How to Increase Platelet Count Naturally

Platelets, often referred to as thrombocytes, are small cellular fragments in the blood responsible for stopping bleeding and assisting with wound healing. Having an adequate platelet count is vital to avoid excessive bleeding amounts of blood and help the body recover from injuries. Low platelets, known scientifically as thrombocytopenia, can occur as a result of medical disorders or lifestyle reasons.

What Are Platelets?

Platelets are colorless components of the blood that are small in size and are made in the bone marrow. The main job of platelets is to avoid bleeding by sticking together and forming plugs in the injured area of blood vessels.

Normal values of platelets range and are indicated as 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood in laboratory testing. Platelet counts that are lower than the normal value range of 150,000 can be potentially dangerous and require treatment by medical professionals, depending on the cause for the low values and the severity.

Reasons for Low Platelet Count

A reduced platelet count can arise from several conditions:

• Viral Infections - that is, infections like dengue, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Epstein-Barr.
• Autoimmune Diseases - for example, diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack platelets.
• Bone Marrow Disorders - disorders like leukemias and aplastic anemia can impact the bone marrow's ability to produce all types of blood cells.
• Medications - this includes drugs like certain chemotherapy agents, antibiotics for treating an infection, or anti-seizure medications.
• Dietary Issues - this refers to insufficient intake of folate, B12, or iron, which can cause a lack of food for producing platelets.
• Alcohol Abuse - because consuming excessive amounts can suppress bone marrow function.
• Chronic Liver Disease or Splenomegaly - this relates to the destruction or sequestration of the platelets.

Signs of Low Platelet Count

In mild cases of thrombocytopenia, there may be little to no symptoms. However, with severe cases, some symptoms may develop, including the following:

• Easy or extreme bruising
• Bleeding with cuts or abrasions that may be prolonged
• Spontaneous nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums
• Blood in either the feces or urine
• Unusually heavy monthly menstrual periods
• Petechea (very small red or purple spots on the skin)
• Fatigue or lack of feeling strong

How to Increase Platelet Count Naturally

Living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a rational diet will play a significant role in maintaining and improving platelet production and its function to ward off infection. Although underlying conditions might require medical treatment such as infusion of platelets, these natural means can assist your body's function and ability to return your platelet count to a higher level.

1. Focus on Foods Rich in Nutrients: Incorporate foods that contain vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, and iron, as these are huge contributors to blood cell production.
2. Hydrate: Dehydration can impact blood volume and circulation. Drink an ample amount of water, herbal teas, and fresh juices.
3. Boost Immunity: Eat foods that will help boost your immune system, such as papaya, kiwi, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, to help recover more quickly, especially when recovering from an infection like dengue.
4. Stay Away from Alcohol and Processed Foods: Alcohol will decrease platelet production, while processed foods can increase inflammation and slow recovery.
5. Rest and Reduce Stress: Rest is required for the body to heal and manufacture more blood cells. Stress-reducing techniques like yoga or meditation will be helpful.

Foods That May Increase Platelet Count

Your diet is vital for blood cell production and immune function. Various foods can also provide important nutrients to support the bone marrow and improve platelet production. Regular consumption of the items below may help the body heal and raise platelet counts. 

• Papaya and Papaya Leaf Extract - may enhance platelet production
• Pomegranate - source of antioxidants and iron
• Spinach and Kale - high in folate and vitamin K 
• Pumpkin - contributes to the proper functioning of the bone marrow 
• Citrus Fruits (oranges and lemons) - high in vitamin C and good for the immune system
• Beetroot and carrot juice -  blood purification and regeneration
• Lean Protein Sources (fish, eggs, and chicken) - for the production of amino acids needed for repairing cell structure

Foods to Avoid with Low Platelet Count

There are foods listed above that may increase platelet count, while there are those listed below that may have an opposite effect and interfere with platelet production or function. Avoiding these foods may help prevent further complications from low platelets and can help your body heal faster.

• Alcohol slows down the formation of platelets and suppresses bone marrow.
• Aspartame and artificial sweeteners may cause some people with allergies to have an immunological response.
• Processed and fried foods have a lot of bad fats and chemicals in them. 
• Garlic and cranberry juice (in large amounts) may make platelets work less well. Some herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba or ginger, may thin the blood.

Risks and Complications

Not treating your low platelet count could lead to:

• Bleeding inside your body very badly
• Bleeding in your important organs
• Higher risk if you're in labour or having surgery. Wounds take longer to heal.
• Anaemia that makes you tired all the time

Some groups are more likely to have a low platelet count. These groups include pregnant women, those on chemotherapy, and people with autoimmune illnesses.

When Should You See a Physician?

Consider seeking medical attention if you have:

• Persistent or unknown bruising
• Persistent nosebleeds or bleeding in the gums
• Blood in your stool, urine, or vomit
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Signs of an infection with a very high temperature

Your doctor will likely check your blood and may modify your diet or provide medications, including platelet transfusions, to treat or alleviate the concerns.

Conclusion

It's important to maintain your platelet count at a normal level for your blood to work properly and, therefore, your overall health. While moderate and temporary decreases in platelet count will usually improve with a healthy diet, water, and rest, persistent low platelet counts may indicate something more serious. Resuming a balanced lifestyle and seeking additional medical attention when necessary can typically resolve your symptoms.

FAQs

1. Can diet alone increase platelet count?

In mild cases, a nutrient-rich diet may help. But with severe thrombocytopenia, medical treatment is often required.

2. How long does it take for platelets to go up on their own?

It depends on what caused it, but it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, as long as the right treatment is followed.

3. Does papaya leaf juice work for low platelets?

Some research has suggested that papaya leaf extraction may improve low platelets, especially for viral diseases such as dengue, but you must have a doctor monitoring your health.