High RBC Level Mean?
High RBC count means your body is producing more red blood cells than needed. This thickens the blood and reduces smooth blood flow, putting extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels. High RBC levels are usually detected through a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test.
Medical Causes of High RBC Levels
High RBC count may happen due to medical or biological reasons. Understanding the cause is important for proper treatment.
1. Polycythemia Vera (Blood Disorder)
This is a rare condition where the bone marrow produces too many RBCs. It is a chronic condition and needs medical monitoring.
2. Lung Diseases
When lungs cannot provide enough oxygen, your body compensates by producing more RBCs. Examples:
- COPD
- Chronic bronchitis
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma (severe cases)
3. Heart Problems
Long-term heart disease reduces oxygen circulation, triggering the body to create more RBCs.
4. Kidney Disease or Tumors
Kidneys produce a hormone called EPO, which controls RBC formation. If kidneys release too much EPO, RBC levels rise.
5. Hormonal or Steroid Use
Testosterone supplements, anabolic steroids, and hormone injections can increase RBC production.
6. Bone Marrow Overactivity
Sometimes the bone marrow becomes overactive due to chronic diseases or medications, causing excess RBCs.
Dehydration Factors
Dehydration is one of the most common and underestimated causes of high RBC levels.
When the body does not have enough water:
- Blood becomes concentrated
- Plasma (liquid part) decreases
- RBCs appear higher even if actual number is normal
This condition is called relative polycythemia and improves when hydration is corrected.
Causes of dehydration include:
- Not drinking enough water
- Excess sweating
- Hot climate
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- High-intensity exercise without hydration
Drinking adequate fluids is the easiest first step to reduce high RBC levels.
Chronic Diseases Linked to High RBC Levels
Certain long-term conditions naturally push the body to make more red blood cells.
1. Chronic Lung Diseases
Low oxygen levels stimulate extra RBC production.
2. Heart Diseases
Poor heart pumping reduces oxygen circulation, triggering higher RBC output.
3. Liver Disorders
A damaged liver may not regulate blood components properly.
4. Hormonal Disorders
Excess testosterone or adrenal gland issues can increase RBC count.
5. Sleep Disorders (Sleep Apnea)
Interrupted breathing reduces oxygen levels at night, increasing RBC production.
People with chronic diseases must monitor their RBC levels regularly to avoid complications.
Smoking and Alcohol as Causes
1. Smoking
Smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and increases carbon monoxide levels.
To compensate, the body produces more red blood cells.
Long-term smokers often show:
- High RBC
- High hemoglobin
- High hematocrit
2. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake can:
- Dehydrate the body
- Impact liver function
- Lead to nutritional deficiencies
This indirectly increases RBC levels.
Reducing or quitting smoking and controlling alcohol intake are the simplest ways to stabilize RBC count.
Symptoms of High RBC Levels
High RBC count may not show symptoms in the beginning. But as levels rise, blood thickness increases, leading to:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Itching (especially after a warm shower)
- Redness on the face
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Shortness of breath
If ignored, severe complications like blood clots or stroke may develop.
How to Reduce High RBC Levels Naturally
If your RBC levels are mildly high and not due to a major disease, some natural methods can help lower them safely.
1. Stay Hydrated (Most Important Step)
Drink 2.5–3 liters of water daily.
Good hydration reduces blood concentration and helps bring RBC count back to normal.
2. Reduce Smoking
Stopping smoking improves oxygen levels in the blood and slowly reduces high RBC count.
Even reducing the number of cigarettes daily makes a difference.
3. Limit Alcohol Intake
Heavy drinking dehydrates the body and affects liver function.
Limiting alcohol helps balance blood components.
4. Avoid Excess Testosterone or Steroids
If you take:
- Testosterone boosters
- Bodybuilding steroids
- Hormone injections
Discontinue them after medical consultation.
They strongly increase RBC production.
5. Improve Sleep Quality
If you snore heavily or wake up tired, you may have sleep apnea.
Treating sleep apnea reduces oxygen drops at night and stabilizes RBC count.
Sleep tips:
- Fixed sleep schedule
- Avoid screens before bed
- Keep room cool and quiet
6. Reduce High-Altitude Exposure
Living or working at high altitudes naturally increases RBC count to compensate for low oxygen.
If possible, reduce exposure or take breaks at lower altitude.
7. Focus on Heart and Lung Health
Light exercises help improve oxygen flow:
- Brisk walking
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises
Avoid over-exercising, as intense workouts can temporarily raise RBC levels.
8. Check Your Diet
Some foods indirectly raise RBC levels (like iron-rich foods).
If your RBC is already high:
- Avoid excess red meat
- Limit iron supplements
- Reduce high-dose multivitamins
- Avoid liver (organ meats)
Instead, focus on:
- Hydration
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
9. Manage Stress
Stress affects hormones and can worsen sleep, breathing, and oxygen delivery.
Try:
- Meditation
- Slow breathing
- Moderate exercise
- Nature walks
When to See a Doctor
You must consult a doctor if:
- RBC levels are very high
- You experience severe headaches or chest pain
- There are signs of clotting or numbness
- You have COPD, asthma, or heart disease
- You recently started testosterone or steroid supplements
- Symptoms continue even after hydration and lifestyle changes
In severe cases, doctors may suggest treatment options like medicine or therapeutic phlebotomy to thin the blood.
Test Preparation (For RBC Test)
- No fasting needed
- Drink normal water
- Inform doctor about supplements (iron, B12, testosterone)
- Reveal smoking or alcohol habits honestly
- Tell about chronic diseases or medications
- Wear loose sleeves for sample collection
Important Word Explanations
- RBC: Cells that carry oxygen in the body.
- Polycythemia: A condition where RBC count is abnormally high.
- EPO: A kidney hormone that stimulates RBC production.
- COPD: Lung condition that reduces oxygen levels.
- Hematocrit: The percentage of RBCs in blood.
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