19 FOODS TO RAISE PLATELETS (NATURAL) - NUTRITION - 2024

There are a series of foods to raise platelets that can reverse this trend, improve the functioning of the immune system and therefore the quality of life. In this article I will mention the most outstanding ones.

The low number of platelets or a clinical picture called thrombocytopenia is a health disorder in which the blood has a lower number of platelets than normal. A normal platelet count in a healthy person ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. When the count is less than 150,000 per microliter, a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia is made.

Platelets are smaller cells in the blood that are involved in clotting by forming plugs. They work through a process called aggregation in which they join together and prevent blood loss. Platelets have a half-life of 5 to 9 days depending on the health status of each person.

Causes of low platelets

There are three possible causes of thrombocytopenia:

-Presence of platelets in the spleen due to cancerous diseases or serious medical conditions that affect the liver. This causes a reduction in the percentage of platelets in the blood.

-Decrease in platelet synthesis due to blood cancer, certain types of anemia, infections caused by viruses, exposure to toxic compounds, chemotherapy, exacerbated alcohol consumption and deficiency of essential vitamins such as vitamin B12.

-Increased breakdown of platelets due to autoimmune diseases, drug reaction, infection in the blood caused by bacteria, disorders such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Telltale signs of a low platelet count are easy bruising or bruising, prolonged bleeding, spontaneous bleeding from mucous membranes such as gums, loss of blood in urine or stool, and superficial skin rashes.

Women can experience unusually heavy menstrual flows. Asthenia or extreme tiredness, malaise, and reluctance are also possible.

If there is a medical cause, the disease must be treated in order to normalize the platelets in the blood. If there is no underlying abnormality, it is possible to increase the consumption of the following foods in order to promote platelet synthesis.

Foods that can increase platelet synthesis

1- Papaya

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Both papaya and its leaves can help increase a low platelet count in a few days. In 2009, scientists from the Asian Institute of Science and Technology in Malaysia found that papaya leaf juice can increase the percentage of platelets in patients diagnosed with dengue.

Eating ripe papaya or drinking a glass of papaya juice with a little lemon juice 2 or 3 times a day is one of the best ways to add this fruit to your diet.

You can also crush a couple of leaves using a mortar. It is recommended to drink two tablespoons of this bitter juice twice a day.

2- Wheat grass

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According to research published in the 2011 International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Life Sciences, wheatgrass may be beneficial in treating thrombocytopenia.

In fact, it can produce a significant increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells.

Wheatgrass is an excellent source of chlorophyll, the green plant pigment involved in photosynthesis, which has a molecular structure almost the same as hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in human blood.

It is recommended to drink ½ glass of wheatgrass juice a day along with lemon juice.

3- Pumpkin

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Pumpkin is another useful food to improve low platelet count. It is rich in vitamin A, which favors the proper synthesis of platelets. It also regulates the proteins produced in cells, which is important for raising platelets.

In ½ glass of fresh pumpkin juice, add 1 teaspoon of honey and drink 2 or 3 times a day. You can also include squash in your diet by consuming puree. Pumpkin puree can be used in many preparations, both sweet (cakes, homemade sweets, etc.) and salty (soups, cakes, etc.).

4- Spinach

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This vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is used to treat thrombocytopenia. This vitamin is essential to carry out the clotting process and helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

You can boil 4 or 5 fresh spinach leaves in 2 cups of water for a few minutes. Let it cool down, and mix in half a glass of tomato juice. Drink 3 times a day.

In addition, spinach is a very versatile vegetable that can be consumed both fresh and cooked in fillings, sauces, etc.

5- Food sources of vitamin C: oranges, lemons, melons…

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In order to increase the number of platelets in the blood, it is necessary to meet the requirements of vitamin C or ascorbic acid. A study published in 1990 in the Japanese Journal of Hematology indicated that vitamin C improves platelet count.

Being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C works by neutralizing oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals and associated with cell damage. Our body requires 400 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on age and general health.

The best sources of vitamin C are oranges, lemons, tomatoes, melons, kiwi, spinach, bell peppers, and broccoli. In case of obtaining vitamin C through dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult with the doctor.

6- Indian gooseberry

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A popular Ayurvedic remedy for increasing platelet count is Indian gooseberries, also known as amla. The vitamin C in amla can stimulate platelet synthesis and support the immune system.

Eat 3-4 gooseberries on an empty stomach every morning. Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of amla juice and honey. It is recommended to drink 2 or 3 times a day and can be eaten in homemade jam or pickles.

7- sesame oil

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This oil is obtained by cold pressing and is very suitable for increasing the percentage of platelets in the blood. Sesame oil has properties that naturally stimulate platelet formation.

Thanks to its chemical composition, sesame oil neutralizes the damage caused by free radicals, prevents the development of the inflammatory response at the systemic level and improves blood circulation.

8- Beetroot or beet

Yellow beet. Source:

Eating beets is another way to increase your platelet count. The anthocyanin content is what differentiates beets from other vegetables. These compounds have a wide variety of actions, but one of their most important functions is related to the ability to inhibit cellular oxidation.

Beetroot also promotes homeostasis, that is, the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood and this favors a greater formation of platelets. You can drink a tablespoon of fresh beet juice three times a day.

Another option is to mix three tablespoons of beet juice in a glass of carrot juice and drink it twice a day.

9- Granada

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Pomegranate is a useful fruit for treating low platelet count. Its deep red color is a sign of its high iron content.

The fruit can help combat platelet reduction with its regular consumption. It can be eaten raw or in the form of juice.

Pomegranate is also rich in vitamins that help keep energy levels stable. In general, it is recommended to drink 150 ml (5 oz) of pomegranate juice daily for 2 weeks.

10- milk

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Milk is rich in calcium, which can help the body regenerate the number of platelets. The calcium content works together with the vitamin K and fibrinogen protein in milk.

This increases the platelet count and improves the blood's ability to form clots. Calcium deficiency can lead to the body taking much longer to form blood clots, especially when it comes to excessive bleeding.

Besides milk, you can also consume organic cheese, yogurt, and dairy products to keep calcium levels at an optimal level.

11- Foods rich in folate

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Severe folic acid deficiency in the body can lead to a reduction in blood platelets. To combat this possible consequence, a diet that includes foods rich in folate should be followed.

Vitamin B9 or folic acid is very important for the division of healthy cells in the body which can be a beneficial factor in treating low platelet count.

A healthy adult should consume at least 400 mg of folic acid every day as part of their diet. Some foods rich in folate are asparagus, orange juice, spinach, and fortified cereals. You can drink at least 400 ml of orange juice 2 to 3 times a day.

12- Lean protein source foods: turkey, chicken, fish

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Lean protein foods are excellent sources of zinc and vitamin B12. These nutrients are essential to reverse the effects of thrombocytopenia. In the case of decreased platelets in the body, a diet that includes adequate doses of lean proteins such as turkey, chicken and fish should be adopted.

Oysters are also known as a food rich in zinc and should be included in a diet plan aimed at increasing platelet production.

13- Cod liver oil and flax seed oil

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Consuming cod liver oil, or flaxseed oil can help strengthen the immune system. Many autoimmune disorders are the main cause of thrombocytopenia or low platelet count.

These oils also help in reducing inflammation in the body, as well as improving blood circulation throughout the body. However, it is necessary to take precautions because they can act as anticoagulants.

14- Foods rich in vitamin A: carrot, pumpkin, cabbage

Carrot. Source: pixabay.com

Vitamin A is essential for healthy platelet production. This nutrient is also important for the formation of proteins in the body.

Healthy protein regulation aids in the process of cell division and growth. This is why the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A is important to maintain normal body function.

Some foods that belong to this group are carrots, squash, kale, and sweet potatoes. You can drink 2-3 glasses of carrot juice a day.

15- Foods rich in vitamin K: eggs, cabbage

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In general, foods high in calories are indicated to increase the production of blood platelets. Vitamin K is a necessary ingredient that maintains cell growth at optimal levels in the body.

Eating eggs, liver, and kale can be very beneficial in trying to get adequate levels of vitamin K in the body.

16- Garlic

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Garlic is also one of the foods indicated to increase blood platelets. It prevents the aggregation (union) of platelets with each other, avoiding the obstruction of the blood vessels.

Garlic is also another powerful source of vitamin C, and can provide up to 71% of your daily vitamin C intake in one serving. It also acts as an anticoagulant, so people who take anticoagulant medications or suffer from anemia should be careful with their intake.

17- Fish and nuts

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They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that can ease inflammation in the body. This is effective for people suffering from low platelet counts, as anti-inflammatory foods allow the immune system to function better and can intervene in the proper production of platelets.

Omega-3 fatty acids can even lower blood pressure. However, its use must be carefully monitored.

18- Tomatoes and berries

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Berries, tomatoes, and nuts are foods rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system by neutralizing cellular damage from harmful free radicals.

With enough antioxidants in the body, the formation of free radicals slows down, and the immune system can focus its action on cell repair and prevent the development of chronic diseases.

19- Oysters

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The mineral zinc can increase the number of blood cells and platelets in the body. Zinc essentially helps boost the immune system.