Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are a type of blood cell. Platelets along with the coagulation factors prevent the flow of blood during a cut or wound.
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Thrombocytopenia or Low Platelet Count
When the count of platelets falls below the normal range, this condition is called thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia can be caused by many diseases.
Normal Range of platelets
Normal range of platelets: 150,000 – 450,000 platelets / microliter of blood.
Causes of Low Platelets Count
Dengue fever, Chickenpox, Anemia, Leukemia, Chemotherapy in cancer patients etc. are the causes of low platelet count.
heavy blood loss due to severe injury can also decrease platelet count.
Symptoms
Mild thrombocytopenia usually has no symptoms, but in severe cases abnormal heavy bleeding from nose, jaw and cut, Blood in urine or stool, red spots on skin, Headache, Tiredness etc can occur.
How to increase platelet count
Foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B9(folate), Vitamin B12, vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Iron help in Improving platelet count.
Vitamin A rich foods
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps in increasing platelets. It is also essential for normal vision and its deficiency can lead to night blindness. it cannot be synthesized by our body.
Carrot, eggs, fish, oil, cheese, spinach, butter are good sources of vitamin A.
Folate rich foods
Folate is also known as vitamin B9. Vitamin B9 rich fruits and vegetables are Leafy vegetables, Spinach, Broccoli, Fruit juices, Seafoods, Beetroot, Beans etc.
Vitamin B-12 rich foods
Vitamin B12 is also essential for energy and growth of the body. Egg, Cheese, Milk, Spinach, Chicken, Almond etc are rich in vitamin B12.
Vitamin C rich foods
Vitamin C has many health benefits. It helps in platelet production and also boosts immunity. Apple, Orange, Mango, Lemon, Kiwi, Tomato, etc. are rich in vitamin C. kiwi is best fruit to increase platelet count.
Vitamin D rich foods
Vitamin D helps the body in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus which are components of bone.
Egg, Milk, Cheese, Fish helps in synthesis of vitamin d.
Vitamin K rich foods
vitamin k required for healthy bones, and it supports blood clotting, so it is important to have it in diet when we are suffering from low platelet count.
Good sources of Vitamin K are spinach, broccoli, Avocado, beans, cabbage, dairy products like milk and cheese etc.
Iron rich foods
Our Body needs iron for growth and development. Iron deficiency causes Anemia. platelets also decrease in anemia. So iron is essential for maintaining a normal level of platelets.
Spinach, Apple, Mango, Beetroot, Orange, Pomegranate, Carrot, Chicken, dates etc are rich sources of iron.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass has many health benefits. It contains many nutrients and antioxidants. Wheatgrass boosts immunity and also increases blood cells.
Other factors
Body Hydration
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. dehydration affects normal production of platelets..
Stress Management
Chronic stress can affect platelet count. Stress management helps in normal production.
Alcohol and smoking
Alcohol and smoking can reduce platelet count if taken excessively. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption will help in normal production of platelets.
Disclaimer: Please consult a doctor for treatment