To guarantee that the blood clots are properly, it is crucial to attaining optimum platelet counts. If a patient has an inadequate platelet count, thrombocytopenia is the diagnosis. How to increase platelet count is often a burning question then! 

In this article, you will come to know about low platelet count, how platelets function and how to increase platelet count by bringing changes in your diet. 

What Is An Inadequate Platelet Count?

Having a low blood platelet count is medically known as thrombocytopenia. These cells will group together after an injury to create a closure around the damaged blood artery, assisting in halting bleeding.

 

An adult’s platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood. When a person’s platelet count drops below 150,000 platelets per litre of blood, they are said to have thrombocytopenia. Read ahead to know how to increase platelet count. 

 

Colourless blood cells called platelets are essential for blood clotting.

How do Platelets Function? 

There are three kinds of blood cells: platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells. Megakaryocytes are a kind of bone marrow cell which produce platelets in the body.

 

Platelets assemble to create a clot when a blood vessel breaks, sealing the rupture to halt bleeding. There are several steps in this procedure, including:

 

• Adhesion: This is the initial stage in which platelets flock to the oozing area. For instance, bleeding will occur if a blood vein is ruptured when you hurt your finger. Platelets within the damaged vein begin adhering to the wound to block the blood flow. Chemical impulses for further assistance are then released.

 

• Aggregation: In the following stage, other platelets respond to the signal and start to join forces to form a clot.

 

• Coagulation: As platelets accumulate at the location of the cut, they form a cascade known as coagulation that seals up the blood channel. The platelets are connected by a structural protein called fibrin, which creates the clot. The scab on a wound is made of fibrin.

How To Increase Platelet Count?

Here is some guidance on how to increase platelet count through food, including dietary changes and food supplements.

Increased Consumption Of Green Leafy Vegetables

Vitamin K is found in leafy green foods like kale and spinach, which will not directly increase platelet numbers. However, it may improve blood clotting. The body’s ability to create proteins necessary for the clotting process is significantly aided by vitamin K. Eating enough vitamin K can maintain the body’s capacity to prevent bleeding since blood clotting is a complicated process that requires platelets and other biological systems.

Increasing The Folate Intake 

Another B vitamin that might help increase platelet counts is folate (folic acid). Except for pregnant women, it is much preferable to obtain folate through food rather than a supplement because folic acid, which is present in large doses in folic acid supplements, interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 into the body. Eat extra broccoli, Brussels sprouts, liver, and beans to increase your folate intake. Your platelet levels should increase as a result.

More Fatty Fish Consumption 

Which cuisine tops the list of those that raise platelet counts? Possibly fatty fish, as it has a lot of vitamin B12 Low platelet counts may be related to a B12 shortage, according to some studies, as this vitamin is essential for the production of red blood cells. Increase your intake of these fatty fish to help increase your platelet count. Salmon, trout, and tuna all have high B12 concentrations. Getting B12 from food may help your body utilise the vitamin more efficiently than taking a B12 pill, though.

Eating More Iron-rich Meals

Consider boosting your iron consumption as you add citrus to your diet to boost your vitamin C intake. Instead of taking iron pills, which may make you constipated, choose cow liver, tofu, kidney beans, or oysters. The synthesis of red blood cells, including platelets, depends critically on iron. Raising your iron intake will naturally increase your platelet count. A fascinating tidbit is that dark chocolate is a wonderful source of iron as well.

Consume More Citrus 

Increasing your vitamin C levels can improve the function of your current platelets since vitamin C plays a crucial part in how platelets operate. The creation of red blood cells depends heavily on iron, which vitamin C aids your body in absorbing. Add a lot of fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit to your diet to boost your vitamin C intake. However, if you take any prescription drugs, consult your doctor before eating grapefruit as the chemicals in grapefruit might affect how well medications are absorbed.

The risk of internal bleeding into the brain or intestines increases if a low platelet count is left untreated. In the worst-case scenarios, this might potentially be fatal. Now that you know how to increase platelet count, start bringing changes to your diet with the above-mentioned tips. You must also consult a doctor to minimise any complications.