What are Platelets?
Platelets, the tiniest blood cells, act as your body’s primary defence against excessive bleeding. They congregate at the site of an injury to your blood vessels, forming a clot to effectively seal off the wound. A healthy adult typically has between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. If this count falls below the minimum limit, it is identified as thrombocytopenia – a condition that can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Understanding how to increase platelets is critical if you’re grappling with a low platelet count. But first, let’s delve into what could cause this drop in your platelet count.
What Causes a Low Platelet Count?
A low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, could be triggered by various factors including:
- Medical Conditions: Illnesses such as leukaemia, lymphoma, autoimmune diseases (like immune thrombocytopenia), and infections may hamper platelet production or escalate their destruction.
- Medications: Certain medications, including blood thinners, could result in lower platelet counts as a side effect.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, folate, and iron can inhibit your body’s ability to produce platelets.
- Pregnancy: Some women might experience reduced platelet counts during pregnancy due to an increase in blood volume and alterations in blood cell production.
- Exposure to Toxins: Exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides may also negatively affect your platelet levels.
Symptoms of Low Blood Platelet Count
The symptoms of a low platelet count might vary among individuals, but they could include:
- Easy Bruising: You may notice unexplained bruises appearing on your body.
- Petechiae: These are tiny, reddish-purple spots on the skin, often located on the lower legs.
- Prolonged Bleeding: Even minor cuts might bleed for an extended period, usually longer than 15-20 minutes.
- Nosebleeds and Bleeding Gums: You could experience frequent or spontaneous nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums.
- Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness may prevail due to a decrease in blood cell counts.
- Heavy Menstrual Flow: Women might observe a heavier than normal menstrual flow.
- Blood in Urine or Stool: This could be an indicator of serious bleeding issues.
It is important to address this issue promptly as it involves your body’s primary line of defence against bleeding.
Dengue and its Impact on Platelet Count
Dengue is a viral illness, transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. It can manifest in flu-like symptoms, which may include high fever, severe headaches, and muscle pain. One critical aspect to understand here is the effect of dengue on platelet count.
During a dengue infection, your platelet count can drastically plummet – sometimes reaching as low as 10,000 platelets per microliter. The decline in platelets during dengue can be attributed to two main reasons:
- Disrupted Platelet Production: The dengue virus can harm the bone marrow – the production site for platelets – leading to a decrease in platelet formation.
- Increased Platelet Destruction: Sometimes, the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and eliminates platelets while responding to the dengue virus.
Low platelet count symptoms can include fatigue, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and spontaneous bleeding from gums or nose. Dengue patients with severely low platelet counts are at an increased risk of internal bleeding and other complications.
Read Also: Home Remedies for Dengue
How to Increase Platelet Count Naturally
During or after dengue infection, it becomes pertinent to take measures to increase your platelet count fast. While medical intervention may be required in severe cases, a few dietary changes can also support the natural increase of platelets. Here are a few ways to naturally increase platelets:
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining overall blood health. Adequate hydration helps the body function optimally, including the production of blood cells. Drinking enough water can support circulation and may aid in maintaining platelet levels.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve circulation and overall health, potentially supporting platelet production. Moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can enhance blood flow and promote healthy blood cell function.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect the immune system and blood health. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels, which may indirectly support platelet production.
- Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for the body’s recovery and regeneration processes. Ensuring sufficient rest can help maintain a healthy immune system and support the production of blood cells, including platelets.
- Avoiding Certain Medications: Some medications can lower platelet counts. If you have concerns about your platelet levels, consult with a healthcare provider about any medications you are taking. They may suggest alternatives that do not have an adverse effect on platelet production.
- Monitoring and Medical Consultation: Regular monitoring of platelet counts through blood tests can provide valuable information about your health. If platelet levels remain low despite lifestyle changes, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and potential treatment options.
Foods to Increase Platelet Count
There are loads of foods you can include in your diet to increase platelets naturally. Here are some foods that can organically boost your platelet count:
- Papaya leaf extract
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Pomegranates
- Oranges
- Mangoes
- Spinach
- Kale
- Carrots
- Beetroots
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Beef
- Liver
- Legumes
- Lentils
These foods contain key nutrients like vitamins C, B12, folate, iron, and antioxidants that support healthy platelet production and function. Incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet can help naturally boost platelet levels, especially if you are dealing with a low platelet count or recovering from conditions like dengue fever. However, for severe cases of thrombocytopenia, medical treatment may be necessary in addition to dietary changes.
Nutrients That Can Increase Platelet Count
Pay attention to the following nutrients that can aid in boosting your platelet count:
| Nutrient | Sources | Benefits |
| Vitamin B12 | Eggs, beef, fish | Essential for red blood cell formation and may help increase platelet count. |
| Vitamin C | Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers | Enhances platelet function and aids in iron absorption. |
| Vitamin K | Leafy greens, broccoli | Crucial for blood clotting and may support platelet levels. |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Fish (like salmon), flaxseeds | May improve platelet function and overall cardiovascular health. |
| Zinc | Nuts, seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds), oysters | Important for immune function and may aid in platelet production. |
| Iron | Red meat, poultry, lentils, beans | Essential for hemoglobin production and overall blood health. |
| Folate | Dark leafy greens, fortified cereals, legumes | Vital for DNA synthesis and necessary for healthy blood cell production. |
| Others | Wheatgrass juice, supplements | Nutrient-dense and may support overall health and potentially benefit platelet levels. |
| Did You Know? To further enhance platelet count naturally, consider incorporating herbal remedies such as neem and ginger. Neem leaves are known for their medicinal properties and may help improve platelet levels. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties, can support overall health and may positively influence platelet production. Additionally, managing underlying health conditions, such as infections or autoimmune disorders, is crucial, as these can significantly impact platelet counts. |
Supplements That Increase Platelet Count
To keep your platelet count at a healthy level, sometimes you may need a little extra help. This is where supplements come into play. Here are some supplements you may consider:
- Vitamin C: This essential nutrient has major benefits for boosting platelet count. Vitamin C aids in the overall health of blood cells and supports immune function.
- Vitamin B12: Known for being vital for the production of red blood cells, Vitamin B12 also influences the amount of platelets in your body. A deficiency could lead to lower platelet counts.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is often associated with bone health, but it’s equally important for your blood. Vitamin D supplements can help support overall health, including platelet production.
- Papaya Leaf Extract: A traditional remedy used in some cultures, papaya leaf extract has shown the potential to increase platelet counts.
- Chlorella: A type of algae, chlorella is rich in chlorophyll and may help stimulate the production of platelets.
- Melatonin: This hormone, often linked to sleep regulation, may also have a positive effect on platelet counts.
Remember, before starting any supplement routine, it’s always best to consult with your family doctor or other healthcare provider to make sure it’s right for you.
Foods to Avoid if You Want to Increase Platelets
While we’ve discussed foods and supplements that can aid in increasing the number of platelets, it’s equally important to know which foods to avoid. Here’s a list of foods you might want to steer clear of:
- Alcohol: Regular consumption of alcohol can impair platelet function and reduce overall blood health.
- Cranberry Juice: Cranberries are rich in compounds that may inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially lowering platelet counts.
- Quinine: A bitter compound found in tonic water and some other beverages, quinine has antiplatelet effects.
- Aspartame: This artificial sweetener, often found in diet drinks and low-sugar desserts, has been linked to reduced platelet levels in some studies.
- Certain Fruits: Blueberries, grapes, and grapefruit contain compounds that can reduce platelet aggregation. While they’re healthy in general, you may want to limit your intake if you’re concerned about low platelet counts.
Takeaway
Increasing your platelet count naturally is not just about adding certain foods and supplements to your diet. It’s also about knowing what to avoid. Balancing your nutrition is key. Remember, while diet plays a significant role, other factors like exercise, sleep, and hydration also contribute to maintaining a healthy platelet count. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your health regimen. After all, the journey toward health is one best taken with knowledge and guidance by your side.
FAQs
To raise your platelets rapidly, incorporate foods rich in vitamin B12, folate, and iron into your diet. Also, ensure you remain properly hydrated.
Foods that boost platelets include pomegranate, papaya leaf extracts, green leafy vegetables, lean proteins, and foods fortified with vitamin B12 and folate.
Drinks like pomegranate juice, orange juice rich in folate, tomato juice with high iron content, and kiwi fruit juice can help escalate your platelet count.
The human body typically replenishes platelets within seven days. However, various factors like overall health and diet can influence this process.
Yes, kiwi is excellent for boosting platelet count. It’s high in antioxidants and vitamin C which promotes the production of platelets.
Pomegranate juice is considered best for raising platelet count due to its high antioxidant content and ability to inhibit the impact of free radicals on platelets.