Ways to Increase Platelet Count Naturally

Are you usually finding bruises from the smallest bumps or feeling unusually tired? This could be due to low platelets—tiny blood cells that help your blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding. When your platelet count is low, you may experience fatigue, easy bruising, and bleeding gums. A low platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. Treatment for low platelet count is determined by the nature and severity of your symptoms. If you have mild thrombocytopenia, you might be able to control your platelet count with diet and supplements.

However, it is crucial to highlight that if you have a moderate to severe low platelet count, you will almost certainly require medical treatment to avoid consequences.

Continue reading for suggestions on how to naturally regulate your platelet count if you have mild thrombocytopenia.

Foods that boost platelet count

Certain vitamins and minerals may help your body produce and keep platelets in your blood.

While many of these nutrients are accessible as supplements, it is preferable to obtain them from foods whenever possible. Eating correctly is critical to restoring health.

1. Vitamin B 12

Vitamin B12 helps to keep your blood cells healthy. A vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to reduced platelet counts, albeit this is rare. Animal-based foods are the finest suppliers of vitamin B12.  Ingredients include clams, eggs, and some fish like tuna and salmon. If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can obtain vitamin B12 from fortified cereals or supplements.

2. Folate

Folate is a B vitamin that supports cells, particularly blood cells. It comes naturally in many foods and is added to others as folic acid. According to studies, folate insufficiency may contribute to low platelet count, but it is unlikely to be the sole cause.

Some high-folate foods include peanuts, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, and oranges.

3. Iron

Iron is required for your body's ability to create healthy blood cells. Iron deficiency anaemia is linked to thrombocytopenia, yet increasing your iron intake may help raise platelet count.

Certain foods have high levels of iron, such as mussels, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and meat.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your platelets form and operate properly. According to research, vitamin C may assist boost platelet count. It also aids in iron absorption, which may lead to an increase in platelet count. Some good sources of vitamin C are mangoes, pineapple, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Foods that reduce platelet counts

While some foods can increase your platelet count, others, particularly some beverages, can decrease it. The following foods and beverages may lower your platelet count:

• Quinine can be found in tonic water and alcohol. 
• Cranberry Juice: According to research published in the Annals of Review and Research, cranberry juice may impair platelet function, potentially lowering the incidence of blood clots.
• Walnuts and sesame: A review published in Nutrients claims that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like sesame and walnuts, have been demonstrated to lower platelet aggregation.

Supplements that boost platelet count

Some substances may help raise your platelet count. However, additional study is required to completely confirm the benefits of these supplements in boosting platelet counts.

1. Extracted from papaya leaves

According to a 2019 review, papaya leaf extract increased platelet counts in four persons being treated for immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

2. Bovine colostrum

Colostrum is the first thing a newborn cow receives from its mother. It is also increasingly popular as a dietary supplement.

A 2017 study discovered colostrum components that comprised proteins involved in both platelet activation and immunological responses.

3. Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that helps plants absorb sunlight.

According to a 2023 study, chlorophyll infusions helped rats enhance their platelet count.

However, no human clinical trials have been conducted to determine the efficacy of chlorophyll supplements.

4. Melatonin

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm, is produced naturally by your body.

While melatonin pills are commonly used to improve sleep, a small 2021 study discovered that they could raise platelet levels.

When to visit a doctor

If left untreated, thrombocytopenia can result in major problems such as severe external or internal bleeding. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, contact a healthcare expert right away.

• Excessive bleeding
• Petechiae are little, colourful patches underneath the skin
• Purpura which is persistent purple, yellow, or brown bruises
• Symptoms may include bloody stools or urine, and bleeding from the mouth or nose

These symptoms could signal more severe thrombocytopenia, which may only respond to medical therapy.

Conclusion

Consuming specific foods and taking supplements may aid in increasing your platelet count.

However, it is critical to consult a healthcare expert about thrombocytopenia. They may be able to assist in developing the optimal treatment plan for you. If you want to consult a professional for your diet, visit TruePal today.

FAQs

1. Which food boosts platelet counts?

Eggs, clams, mangoes, pineapple, and oranges are some foods that may help raise platelet count.

2. How do you treat low platelets?

Treatment for low platelet count is determined on the underlying cause, alongside the intensity and type of symptoms. Mild low platelet counts can be addressed with dietary adjustments, however severe low platelet counts may need medicine or blood transfusions.

3. Which foods should you avoid if your platelet count is low?

If you have low platelets, avoid walnuts, cranberry juice, alcohol, and sesame.

4. How does a person raise their platelets in two days?

There is no quick answer for raising platelet count but consuming nutrient-dense foods benefits the whole body. According to research, eating meals rich in folate or vitamin B12 naturally raises platelet count.

5. Which fruits enhance platelet count?

Raspberries, Goji Berries, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries are all rich in antioxidants and hence make excellent foods for increasing platelet count.