Platelet is a component of blood and play is crucial role in blood clotting. There are certain conditions which may result in a drop in the platelet count. Low platelet count is often associated with delayed healing of wounds and internal bleeding. Certain dietary considerations can help increase the platelet count naturally.
Normal Platelet Count
- The normal level of platelets ranges between 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter. A marginal drop in the platelet count is not a cause of concern; however a significant drop in the platelet count may often be associated with a host of symptoms.
- The common symptoms observed in cases of drop in the platelets include, red hemorrhagic spots on the skin of the lower extremities, bleeding of gums, passing of blood in urine and stools, etc. These symptoms are often associated with systemic symptoms like fever, malaise and generalized fatigue and weakness. In addition faintness and dizziness may also be experienced, especially if the platelet count has fallen drastically.
- It is always essential to get yourself thoroughly investigated to identify the underlying cause for the condition.
Increase Platelet Count Naturally
- Here are some dietary suggestions that can help improve the platelet count.It is recommended to avoid processed and refined foods. Most of the processed foods tend to interfere with the normal metabolism of the body, which in turn can affect the natural production of platelets in the bone marrow. It is also recommended to avoid oily food, especially transfats and saturated fats. Aerated drinks and soda drinks should also be avoided. Increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Organic food is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. Further fresh vegetables and fruits are loaded with antioxidants that help in destroying free radicals and improve your platelet count. Avoid refined sugar and use jaggary instead.
- Avoid consuming raw food, especially vegetables in the form of salads. It is important to wash them thoroughly before consuming, as they may result in parasitic infection in the colon. Parasitic infections in the colon can result in internal bleeding which may further result in significant drop in the platelet count.
- Increase the intake of cod liver oil, flax seed oils, etc. as they are loaded with Omega-3 essential fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids help improve blood hemoglobin levels and also contribute in increasing platelet counts.
- Increase the intake of Tomatoes, cashew-nuts, berries; grapes, etc are rich in anti-oxidants. They eliminate the free radicals in the blood when may be responsible for tissue damage and also low levels of platelet count.
- Vitamin K deficiency is also considered to be an important cause for low platelet count. Vitamin K supplements are ideally recommended to improve the platelet count.
My child is suffering from leukemia. He is taking treatment, but can you guide me what he should eat.
I am very sorry to hear about your child’s ailment. As you know, leukemia is blood cancer. Here the white blood cells multiply rapidly. Food plays an important role. As the immune system is very weak in such patients, diet should consist of foods that increases immunity, reduces the chance of infection. He can eat green leafy vegetables, fruits, pulses, milk and other nutritious foods. Foods that contain more proteins are preferable, also includes whole grains. The only precaution that is required; all vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly washed in water for at least three times before cooking them. He should eat freshly prepared cooked food. If the food is refrigerated, it should be heated before consumption. Milk should be pasteurized. The whole grains must be free from contamination. These precautions are necessary to prevent infections as already his immune status is low.
I am a 39 year old female. My platelet count is 75000 for the past 2 months. I had viral fever. Is the platelet count normal?
The platelet count is not within normal range. The normal range of platelet count is 150000 to 400000. Low platelet count is common in many viral fevers, especially in dengue. Platelet count also decreases in malaria. But usually after recovery from these ailments, platelet count rises to its normal range. You should check regularly for platelet count if their count is low. If there is bleeding from gums or nose or from elsewhere in the body, immediately consult your doctor.
I am 69 years old. My platelet count has been very low for the past few years. It used to be 70+ about two years back but now it is 28. My doctor has not given me any medications. I have undergone cataract operation about 5 months back. I had blood transfusion at the time of surgery whereby my platelet count went up to 225. Now the platelet count has reduced. How can I increase my platelet count?