A platelet count is a simple blood test that determines the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are cells that aid in blood clotting. A low platelet count may indicate the presence of certain cancers or infections. A high platelet count can increase your risk of dangerous blood clots or stroke.
Platelets are red blood cells that aid in the formation of clots, an essential function that prevents serious bleeding. Platelet levels can fall due to a variety of factors, including cancer, anemia, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications. In general, the same approaches that you might use to increase red blood cell production can help you increase your platelet count. You may be wondering how to increase your blood platelet count if your doctor has advised you to do so. These suggestions will assist you in understanding how to increase your blood platelet count with foods and supplements.
1.Increasing folate intake
Another B vitamin that can help raise platelet levels is folate (folic acid). Except for pregnant women, it is far preferable to get folate from foods rather than supplements, because folate supplements contain a high dose of folic acid, which can interfere with B12’s ability to function properly inside the body. Consume more broccoli, Brussels sprouts, liver, and beans to increase your folate intake. This should help increase your platelet count.
2.Consuming more citrus fruits
Because vitamin C is essential for platelet function, increasing your vitamin C levels can help your existing platelets function better. Vitamin C also aids in the absorption of iron, which is required for the production of red blood cells. Increase your vitamin C intake by eating plenty of fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. If you take prescription medications, consult your doctor before eating grapefruit because the compounds in grapefruit can alter medication absorption.
3. Vitamin E and fish oil supplements should be avoided.
A low platelet count indicates that your blood does not clot as well as it should. Vitamin E and fish oil supplements can exacerbate the problem. Because the compounds in these supplements reduce the ability of blood to clot, you should avoid them if you want to increase your platelet count. Although these supplements will not reduce your platelet count, vitamin E and fish oil capsules can disrupt other aspects of the blood clotting process, making you more prone to bleeding.
4.Attempting a chlorophyll supplementation
One of the supplements that increase blood platelet count is chlorophyll. According to one study, taking a supplement called chlorella (a fresh-water algae) may increase platelet counts in people who have a platelet disorder. Because chlorophyll is abundant in all green plants, taking a supplement containing spirulina or parsley may also benefit your platelet levels. You can also boost your chlorophyll levels by eating more green, leafy vegetables and grasses, such as wheatgrass.
5.Abstinence from alcohol
Young man drinking beer while listening to music with a friend
Alcohol, whether beer, wine, or spirits, can interfere with red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Damage to the bone marrow can result in a reduction in the production of all types of red cells, including platelets. It is unknown how much alcohol consumption can harm bone marrow. If you have a low platelet count, you should avoid alcohol completely. This may improve your marrow function and increase your platelet count.
6.Consuming more leafy greens
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and collards, contain vitamin K, which does not directly raise platelet levels but can improve blood clotting. Vitamin K is essential for your body’s production of proteins that aid in the clotting process. Because blood clotting is a complex function involving not only platelets but also other biologic pathways, eating enough vitamin K can help the body maintain its ability to stop bleeding.
7.Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods
Consider increasing your iron intake while adding citrus to your diet for vitamin C. Instead of iron supplements, which can cause constipation, eat beef liver, tofu, kidney beans, or oysters. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which include platelets. Increasing your iron intake can help you naturally raise your platelet levels. And here’s a fun fact: dark chocolate is also high in iron!
8.Consuming more fatty fish
Chopsticks in close-up taking a bite of salmon nigiri sushi
What is at the top of the list of foods that increase platelet counts? Perhaps fatty fish, which is high in vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the formation of red blood cells, and some research suggests that low platelet levels may be linked to B12 deficiency. Salmon, trout, and tuna are all high in B12, so include more of these fatty fish in your diet to help boost your platelet count. You could take a B12 supplement instead, but getting B12 from foods may help your body make better use of the vitamin.
What is a normal platelet count?
A normal platelet count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is referred to as thrombocytosis, while having less than 150,000 is referred to as thrombocytopenia. Your platelet count is determined by a routine blood test known as a complete blood count (CBC).
What it means to have a low platelet count
Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which you do not have enough platelets. Easy bruising and frequent bleeding from the gums, nose, or GI tract are symptoms. When something prevents your body from producing platelets, your platelet count drops. There are numerous causes, including:
- Medications
- An inherited disease
- Certain cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma,
- Cancer chemotherapy treatment
- Infection or dysfunction of the kidneys
- Excessive alcohol consumption