How To Increase Platelet Counts? 6 Natural Ways And 10 Foods To Consider!

Are you experiencing frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts? These could be signs of a low platelet count. Certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, autoimmune disorders, or infections, and some medications, like blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and certain antibiotics, can impact platelet production. It's important to address these underlying issues to improve your platelet count. But how to increase platelet count? While medical intervention might be necessary in severe cases, there are natural ways to support platelet production.

This blog explores six natural ways and ten foods that help increase your platelet count and effectively manage your health with low blood platelet count symptoms, to prevent.

Table Of Contents

1. What Are Platelets?

2. How To Increase Platelets Naturally? 6 Ways

3. 10 Foods to Boost Platelet Count

4. 8 Low Blood Platelet Count Symptoms

5. Dietitian’s Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

What Are Platelets?

Platelets help maintain bodily health by swiftly responding to injuries that breach the blood vessel lining. The body rigorously monitors their count, as any deficiency can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor wounds. A normal platelet count falls between 1.5 and 4 lac per microliter of blood, but deviations from this range can indicate health issues, reflecting symptoms of low platelets. Thrombocytosis occurs when the count exceeds 4 lac, while thrombocytopenia signifies a count below 1.5 lac.

Also Read: 10 Foods For High Blood Pressure And 7-Day Diet Plan

How To Increase Platelets Naturally? 6 Ways

Let’s explore these ways to increase platelet counts naturally to maintain healthy blood function and overall wellness:

1. Follow A Balanced Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for naturally increasing platelet count. The body requires specific nutrients to support healthy blood and platelet production. Foods to increase platelet count offer vitamin B12, like fresh eggs and dairy products, which support the formation of blood cells. Also, folate, found in leafy greens and legumes, aids in cell division, which is essential for generating new platelets. Vitamin C, present in fruits like oranges and strawberries, boosts the immune system and improves iron absorption, ensuring efficient platelet production.

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2. Include Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is essential for creating haemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood and supports platelet function. A diet that includes fresh iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, and lean meats can significantly boost the production of red blood cells and platelets. These foods can also help maintain healthy platelet levels, ensuring proper blood clotting and overall circulation.

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3. Consider Adequate Hydration

Staying hydrated is essential for optimal blood function, including maintaining platelet count. Water is critical for sustaining blood volume and supporting the body’s cellular processes. Drinking nearly 8 glasses of water daily helps the blood remain fluid and ensures that platelets function effectively. Proper hydration also aids in removing toxins from the body, indirectly contributing to maintaining a healthy immune system and platelet levels.

Also Read: Check Out Over Hydration Side Effects & Its Symptoms | ToneOp

4. Do Exercise Regularly

Regular moderate exercise helps maintain healthy circulation and improve overall blood health. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga promote oxygen flow throughout the body, which supports platelet function. Exercise can also boost immunity, improving the body's ability to produce platelets. While intense workouts should be avoided if platelet levels are already low, moderate exercise can positively impact blood health and increase platelet count over time. 

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5. Try To Avoid Stress

Excessive chronic stress negatively impacts the immune system and lowers platelet levels. Stress triggers the excessive release of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the body’s role in producing platelets. Practising stress-reducing tricks like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies can help maintain healthy platelet production. Reducing stress not only supports immune function but also improves overall well-being.

6. Opt For Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies, like papaya leaf extract and neem, have been traditionally used to increase platelet counts naturally. Papaya leaf extract is particularly known for its effectiveness in treating conditions like dengue, which often results in low platelet levels. Neem is also believed to have immune-boosting properties that support blood health. However, it's important to consult a doctor before starting any herbal methods to ensure they are safe and effective for your condition.

Also Read: Best Healthy Nutrition Diet For Different Age Groups!

10 Foods To Boost Platelet Count

It's difficult to increase platelet count significantly only through diet and exercise. In cases of low platelet count due to illnesses like viral fever or dengue, intravenous platelet transfusion might be necessary. If you're looking for natural ways to boost platelet levels, consider these foods to increase platelet counts naturally through diet:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables

These fresh vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and increasing platelet counts. They are also packed with essential nutrients like iron and folate, which promote blood health. Vegetables like spinach, kale, parsley, and asparagus help boost the body's ability to produce platelets. Incorporating these assists in preventing excessive bleeding and improving clotting functions.

2. Giloy

Giloy is an ancient medicinal herb known for its immune-boosting properties, making it particularly effective in increasing platelet counts during illnesses like dengue. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties stimulate the immune system and restore platelet production. Regular consumption of Giloy juice or supplements can help enhance the body's natural defence mechanism and support faster recovery from low platelet levels.

3. Papaya Leaf Extract

This extract is a widely recognised remedy for increasing platelet counts, particularly in dengue patients. The juice from papaya leaves helps stimulate the production of platelets and strengthens the immune system. Studies have shown its effectiveness in significantly improving platelet counts within a short period. However, its bitterness can be difficult to tolerate, so papaya leaf extract capsule forms are available for a more palatable solution.

4. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a powerhouse of nutrients, including chlorophyll, which mirrors the structure of haemoglobin. It helps raise platelet counts and enhances overall blood composition by increasing red and white blood cells. Consuming wheatgrass juice regularly provides a natural boost to blood health, making it a potent supplement for those recovering from low platelet conditions. Try 100% Natural detoxifier Wheat Grass Powder from ToneOp Care for complete detoxification, fat loss, and smooth digestion.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This is true in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, which help maintain healthy platelet levels. These significant fatty acids support the immune system and promote heart function by reducing inflammation and enhancing blood circulation. Adding omega-3-rich foods can improve blood health and promote stable platelet production. 

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6. Pomegranate

It is a rich source of iron and antioxidants, both beneficial in improving platelet counts. The fruit is packed with high vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune cells and aids in efficiently functioning the body’s defence mechanisms. Including pomegranate, particularly during illness, can boost platelet production and improve recovery.

7. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food that helps boost platelet production due to its high vitamin A content. Vitamin A helps in the body's cellular processes, including the production of platelets in the bone marrow. Consuming pumpkin and other vitamin A-rich foods like sweet potatoes can help support platelet health, especially for individuals experiencing low platelet levels.

8. Milk

Milk, calcium, and vitamin K are highly recommended protein sources, all of which are crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Vitamin K specifically supports the body’s ability to regulate blood clotting, essential for maintaining healthy platelet levels. Drinking milk regularly can aid in keeping platelet counts stable while also promoting overall wellness.

9. Nuts And Seeds

Effective ones such as almonds, flaxseeds, and walnuts are nutrient-dense and contribute to the natural enhancement of platelet production. They are high in vitamin E, omega-3 acids, and magnesium, essential for maintaining healthy blood platelet levels. Including some nuts and quality seeds can help improve blood health and boost platelet count naturally. Try ToneOp Care’s raw, unroasted Pumpkin Seeds and Sunflower Seeds products to boost your immune system, lose weight, and manage blood sugar levels. They’re a nutritious and natural snack option.

10. Kiwi

Kiwi is a vitamin C-rich fruit that supports immune health and increases platelet production, which is particularly useful for those battling dengue fever. Its high potassium content also aids in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, which is crucial during illness. Regular consumption of kiwi can help enhance platelet counts and provide a refreshing source of energy during recovery.

Also Read: 10 Home Remedies For Low Blood Pressure

8 Low Blood Platelet Count Symptoms

Note these low blood platelet count signs and symptoms to prevent:

Also Read: 7 Healthy Eating Habits For A Balanced Lifestyle! - ToneOp

Dietitian’s Recommendation

To increase platelets naturally, I recommend you to focus on a nutrient-rich diet. Include foods high in folate (leafy greens, beans) and vitamin B12 (eggs, dairy) to support blood cell production. Iron-rich foods like spinach, lean meats, and lentils boost haemoglobin, which is essential for platelet health. Vitamin C-rich fruits (oranges, berries) help iron absorption. 

Stay hydrated, as water supports overall blood volume. Avoid alcohol and processed foods, as they may impair platelet production. Add antioxidant-rich foods like papaya and pomegranate to strengthen immunity. Moderate exercise and stress reduction through yoga or meditation can enhance platelet function for better health.

                                                                                  Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Ultimately, while natural methods can support platelet count improvement, it's essential to consult a specialist for personalised guidance. Consuming foods rich in required vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can contribute to a healthy platelet count. Avoiding substances like aspartame and alcohol, which can lower platelet levels, is also advisable. However, severe platelet deficiencies may require medical intervention, like transfusions or medications.

FAQs

1. What are the top 10 foods to increase platelet counts?

Note these 10 foods that can boost the platelet count naturally:

• Green Leafy Vegetables

• Giloy

• Papaya Leaf Extract

• Wheatgrass

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Pomegranate

• Pumpkin

• Milk

• Amla

• Kiwi  

2. Can consuming these foods alone increase platelet counts significantly?

Yes, it surely can! However, while incorporating these foods can contribute to platelet production, it is essential to remember that achieving a significant increase in platelet count requires a holistic approach. 

3. Are there any foods to avoid to increase platelet count?

Not really! While no specific foods must be avoided, individuals with low platelet counts may need caution when consuming excessive amounts of foods that may affect blood clotting, such as garlic, ginger, or turmeric. It's always recommended to consult a specialist for personalised advice.

4. Which fruits can help increase platelet count?

Citrus fruits, papaya, berries, and pomegranates may be beneficial for platelet count. However, consulting a dietitian for personalised guidance is essential.

5. Does milk increase platelet count?

No! While milk is a nutritious food source, no definitive evidence suggests it directly increases platelet count. However, its calcium and protein content can indirectly support platelet production. If you have concerns about your platelet count, consult a specialist.

References

• https://www.relainstitute.com/blog/how-to-naturally-increase-your-platelet-count/

• https://www.sprintdiagnostics.in/blog/how-to-increase-platelet-count-naturally

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