This article explores the causes, symptoms, and natural ways to increase your platelet count, including dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments.
What are platelets?
Platelets are a critical component of blood. Platelets restore tissue damage and are also a component of blood clotting, which stops bleeding and wound healing. Blood clotting is also known as hemostasis.
Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and also present in the blood and spleen.
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which there are too few platelets in your blood. Platelets are tiny blood cells that are manufactured in the bone marrow from larger cells. Platelets stick together to form a plug to seal your wound when you are injured.
Average number of platelets -
Normal adult platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
A platelet count of below 150,000 platelets per microliter is below normal.
Thrombocytopenia can be dangerous, particularly if you are bleeding severely or in the brain. Receiving treatment right away can prevent you from having serious issues.s
What are the reasons for low blood platelets count?
Lifestyle habits
- Your lifestyle habits may put you at risk for low platelet count.
- Eg- Alcohol, Certain Foods (walnuts, sesame seeds etc)
Medicines
- Many over-the-counter pain medications and a few prescription medications, including antibiotics that you might use to treat an infection, may put you at greater risk for developing a platelet disorder if you already have other risk factors or have a family history.
- Other medications that increase your chance are:
- Blood thinners, such as heparin
- Certain antibiotics, such as ampicillin and vancomycin
Medical Conditions
- Eg-Dengue,Autoimmune disorders, e.g. thyroid disease, Lupus etc.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency Anaemia, and leukemia
- Kidney or liver disease
- Severe bleeding
- Large spleen
- Vitamin B12, folate, or iron deficiency.
What are the symptoms of the low blood platelet count?
Warning signs of early signs and symptoms of low platelet count are-
- Easy or difficult bruising (purpura)
- Bleeding into the skin just below it and appearing as a rash of small reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on lower limbs.
- Unusually prolonged bleeding after cuts.
- Bleeding from your nose or gums
- Blood in urine or stools
- Unusually heavy menstrual flows
- Fatigue
- Enlarged spleen
How to diagnose?
You can book diagnostic tests at the best body scanning centre in Delhi, The Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre such as-
- Complete blood count (CBC) (Book Now): This check tests the platelet and other blood cell levels in your blood.
- Blood smear (Book Now): For the test, a small amount of your blood is placed on a slide. Your platelets are examined using a microscope.
- Bone marrow Tests (Book Now): These tests assess if your bone marrow is normal
How to increase your platelet count naturally?
Maintaining your health and fitness can also maintain your normal platelet count. Some of the means of maintaining your platelet count normal are-
1. Folate Rich Food- Folate or vitamin B9, is an essential B vitamin for healthy blood cells. Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate.
Green leafy vegetables, Beef, Rice, yeast etc.
2. Vitamin B12 rich food- Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell production. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the body can also be a reason for reduced platelet count.
3.Supplements -Some of the supplements that may alter platelet function (or clotting) are:
Feverfew, Ginseng,Garlic, ginger, and turmeric (as supplements, not as part of food),St. John's wort,Motherwort
4. Take Iron Rich Food - Eg. Red meat, Spinach, lentils etc
5. Increase Vitamin C intake.
6. Avoid alcohol consumption as it will lower your platelet level.
7. Avoid taking medicine that lower your platelet level eg- Aspirin
Conclusion
In summary, having a healthy platelet count is important to overall health because platelets help in blood clotting and the repair of tissue. Thrombocytopenia or low platelet count can have severe consequences if not treated. By knowing the reasons, identifying symptoms, and living a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet containing high amounts of folate, vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin C and avoiding alcohol and some medications, one can support platelet count naturally. Normal check-ups and diagnostic tests must also be a part of a regular routine in order to ensure early detection and treatment of any platelet issues.
FAQS
Q.What is the usual range for platelet count ?
The usual adult platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A count of less than 150,000 is low (thrombocytopenia).
Q. Can specific dietary changes significantly affect platelet counts, and if so, what are the most important nutrients to target?
Yes, Dietary changes can have a big impact on platelet counts. Some of the most important nutrients to target include:
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Located in green vegetables, beef, rice, and yeast.
- Vitamin B12: Necessary for red blood cell manufacturing.
- Iron: Contains red meat, spinach, and lentils.
- Vitamin C: assists in iron absorption.
