Posted 9 months ago
Boost Your Platelets With Nutrition
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.
Some Causes Of Low Blood Platelet Count
– Cancer or severe liver diseases
– Leukemia, some kinds of anemia, viral infections
– Exposure to harmful chemicals
– Pregnancy
– Taking in chemotherapy drugs
– Heavy Alcohol consumption
– Deficiency of some essential vitamins such as vitamin B12
Food to Increase Platelet Count
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 favorable effects on platelet count and HDL (also called “good cholesterol”) because of being rich in polyphenols that boost platelets.
Carrot, Pumpkin, and Kale
These food items are rich sources of Vitamin A which is healthy for boosting platelet production.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Almond and Soy 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
Brenda Gridley, CSP, RDN
Supportive Care Services Department
Areas Brenda has managed include pediatric and neonatal intensive care units where she was responsible for individualizing therapeutic diets and alternate nutrition support based on specific metabolic needs, medical conditions, and cultural preferences.
Her passion for nutrition was developed at a young age and reared by her grandmother who always instilled the importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. When her grandmother became ill, Brenda became aware of the impact nutrition plays in disease prevention and maintaining overall mind and body health.