Platelets are red blood cells that aid in the formation of clots, an essential function that avoids catastrophic bleeding. Platelet counts may diminish due to a variety of factors, including cancer, anemia, autoimmune illnesses, and certain drugs. In general, the same tactics that you could employ to promote red blood cell production might help you improve your platelet count.
You may be wondering how to improve your blood platelet count if your doctor has encouraged you to do so. These suggestions will assist you in understanding how to increase your blood platelet count using diets and supplements.
In this guide, we will explore various strategies for increasing platelet count naturally, including diet and lifestyle changes, exercises, and natural supplements. By implementing these methods, you can help maintain your platelet count and also prevent any bleeding or bruising that may happen due to low platelet count.
It is important to note that, before trying any natural remedies, it's always recommended to check with a healthcare professional, just to be safe and make sure there is no underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
What is Platelet?
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are blood cells that aid in blood clotting. When platelet counts go below normal, there is an increased risk of uncontrolled or prolonged bleeding. Blood transfusions and medicines may be used to treat low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
While working with your healthcare practitioner to receive an accurate diagnosis is critical, there are natural approaches to assist improve your platelet count. The nutrients included in the following foods may help increase platelet counts.
What is a low platelet count?
A low blood platelet count is referred to as thrombocytopenia. Platelets are colorless blood cells that are essential for blood coagulation. When a person is harmed, these cells cluster together to create a seal around the damaged blood artery, preventing bleeding.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), an adult's platelet count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. When a person's platelet count goes below 150,000 platelets per l of blood, this is referred to as thrombocytopenia.
What are the causes of low platelet levels?
Identifying the actual reason for a low platelet count is critical in determining the best therapy.
When someone has a low platelet count, the explanation may be clear (for example, if they've had chemotherapy). At times, though, the reason is uncertain. In this situation, a thorough history is taken, a physical exam is performed, and additional blood values may be tested.
6 natural ways to increase platelet count
Low platelet count can be a concern, but there are many natural ways to increase platelet count and maintain overall health and well-being. Let’s explore six effective strategies that can help you to increase your platelet count naturally. These are;
Green leafy vegetables
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collards, include vitamin K, which does not directly enhance platelet counts but may improve blood clotting. Vitamin K is essential for your body's production of proteins that aid in the clotting process. Because blood clotting is a complicated activity involving not just platelets but also other biologic pathways, ingesting enough vitamin K may help the body maintain its capacity to stop bleeding.
Fish
What is at the top of the list of meals that raise platelet counts? Perhaps fatty seafood, which is rich in vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the development of red blood cells, and some evidence shows that low platelet levels may be connected to B12 insufficiency. Salmon, trout, and tuna are all high in B12, so include more of these fatty fish in your diet to help improve your platelet count. You could take a B12 supplement instead, but receiving B12 from meals may help your body make better use of the vitamin.
Vitamin C
Because vitamin C is essential for platelet function, raising your vitamin C levels may help your current platelets perform better. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, which is required for the synthesis of red blood cells. Increase your vitamin C intake by eating lots of fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. If you use prescription drugs, consult your doctor before eating grapefruit since the chemicals in grapefruit might impair medication absorption.
Vivoo offers a convenient way to check on your overall wellness, including Vitamin C levels. With Vivoo's at-home urine tests, you can quickly and easily check up on 9 important wellness parameters, such as sodium, water intake, calcium, protein, magnesium, ketones, urine pH, Vitamin C and oxidative stress levels. The results are available in just 90 seconds and come with personalized advice from registered dietitians and nutrition experts, all from the comfort of your own home.
Avoid alcohol
Alcohol, whether beer, wine, or spirits, may interfere with red blood cell formation in the bone marrow. Damage to the bone marrow may result in a reduction in the generation of all kinds of red cells, including platelets. It is unknown how much alcohol drinking might harm bone marrow. If you have a low platelet count, you should avoid alcohol completely. This may improve your marrow function and increase your platelet count.
Iron
Consider boosting your iron consumption while adding citrus to your diet for vitamin C. Instead of iron pills, which might promote constipation, eat cow liver, tofu, kidney beans, or oysters. Iron is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells, which contain platelets. Increasing your iron consumption may help you naturally improve your platelet counts. And here's an interesting fact: dark chocolate is also high in iron!
Vitamin E
A low platelet count indicates that your blood does not clot as well as it should. Vitamin E and fish oil supplements might exacerbate the condition. Because the compounds in these supplements reduce the capacity of blood to clot, you should avoid them if you want to improve your platelet count. Although these supplements will not reduce your platelet count, vitamin E and fish oil capsules may disturb other components of the blood clotting process, making you more prone to bleeding.
