How To Increase Platelet Count in Natural Ways
How To Increase Platelet Count in Natural Ways
How To Increase Platelet Count in Natural Ways
Home remedies
Published on 13 Aug 2021
Platelets
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are colorless cell fragments that are responsible for
making clots and stop or control bleeding in our bodies. Our bone marrow produce platelets.
Stem cells in bone marrow give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets
help our bodies control bleeding, so they're important for surviving surgeries like organ
transplants, as well as fighting cancer, chronic diseases, and serious injuries. Patients who don't
have enough of their own platelets, a disease known as thrombocytopenia, or whose platelets
aren't operating properly are given donor platelets. The risk of serious or even deadly bleeding
is reduced by increasing the patient's blood platelet count.
Normal platelet count : The platelet count in a typical blood sample ranges from 150,000 to
450,000 platelets per microliter.
Platelets in blood
Thrombocytosis is defined as having more than 450,000 platelets; thrombocytopenia is defined
as having fewer than 150,000 platelets. Platelet count can be easily determined by conducting a
simple complete blood count blood (CBC) test.
Low platelet count
Platelet loss is a severe issue since it causes our bodies to lose blood. There are two possible
causes
for the low amount of platelets: either they are destroyed or not created enough.
Causes of low platelet count :
Platelets are broken down as a result of health issues such as ITP, TTP, bacterial
infections in the blood, drug reactions, and autoimmune illness.
Bone marrow disorders such as : Aplastic anemia, leukemia, some lymphomas, and
myelodysplastic syndromes can cause reduced platelet production.
Cirrhosis of the liver or Gaucher disease causes an enlargement of the spleen. Platelets
and other blood cells are trapped in the enlarged spleen, which stops them from
circulating in the bloodstream. This can lead to thrombocytopenia.
Exposure to toxic compounds such as arsenic, benzene, and pesticides found in the
environment.
Use of Antibiotics, epilepsy medications, and the blood thinner heparin can also lead to
reduced platelet count.
Viral infections such as : Hepatitis C, CMV, EBV, and HIV
Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy and other cancer medicines can harm the bone marrow.
Chemotherapy-induced decreased platelet counts are usually very transitory.
Chemotherapy seldom causes permanent harm to bone marrow cells.
Radiation therapy : In most cases, radiation therapy does not result in a low platelet
count. However, if a person undergoes a lot of radiation therapy in the pelvis or if they
get radiation therapy and chemotherapy at the same time, the platelet levels may drop.
Various types of cancers : Platelet counts can be lowered by malignancies such as
leukemia or lymphoma. In the bone marrow, where platelets are generated, malignant
cells in these cancers might crowd out good cells.
A low platelet count can be caused by cancer that has progressed to the bone. The
presence of cancer cells in the bones can make it harder for the bone marrow to
produce platelets.
Symptoms of low platelet count :
Some individuals with moderate thrombocytopenia don't show any signs or symptoms. A cut or
nosebleed that won't stop bleeding is often one of the first indicators.
The following are some more indicators of a low platelet count :
Bleeding in the gums.
Blood in the stool (black and tarry), urine (hematuria), or vomit.
Prolonged menstrual periods
Petechiae (tiny red or purple dots on the lower legs that resemble a rash).
Bruising readily or purpura (purple, red, or brown bruises).
Rectal bleeding is common.
Dizziness and severe headache
Joint or muscular pain.
Foods that increase the platelet count :
Certain foods are sources of nutrients that are important for platelet formation and can help to
increase the platelet levels naturally. These are :
Folate rich foods : food items such as dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and brussel
sprouts, black eyed peas (lobia), rice,
nutritional yeast, broccoli, beetroot , nuts and seeds, asparagus, peanuts, kidney beans, oranges
and orange juice, fortified cereals
and plant based dairy alternatives. This nutrients is responsible for maintaining the health of
blood cells.
Vitamin D rich foods : Vitamin D helps the bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system to work
effectively. Vitamin D is also
necessary for the function of the bone marrow cells that create platelets and other blood cells.
Vitamin D can be found in the
following foods: fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, egg yolks, fish liver oils, yoghurt
and fortified milk. Vegan sources are : mushrooms, grains and cereals enriched with vitamins
and minerals, orange juice with added vitamins, fortified dairy alternatives like soy milk, tofu,
soy yogurt.
Sun exposure can help the body create vitamin D
Vitamin K rich foods : Vitamin K is a crucial vitamin for individuals with low platelet counts since
it helps with blood
clotting and bone health. According to a recent survey conducted by the PDSA (Platelet Disorder
Support Association), roughly 27%
of persons who took Vitamin K saw an improvement in platelet counts and bleeding symptoms.
Good dietary sources are : green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kiwi, asparagus, green apple, pear,
avocado, olive oil, fermented soy, beans and lentils, peas, bell
peppers, nuts, berries , prunes, parsley.
Fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamin K