How to Increase Platelet Count: Foods and Supplements

There are many cells in our blood, each conducting its duties unbeknownst to us. Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide, white blood cells protect us from infection, and platelets prevent us from bleeding out. Platelets occur in large numbers on our body and effectively help plug any wound, creating a natural glue to seal tears and cuts.  

The lifespan of these plate-looking cells ranges from eight to ten days. They usually occur in numbers of 1,50,000 to 4,50,000 per microlitre of blood. Any deviation from this standard can cause major distress to the body and can result in various symptoms. 

In a platelet count test, if it is indicated that the platelet count falls ​10,000 to 20,000 below the standard, the person can fall at risk of excessive bleeding. Likewise, if the platelet count falls 50,000 below the standard, the patient is at risk of excessive bleeding, which can be fatal without proper intervention. 

A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia, and excessive thrombocytes in the blood cause a condition called thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis can inhibit your body's ability to form clots. This can cause spontaneous bleeding from the gums, eyes, or bladder. Bleeding can also occur under the skin and in the brain, but it is rare.

Symptoms of Low Platelet Count

Before knowing how to increase platelet count, it is important to know what the symptoms of a low platelet count are: 

• Excessive bleeding, often resulting from even the smallest cuts 
• Petechiae are small, round, dark spots caused by blood leaking from blood vessels 
• Purpura, small brownish spots are caused by bleeding in the skin 
• Frequent nosebleeds or bleeding in the gums 
• Presence of blood in urine and stools and excessive menstrual bleeding 
• Yellow eyes or skin due to jaundice 
• Frequent headaches and other neurological symptoms 
• A swollen spleen

These are the symptoms often recognized with thrombocytopenia. But what comes next? There are many ways to know how to increase platelet count, which are given below.

How to Increase Platelet Count With Foods 

There are many ways to answer your question of how to increase platelet count without relying on medication. However, as these are home remedies, always consult your physician before implementing changes in your current lifestyle. 

Many foods can help you in your journey of seeking the answer to how to increase platelet count. These are the tips to try and beat thrombocytopenia:

​​​Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables contain folate, also known as Vitamin B 9, an essential vitamin for healthy blood cells. According to the NIH, adults require a standard 400 micrograms of folate daily, while pregnant women require 600 micrograms. It is better to obtain the daily recommended amount of folate from food than supplements, as supplements come with a high dosage of folic acid, which can hinder your vitamin B 12 absorption. Brussel sprouts, liver, and beans also contain folate, which will help you increase your platelet levels.

Avoiding the consumption of alcohol

The consumption of alcohol, in all its forms, can disrupt the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. One must entirely avoid alcohol to bring their platelet count back to its normal range. This is one of the most important factors to be kept in mind when knowing how to increase platelet count.

Consuming aloe Vera extract

Aloe Vera extract has been famed for its property of lowering blood lipid and blood glucose levels. This can be instrumental in increasing platelet count and increasing overall blood health.

Drinking wheatgrass juice

Wheatgrass juice has become a healthy food trend of the century. However, did you know that this superfood has many nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, amino acids, and vitamins? Wheatgrass juice is known for its wonders on overall blood health and will help increase your platelet count.

Eating Animal Protein

Animal protein is one of the most important sources of Vitamin B 12 in our diet. It is crucial in fulfilling our body's Vitamin B 12 requirement for the healthy production of platelets. [1]

Eating Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry, or amla as it is known locally, is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which helps ​​the platelets to function properly.

Using Papaya Leaf Extract

How to increase platelet count? Papaya leaf extract is a popular remedy for treating thrombocytopenia. It is popularly prescribed for those diagnosed with dengue. Studies have shown that papaya extract increases dengue platelet counts [2] 

How to Increase Platelet Count With Nutrients and Essential Supplements  

Vitamins and minerals play an extremely important role in our bodily functions. They are catalysts of various physiological pathways. Here are some nutrients interlinked with platelet production and functioning:

​​Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important nutrient required for healthy bone development, proper functioning of muscles and nerves, and a strong immune system. Vitamin D is also known for its role in the production of blood cells, including platelets.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B 12 is known for its role in platelet production. Though it is mainly derived from animal meat, vegans and vegetarians can obtain vitamin B 12 from fortified cereals, dairy supplements such as almond milk, or supplements.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential nutrient during the process of blood clotting, which is the function of platelets. The foods rich in Vitamin K are leafy greens, broccoli, and pumpkin.

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B9 or folate is very important for the production of thrombocytes.

However, there are some foods that one must avoid when battling thrombocytopenia. One is advised against consuming the following: 

• Aspartame, a common artificial sweetener 
• Cranberry juice 
• Quinine, a drug used to treat malaria

How to Treat Thrombocytopenia? 

The treatment for low platelet count is often determined by the symptoms and the underlying cause for it. The main goal of the treatment for thrombocytopenia is to prevent death and disability due to excessive bleeding. Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids to patients when posed with the question of how to increase platelet count fast. They can give this medicine intravenously or through the mouth. Blood transfusions or splenectomies are also conducted based on the severity of the condition. But if you want to know how to increase platelet count, there are several ways to do so.

Thrombocytopenia is a dangerous disease, but it can be cured. With the right supplements suggested by your doctor, you can ask them how to increase platelet count and other related queries and naturally bring your platelet count to the standard level. It is advised that the public take RBC count tests and platelet blood cell tests regularly to keep diseases at bay. Be sure to contact Bajaj Finserv Health to speak with a doctor about how to increase platelets.  

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