Platelets are cells in the blood that help stop bleeding by forming clots. The consumption of vitamin-rich meals may help a person naturally boost their platelet count. Clots are formed when platelets clump together at sites of injury to the skin. Clots can’t develop in the absence of enough platelets in the blood. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (sometimes called thrombocytes) are the three main types of cells found in the blood. Symptoms of low platelet count include weakness, gum disease, easy bruising, and similar conditions. Thrombocytopenia is another name for a decreased platelet count. When caught early enough, a change in diet can often reverse the illness. Foods high in platelets can be beneficial for those who need to boost their blood count.
Blood clotting is facilitated by platelets, also called thrombocytes. If you cut yourself, for instance, platelets will travel to the wound site and clump together to create a clot or plug that will stem the flow of blood and seal the wound. Moreover, platelets aid in bringing in additional clotting factors. Uncontrolled or protracted bleeding might occur if your platelet count drops below normal levels. Thrombocytopenia can have a wide range of causes, from mild inconvenience to life-threatening illness. Increasing your platelet count may be something you can do on your own, however, it is vital to cooperate with your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and, in certain cases, medical treatment. Such nutrient-dense foods as papaw, squash, and spinach are recommended.
In this post, we’ll talk about low platelets, when you should see a doctor, and some natural strategies to help increase your platelet count.
So, what exactly does a low platelet count mean?
Reduced platelet counts are medically referred to as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are a type of blood cell that aids in clotting blood. These platelets will gather to form a shield over the damaged blood vessel in the case of an accident, thereby reducing the risk of further bleeding. Adults typically have a platelet count between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter (l) of blood. If a person’s platelet count is less than 150,000 per microliter of blood, they are said to be suffering from thrombocytopenia.
Why is the platelet count low?
The platelets in your blood are responsible for clotting when necessary. Low platelet counts can cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, including weakness, easy cuts, and gum disease. Thromboxaemia is another name for a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including infections, leukemia, cancer treatments, alcoholism, cirrhosis of the liver, splenectomy, sepsis, autoimmune illnesses, and medicines. If a blood test reveals your platelet count is insufficient, you and your doctor will need to work together to determine the cause.
Platelet count elevation by supplements and diet may be possible for those with moderate thrombocytopenia. However, if your platelet count is dangerously low, you should seek medical attention immediately. The FDA does not oversee the production of supplements or herbs, thus there are no regulations in place to ensure their quality or purity. Make sure there won’t be any negative interactions with your current drugs or therapies by consulting your doctor first. If you want to know how to increase your platelet count without taking any artificial substances, read on.
What are the foods that Boost Platelet counts?
If your platelet count is insufficient, you may need medical therapy to bring it up. To aid in platelet production and boost your platelet count, there are foods and supplements you can eat (and some you must ignore).
- Vitamin B-12,
- folate,
- vitamin C, and
- iron
The above vitamins and minerals are all good options for increasing platelet counts through diet. These may aid in the production and maintenance of platelets in the blood. Vitamins and minerals in particular can aid in the production and maintenance of blood platelets, therefore it makes sense to eat foods rich in these nutrients. Though many of these vitamins and minerals can be found in supplement form, it’s always preferable to receive them from dietary sources whenever possible. Good nutrition is crucial for health recovery.
Following are the foods one should include in their diet to increase their platelet count
Papaya
In various regions of the world, papaya and papaya leaves are widely used as a natural treatment for thrombocytopenia, and this claim is currently being researched by a number of different institutions. Papaya is an enzyme-rich fruit, and it appears to greatly boost the function of an enzyme that is involved in platelet formation in the bone marrow. This is just one of several possible mechanisms by which papaya could raise platelets.
Perhaps the most well-known use of papaya (or treatment made with the leaves) is in areas where dengue fever is common, as this virus causes a hazardous reduction in platelet levels. There was a smaller drop in platelet counts from day one to day five of hospitalization for adults with dengue fever who took papaya leaf extract compared to those who took a placebo. Similarly, a study of children with dengue illness found positive effects on platelet counts.
In warmer climates, the papaya leaf can be found and used to make a refreshing drink. Papaya can react with other medications, so if you’re thinking about taking an extract as a supplement, it’s best to discuss it with your doctor first. According to research published in 2013, extract from papaya leaves greatly raised platelet counts in creatures. Taking it in the prescribed amount is safe; nevertheless, additional study is needed to find its effects on humans.
Spinach and Veggies
Folate (vitamin B9), found in spinach, is essential for the development of not only platelet count but also red and white blood cells. Foods like beef liver, beans (particularly black-eyed peas and black beans), oats, almonds, and broccoli are other excellent sources of folate. Folate is also included in several morning bowls of cereal.
The intricacy of human health and the significance of adopting healthy eating habits are well demonstrated by the folic acid found in greens. The risk of stroke is raised in persons with hypertension. The potential benefits of taking supplemental folate were investigated by Chinese scientists. Those with decreased platelet count (and elevated homocysteine concentrations) were found to benefit the most from taking a folate supplement, with a 73% reduction in the chance of having a first-ever stroke.
Kiwi Fruit
Kiwis, with their high vitamin C content, are a great addition to a diet aimed at reducing platelet production. It has been found that vitamin C aids in the normal aggregation and adhesion of platelets, two of their key functions (adhesion). Following are the vitamin c contain fruits and these include c
- Red pepper,
- Strawberries,
- Broccoli,
- Brussels sprouts, and.
- Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits
The first milk from a cow
For a newborn cow, the first thing it gets from its mother is colostrum. Furthermore, it is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement. An informal study conducted by the Platelet Disease Care Group reveals that some patients may have experienced positive impacts on their platelet count following consuming it, but more research is needed. Colostrum components containing proteins implicated in platelet activation and immunological responses were found in a 2017 study.
Dark Chocolate
A lot of iron can be found in this tasty delicacy. While iron’s contribution to RBC formation is well-known, only lately has it been linked to adequate platelet counts. The megakaryocytes, which are broken down into platelets, cannot form in the bone marrow without iron.
Only crabs and white beans have a higher iron value per serving than dark chocolate. Following are the foods that are high in iron and these foods include
- Spinach,
- Lentils, and
- Tofu (Fortified breakfast cereals are a good source of iron, too.)
Greens with Collards
In terms of vitamin K concentration, collard greens are practically unparalleled. Because of its importance in the coagulation process, vitamin K is a must-have. Other foods have 50% or less of the vitamin K concentration of spinach and kale, collard greens, and broccoli, making these vegetables a good resource of vitamin K. The Japanese dish Natto is the best-known dietary source of vitamin K.
Yeast Used for Nutrition
Nutritional yeast’s cheesy flavor makes it a must-have for everyone who eats a plant-based diet. Nutritional yeast, next to beef liver, has the highest vitamin B12 concentration per gram. Platelets can’t be made without this vitamin. Deficiency in vitamin B12 is a potential contributor to thrombocytopenia. Eating more nutritious yeast and other sources like
- clams,
- tuna,
- salmon
The above nutritious yeasts can help maintain healthy platelet levels.
What are the foods that reduce Platelet count?
If you’re seeking to boost your platelet count, it’s best to stay away from any meals or medications that have been linked to a decrease in this vital blood component. Some meals, including some drinks, can increase your platelet count while others can decrease it.
Following are the foods that can reduce Platelet count
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may lower platelet numbers in more ways than one. For starters, it can cause a lack of folate (which is essential for making platelets), and second, it increases the risk of bleeding. Moreover, it appears to contribute to platelet death. Drinking any kind of alcoholic beverage, including malt liquor, wine, or spirits, can interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. A decrease in platelet formation is one of the many ways that the bone marrow can be damaged. How much alcohol can cause harm to bone marrow is unknown. If your platelet count is low, you should not drink at all. If your bone marrow improves its performance, you may see an increase in your platelet count.
Aspirin and Water Tonic
Quinine, a common ingredient in tonic water, is a commonly used medication that causes thrombocytopenia. However, it would take a lot of fizzy water for the quinine content to become dangerous. In spite of this, there is at minimum one documented case of existence thrombocytopenia related to tonic water, suggesting that the chemical may be responsible for the killing of platelets.
Nutrasweet
Although the actual mechanism is unknown, the artificial flavoring Nutrasweet (aspartame) was already related to thrombocytopenia. Researchers have recommended keeping an eye on your aspartame intake after considering these and other probable metabolic disorders and illnesses linked to the sweetener.
Fish oil and vitamin e pills
Low platelet counts indicate that your blood doesn’t join as it ought to. Some supplements, such as vitamin E and cod liver oil, may actually make the condition even worse. You shouldn’t take these dietary aids if you’re trying to raise your platelet count since they include compounds that inhibit blood clotting. Although vitamin E and fish meal tablets won’t decrease your platelet count, they may interfere with other parts of the blood coagulation process, making you more likely to bleed.
The Bottom Line
Incorporate these key nutrients into your daily diet to improve your overall health and enhance your blood platelet count. Low platelet counts can be caused by a number of factors and range from being mildly inconvenient to potentially fatal. The first thing you should do is consult a doctor to find out if there are any underlying issues.
To boost your platelet count, try including some of the nutrient-rich foods described in this article in your diet (and decreasing your consumption of those that may decrease your count). These foods can also be a part of an overall balanced diet to help you feel your best.
Sirisha B