Blood cells known as platelets assist in clotting, so their levels must be maintained. However, some people suffer from thrombocytopenia, which means they lack enough platelets to clot properly.
Throughout this article, we will look at 15 foods that can increase your platelet count and discuss platelets in detail.
What are Platelets?
Platelets are an integral part of the human body. They are the ones responsible for controlling any serious repercussions that may take place because of wounds that end up damaging the lining of your blood vessels.
Your body is always cautious of the count of platelets present in it. Any shortage in the number of platelets can cause serious issues like excessive bleeding even by the tiniest of wounds.
For an average human being, the normal blood platelet count lies in the range of 1.5 to 4 Lac in every microliter of blood present in the body. However, this number can sometimes be over 4 Lac; this is a medical condition termed thrombocytosis. Whereas, when the platelet count falls below 1.5 Lac per microliter of blood, it is called thrombocytopenia.
Symptoms of Low Blood Platelet Count
Your platelet count determines whether you experience symptoms.
Most mild cases, such as when a low platelet count is caused by pregnancy, do not cause any symptoms. In more severe cases, bleeding may become uncontrollable. This requires immediate medical assistance.
If you have a low platelet count, you may experience:
- red or purple bruises, which are called purpura
- a rash with small red dots called petechiae
- bleeding gums
- nosebleeds
- bleeding from wounds that don’t stop on their own or last for a prolonged period.
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- bleeding from the rectum
- blood in your stool
- blood in your urine
In case you are experiencing headaches or neurological problems due to low platelet counts, please contact your doctor immediately.
Food to Increase Platelet Count
1) Omega - 3 Fatty Acids
Clinical study has suggested that the consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can have a positive impact on the platelet count when taken in moderation. Some food items rich in Omega - 3 Fatty Acids that you can include in your diet are - Salmon oil, walnuts, cod liver oil, etc.
2) Aloe Vera Extract
Clinical research reported that Aloe vera extract is enriched with anti-viral properties that help in lowering blood glucose and blood lipids. This has an overall impact on increasing the platelet count in your blood.
3) Giloy or Guduchi
This is a common household treatment for increasing somebody’s platelet count, especially when they are suffering from dengue. Giloy has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and antiepileptic properties that help it in conducting an immunostimulating activity, which in turn work on increasing the platelet count.
4) Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass Juice is another platelet-rich food item. This juice has nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamins, sodium, and amino acids. Wheatgrass is said to increase levels of hemoglobin (Hb), total white blood cells (WBCs), and red blood cells (RBC); this has an overarching effect on increasing the platelet count.
5) Papaya Leaf Extract
Top on the list of ‘fruits to increase platelet count’ is Papaya, more specifically, Papaya leaf extract. Papaya has anti-inflammatory properties and phytoconstituents like tannins and alkaloids that aid in blood cell formation and increase the platelet count. So, doctors often suggest papaya leaves for platelet count.
6) Berries
Raspberries, Goji Berries, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries are all enriched with antioxidants, and so, they make for great fruits to increase platelet count. A clinical study shows that when taken in moderation, berries have favourable effects on platelet count and HDL (also called “good cholesterol”) because of being rich in polyphenols that boost platelets.
7) Carrot, Pumpkin, and Kale
All these fall in the category of ‘food to increase platelet count.’ These food items are rich sources of Vitamin A which is healthy for boosting platelet production.
8) Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and asparagus are platelet-rich food items because of their content of folate acid. Folate acid plays an important role in battling against a low platelet count and increasing it by promoting healthy cell division in the body.
9) Dairy products
Eating certain dairy products like eggs, milk, and cheese can boost your platelet count. These food items contain Vitamin B-12, which helps in increasing platelet count by increasing the production of blood cells.
10) Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a rich source of iron that is responsible for raising your platelet count. Along with pomegranate, you can also eat platelet-rich food with iron, such as lentils, raisins, and some green leafy veggies.
11) Amla
Vitamin C-rich food items like Amla (or Indian gooseberry), pineapple, broccoli, tomatoes, and mangoes can, directly and indirectly, help in increasing your platelet count. Directly, it helps the platelets function properly in your body, and indirectly Vitamin C enhances the amount of iron that is absorbed by your body.
12) Liver and meat
Liver and meat are rich sources of Vitamin K. These platelet-rich food items help in making sure that your cells are growing properly in the body, which includes platelets too.
13) Kiwi
Along with being a very good source of Vitamin C, Kiwi is also a great source of potassium. This fruit can be very helpful for people suffering from dengue because it boosts the platelet count while also providing energy to the body.
13) Almond and Soya Milk
Almond milk and Soya milk contain an essential nutrient, Vitamin B-12, that helps in the production of cells like platelets.
Nutrients That Can Increase Platelet Count
There are several nutrients found in platelet-rich food that doctors recommend to their patients.
Here is a list of all these nutrients :
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-12
- Folate Acid
- Iron
Supplements Which Can Help You Increase Platelet Count
Some supplements which can help you in boosting your platelet count:
- Chlorella is an algae-based supplement that is rich in chlorophyll and helps in platelet production.
- Melatonin tablets can also boost platelet production.
- Papaya Leaf Extract supplements also increase blood cells and thereby, platelet count.
Foods to Avoid if You Want to Increase Platelets
There are certain foods and drinks that can lower platelet counts, including:
- Alcohol
- Cranberry juice
- Aspartame, an artificial sweetener
- Quinine, a substance in bitter lemon and tonic water
How to Tell if Your Platelet Count Is Too Low?
A low platelet count is only symptomatic when levels are exceptionally low. Mildly low levels often do not cause symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they include:
- dark, red spots on the skin (petechiae)
- spontaneous or excessive bleeding
- easy bruising
- headaches after minor injuries
- bleeding from the nose or mouth after brushing teeth
A low platelet count can cause severe complications if untreated. People experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
Summing Up on Food to Increase Platelet Count
There are certain foods and supplements that people with low platelet counts can take to improve their condition. You may also want to avoid foods that lower platelets, such as aspartame and alcohol.
It is always wise to consult your doctor before changing your diet, as this may not be enough to restore your platelet counts.
