Platelets count can affect the overall health of the body, leading to complications such as intestinal bleeding or cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt measures to increase platelets count, such as using medications or adjusting dietary habits. Increasing platelets count through diet is a natural, safe method that avoids unwanted side effects.
First, we will discuss what platelets are and the signs of a low platelets count.
Blood contains various types of cells, each serving a different purpose. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets help the blood clot during injuries or bleeding anywhere in the body. To keep platelets functioning properly, individuals need to maintain good overall health.
However, certain situations can suddenly lower the platelet count and impact overall health. Viral fevers, dengue fever, bone marrow disorders (such as leukemia or lymphoma), chemotherapy, cirrhosis, an enlarged spleen, specific medications, and excessive alcohol consumption can all reduce platelet levels. Symptoms of low platelet count usually appear only when the count drops significantly. At mild levels, people often experience no symptoms.
A healthy platelet count usually ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. This range can vary based on your age, sex, and race. When the platelet count drops below 150,000 per microliter, it increases the risk of excessive bleeding. Common symptoms of a low platelet count include tiny reddish-purple spots (petechiae), often appearing on the lower legs, bleeding from minor injuries that doesn’t stop after 15–20 minutes, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, fatigue, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual flow.
What to Eat to Increase Platelet Count?
Platelets can be increased by eating a healthy diet that includes fruits rich in nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and iron. However, some fruits have antiplatelet properties that prevent the grouping of these blood cells, so should be avoided by people concerned with having a low platelet count.
Folate
Folate, a type of B vitamin, supports the production of blood cells and helps increase platelet count. Folic acid serves as the synthetic form of folate. Adults need at least 400 mcg of folate daily, while pregnant women need 600 mcg per day. Foods rich in folate or folic acid include dark leafy greens, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy products, and rice.
Consuming excessive amounts of folic acid from supplements can interfere with vitamin B12 function. However, eating a variety of folate-rich foods poses no health risks.
Foods rich in vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B12 can reduce platelet count. Individuals aged 14 and older need 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day, while pregnant and breastfeeding women need 2.8 mcg per day.
Animal-based products like beef and beef liver, eggs, salmon, tuna, clams, shellfish, and dairy products provide vitamin B12. Vegetarians can get vitamin B12 from foods such as fortified cereals, almond milk, oranges, soy milk, and similar alternatives to supplement their daily intake.
Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C strengthens the body’s immune system. It also supports proper platelet function and boosts iron absorption, which plays a vital role in platelet health. Many fruits and vegetables provide a rich source of vitamin C, including broccoli, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), kiwi, mango, pineapple, tomatoes, pomegranate, strawberries, and bell peppers. High temperatures can destroy vitamin C, so try to eat these foods raw whenever possible.
Foods rich in vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in the function of bones, muscles, nerves, and the immune system. Additionally, it is essential for the function of bone marrow cells, which produce platelet and other blood cells. The body can produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure. However, not everyone gets enough sunlight daily, especially during the winter months. Adults aged 19–70 require 15 mcg of vitamin D per day.
To increase platelet count, vitamin D can also be obtained from dietary sources. Foods rich in vitamin D include egg yolks, salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, yogurt, fortified breakfast cereals, orange juice, soy milk, and mushrooms.
Foods rich in vitamin K
Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. The recommended daily intake of vitamin K is 120 mcg for adult men aged 19 and older and 90 mcg for adult women. To meet these requirements, consuming foods such as turnips, broccoli, kale, spinach, soybeans, soybean oil, and pumpkin.
Foods Rich in Iron
Iron is a vital component for red blood cells and platelets. It can help increase platelet count in individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. Men over 18 years old and women over 50 years old need 8 mg of iron per day, while women aged 19–50 require 18 mg per day. Pregnant women need 27 mg of iron daily.Incorporating iron-rich foods into the diet can help increase platelet count.
Foods high in iron include oysters, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals, lentils, tofu, dark chocolate, and pumpkin seeds. Consuming iron-rich foods with vitamin C enhances absorption. However, avoid consuming calcium-rich foods or taking calcium supplements at the same time as iron-rich foods, as this may hinder iron absorption.
Several foods that increase platelets count
Papaya Leaf Extract
Scientific studies suggest that papaya leaf extracts can help increase platelet count. If you’re looking for ways to boost platelet count during dengue fever, many people use papaya leaf extract as a home remedy in such cases.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables have long been hailed as nutritional powerhouses when promoting optimal health. They are some of the best foods to increase platelet count. Packed with various vitamins and minerals, they offer many advantages for our overall well-being.
“Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and asparagus help increase platelet count because they are rich in folic acid. Folic acid supports the body’s cell division process, which directly aids in raising platelet levels.”
Animal-based Food Diet
Vitamin- B12 is necessary for boosting the health of red blood cells and maintaining overall well-being. The lack of Vitamin B-12 is sometimes linked to lower platelet cell count. Beef, beef liver, eggs, and fish contain Vitamin B-12, and other food may be used to increase platelet count.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants, making them one of the essential foods that boost platelets. This fruit has various health benefits. It reduces inflammation and muscle damage, improves blood circulation, and helps boost immune health in general. So, include fresh pomegranate juice to boost your immune system.
Berries and Kiwi
“Raspberries, goji berries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries pack a powerful antioxidant punch, making them excellent fruits for increasing platelet count. A clinical study found that moderate berry consumption boosts both platelet levels and HDL (commonly known as ‘good cholesterol’). Their high polyphenol content enhances platelet production. Kiwi fruit, rich in vitamin C, also supports platelet production and improves their function.”
Hence, Kiwi may qualify as food that boosts platelets. Laden with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin K, and E, it notably enhances overall well-being. Kiwi is also rich in antioxidants that act as a shield, guarding against platelet and blood cell degradation, thereby prolonging the lifespan in the bloodstream.
Carrots and Beetroots
These vegetables are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, offer numerous health benefits, and are some of the best foods to increase platelets. One notable nutrient found in these vegetables is folate, which supports the production of healthy blood cells, including platelets. Additionally, their antioxidant properties also help protect cells from damage.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an incredible food that boosts platelets due to its high vitamin A content. This essential nutrient stimulates the production of platelets in the bone marrow.