Has your doctor recently told you that you have a low platelet count and need to increase your blood platelets? Are you worried about how to increase your blood platelet count? While your doctor might prescribe you medication to increase your blood platelet count, there are also home remedies to increase this platelet count. Keep reading to learn some home remedies to increase your platelets!
Platelets: An Overview
Platelets are tiny blood cells that support the clotting process to stop any bleeding. To retain a normal platelet count, you should be fit and healthy. The normal platelet count is between 1.5 lac- 4 lac per microliter of blood. Thrombocytopenia is a condition when your platelet count goes below 1.5 lac. Due to injuries or certain healthcare conditions like leukemia, alcohol abuse, liver cirrhosis, enlarged spleen, autoimmune disease, and some medications, you may experience thrombocytopenia.
If your blood tests reveal that your platelet count is low, then you must talk to a physician about how to increase platelet count. If your platelet count is marginally low, then you can improve it by consuming the right diet and supplements. But if your count is excessively low, then you may need proper medical attention to avoid future complications.
In this article, we are going to mention some food items that will improve your low platelet count naturally. So, whether you are dealing with a medical condition or just looking to improve your platelet count, these useful tips and tricks to increase blood platelets might come in handy!
Foods To Increase Platelets
If you want to enhance your platelets naturally, then you must incorporate the below-mentioned food items into your diet.
1. Milk
Milk is an astonishing source of calcium and protein. Thus, it is ideal for maintaining the strength of your bones. Moreover, milk is also rich in Vitamin K, which plays a pivotal role in the blood clotting process. Many health experts believe that regular consumption of milk will uplift your platelet counts. Milk is an ideal home remedy to increase your platelets naturally.
2. Green Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamin K which is a prerequisite in the blood-clotting process. They may also enhance your overall platelet counts to some extent. So, try to consume vegetables like basil, spinach, celery, asparagus, cabbage and watercress in your diet.
3. Papaya Leaf Extract
If you have low platelets due to dengue fever, then by consuming a glass or two of papaya leaf extract you can improve the count. Papaya leaf extract is extremely beneficial in enhancing platelet counts in viral fever.
But due to the bitter taste of papaya leaf extract, some people may face nausea and vomiting. Nowadays, the markets are flooded with oral capsules that will offer the same quantity of extract needed to uplift platelet counts.
4. Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds are loaded with iron that will improve your blood count. The doctors often prescribe pomegranate if you want to increase your platelets naturally. If your platelet count is low during malaria, then you must eat a bowl of pomegranate every day. Pomegranate has many antioxidants and vitamins C that will improve your immunity and help you to fight against infections.
5. Pumpkin
Since pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, hence it will improve your platelet count. Other foods that are loaded with vitamin A are carrots, sweet potatoes and kale. Try innovative pumpkin recipes to club taste with health.
6. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has high levels of chlorophyll that is structurally similar to hemoglobin. This is very effective if you want to improve your platelet counts. Freshly prepared wheatgrass juice is also helpful if you think it will increase your platelets during chemotherapy.
7. Kiwi fruit
Kiwi is packed with vitamin C and is a great supplement to add to your diet if you have a low-platelet count. Vitamin C promotes the normal function of platelets by allowing them to cluster together (aggregate) and stick together (adhere).
8. Dark chocolate
This delicious dessert is a wonderful source of iron.
While iron is widely known for having a role in the formation of red blood cells, its link with healthy levels of platelets was previously underestimated. Iron is required for the formation of megakaryocytes in bone marrow, which are then broken up into fragments to form platelets.
These are some of the foods to increase platelet count.
Nutrients that Help Increase Platelet Count
Nutrients that will uplift your platelet counts are:
1. Vitamin B-12
This vitamin keeps your blood cells healthy. You may experience a low platelet count due to the deficiency of vitamin B 12. Animal proteins like eggs, liver, and seafood are excellent sources of this vitamin.
2. Iron
Iron is a prime nutrient that enhances the levels of red blood cells in your body. Iron deficiency is also related to low platelets as well as low hemoglobin. So, you must consume vegetables like spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, raw bananas and guava.
3. Folates
Folates or Vitamin B are required for all types of blood cells. Food items that are rich in folates are peanuts, oranges, kidney beans, lentils, etc.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C improves your immunity. It is also beneficial in absorbing iron properly and increases your platelet count. Ideal sources of Vitamin C are lemons, lime, oranges, pineapples, etc.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the muscles, bones, immune system, and nerves function properly. Based on the recommendations of the ‘Platelet Disorder Support Association’, vitamin D is also vital for the functioning of bone marrow cells that are responsible for producing platelets and other blood cells.
Apart from morning sun exposure, foods high in vitamin D include egg yolk and oily fish such as tuna and salmon.
Foods that reduce platelet count
Some foods can increase your platelet count while some, including certain beverages, can decrease it. Foods that may lower platelet counts include:
- Cow’s milk
- Alcohol
- Quinine, which is present in tonic water
- Cranberry juice
- Tahini
- Aspartame (artificial sweetener)
When should you see a doctor?
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), if not managed effectively, can lead to severe complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
- Excessive bleeding
- headaches
- bleeding from the nose or mouth after tooth brushing or flossing
- Easy bruising that worsens over time
The above signs suggest severe thrombocytopenia, which may only be treated medically.
The Bottom Line
A low platelet count is not a lethal condition unless you are having any underlying condition. If you are desperately looking for how to increase platelets naturally, then incorporate the above-mentioned foods and nutrients into your diet. But if there is a medical condition, then you must consult a hematologist (blood specialist) and opt for the right treatment methods.
To increase your platelet count naturally, it is important to eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and iron. You should also avoid consuming things that can lower your platelet count, such as alcohol and certain medications.
By making these simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can increase your platelet count naturally and improve your overall health and well-being.
FAQs
How do I increase my platelet count quickly?
To increase your platelet count quickly, you can:
• Include more leafy vegetables and fatty fish in your diet.
• Increase your intake of folate, iron, and vitamin C through citrus fruits and iron-rich foods.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and supplements such as vitamin E and fish oil.
• Consider using supplements (after consulting with a healthcare provider).
Does milk increase platelet counts?
Vitamin B-12 promotes the health of your blood cells. B-12 deficiency has been linked to low numbers of platelets. Animal-based foods are among the best ways to obtain vitamin B-12, including beef liver, eggs, and clams.
While vitamin B-12 may be present in dairy products such as milk and cheese, some research suggests that the milk of cows may interfere with platelet synthesis.
How do I increase the platelet count in malaria?
In malaria, there may be a significant drop in blood platelets. While your doctor may prescribe you medications to increase your blood platelets, you may also apply home remedies to increase your platelet counts. These may include:
◦ Papaya leaf extract
◦ Pomegranate
◦ Green, leafy vegetables
◦ Incorporating iron-rich foods in diets such as lentils, dark chocolate, and beef
Can consuming alcohol decrease the platelet count?
Yes, consuming alcohol can decrease your platelet count. It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption if you have a low platelet count.
How long does it take to increase platelet count naturally?
The time it takes to increase platelet count naturally varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the condition. It is recommended to continue a healthy diet and lifestyle and consult a healthcare professional for regular check-ups.
