Platelets can be defined as those parts of our blood that help the blood clot. They are tiniest among the blood cells, much smaller than red or white blood cells. Platelets are present in large numbers in our body. Millions of platelets work to keep us healthy and fit. This article is about the food to increase blood platelet.

Why are platelets important?

Whenever there are damaged blood vessels in our body, the platelets bind together so that the bleeding stops. Platelets help in clotting blood at the damaged site. Whenever you get cuts and bruises, platelets start working to clot the blood at the site of wound so that you may stop bleeding (1).

 

What is the normal platelet count?

A normal or healthy platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per micro liter of blood (2). When a person has less than 150,000 platelets, the condition is known as thrombocytopenia (3). And if the platelet count goes above 450,000 platelets then it is called thrombocytosis (4).

 

What causes low platelet count?

There are three main causes due to which platelet count decreases and goes below the normal count:

• Enough platelets are not being made in the bone marrow
• Platelets are getting destroyed in the bloodstream of the patient
• Platelets are getting destroyed in the spleen or the liver (5)

 

If you have a mild thrombocytopenia, you may not need any treatment but it is a good idea to consult your doctor. However, if you have a severe or chronic thrombocytopenia, you need treatment which should be based on the causes of your low platelet count.

 

9 Best food to increase blood platelet count in dengue naturally

Papaya for dengue

Papaya is one the best fruits that you can consume to increase the platelet count and papaya leaf juice for dengue. Apart from the fruit, its leaves can also be consumed to increase the platelet count in dengue. Papaya leaves are highly recommended for dengue patients, as papaya leaves benefits to increase the platelet count in them.

Apricot

When it comes to best food to increase blood platelet, you should not skip out apricot. Apricot is also a fruit rich in iron. Consuming one bowl of apricot two times per day you’re platelet level are low is very important.

Wheatgrass to increase platelet

Wheatgrass can be beneficial in increasing platelet count. In fact, it can produce significant increases in hemoglobin, red blood cell, total white blood cell and differential white blood cell counts. This happens because wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll with a molecular structure almost identical to the hemoglobin molecule in human blood. Simply drink ½ cup of wheatgrass juice mixed with a little lemon juice daily.

Milk

Milk is high in calcium, which can help your body regenerate the number of platelets. The calcium content works along with Vitamin K and the milk protein fibrinogen (6). food to increase blood platelet count and improve the blood’s ability to form clots. Calcium deficiency can lead to having your body take much time longer in forming blood clots, especially when dealing with excessive bleeding.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is known to elevate the blood platelet level to a certain level. The vitamin A content in it supports the development of a platelet and regulates the proteins produced by the body cells. This helps to elevate the amount of platelets in the blood.

Spinach to treat low platelet count

Spinach is a good source of vitamin K which is often used to help treat low platelet disorder. Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting. Thus, it reduces the risk of excessive bleeding. important food to increase blood platelet. Boil 4 or 5 leaves of fresh spinach in 2 cups of water for a few minutes. Allow it to cool, and mix in 1/2 glass of tomato juice. Drink it 3 times a day.

Indian Gooseberries (Phyllanthus emblica)

Indian gooseberries are an old Indian remedy  that can boost your platelet count. It contains a concentrated amount of Vitamin C. Studies show that Vitamin C can stimulate your body to product platelets. Drinking gooseberries juice with a small amount of salt can also strengthen your immune system.

Beetroots

Beetroot is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B6, A, C, nitrate, etc. One bowl of beets and carrot if taken two times per week can do miracles. These are common foods to increase blood platelets count.

Pomegranate

The rich iron content in pomegranate increases the platelet count and thereby the blood cells. Pomegranate is rich in vitamins and minerals that help in gaining resistance and strength towards the foreign pathogenic invasions. Pomegranate benefits to fight low platelet-related health issues.