The different cells located in your blood serve several purposes in your body. For example, the cells in your blood responsible for clotting in case of a wound resulting in bleeding are the platelets. They are one of the three integral components of your blood, the other two being white blood cells and red blood cells. The primary function of platelets is to form a clot on the wound site to act as a barrier between the blood vessels and external components and prevent a profuse blood flow.

You must be in a healthy condition to ensure that the platelets function in a usual fashion. But in certain situations, there is a chance that your platelet count might suddenly go down, which can be pretty disastrous for your health. For example, a lower platelet count can not only cause copious amounts of blood from a small cut or wound to flow but also result in internal bleeding in your abdomen or intestines or around your brain (resulting in brain haemorrhage). That’s why people often raise queries such as “which food can increase the platelets in the blood?” or “which foods are good for platelets?”. 

But before we look into which foods can increase platelet count, let’s understand everything about platelets. You will also find all the necessary information about how you can stimulate platelet production in your body, either naturally or with the help of medications. But, of course, the natural methods also involve foods that increase platelets. 

Platelets

Simply put, platelets are one of the integral components of your blood that helps in the blood clotting process. When your blood vessels are damaged, these cells accumulate around the area of damage to plug in the blood flood, preventing bleeding. Typically, in a microlitre of blood, there are about 1.5 to 4 lac platelets. Therefore, if your platelet count is less than 1.5 lacs, it will indicate thrombocytopenia, and if it is over four lacs, it indicates thrombocytosis. 

Their shape is quite fascinating. In their inactive state, the platelets are shaped like tiny plates. The damaged blood vessels release a signal for the platelets, which makes them active. In this state, they become as sticky as possible to ensure that they stick properly onto the damaged area on your body and prevent profuse bleeding.

When you have excessive production and activation of platelets, it might result in a heart attack. In addition, if the blood vessels in your heart get damaged, the platelets tend to get clumped with the material in your heart, called thrombus. It blocks the blood vessels and might result in heart attacks. 

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Sometimes, your platelet count goes down significantly due to a particular reason, resulting in a medical condition called thrombocytopenia. This condition can be complicated due to blood oozing out of the stomach, intestines and even your brain. For example, a reduced platelet count might be due to dengue fever, viral fever, leukaemia or lymphoma or as a side effect of the chemotherapy medications. It could also be due to alcohol addiction. It would help find answers to “Which foods can increase platelets in the blood naturally?”. Consuming foods that increase platelets is the first step to ensuring that your blood has sufficient platelets. 

Which foods are best for increasing platelets?

Although possible, it is a bit difficult to raise your platelet count solely with the help of exercising and moderating your diet. In addition, if you are afflicted with viral or dengue fever, the doctor will have to perform a platelet transfusion to bring your platelet count to be expected.

All things considered, if you are looking for an answer to which food helps to increase platelet count, here is a list of items that will help you bring the levels back to normal:

• Green vegetables: Leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K, which is imperative for platelets’ blood clotting function. The leafy greens are beneficial in increasing the platelet count as well. These veggies include basil, coriander, parsley, spinach, celery, cabbage, asparagus, watercress, etc. So the first answer and the most healthy answer to the question “which food is good to increase platelets?” are green vegetables.

• Pomegranate: It is one of the most nutritious fruits around. It is rich in iron, which is quite beneficial for your blood. So if you are looking to increase your platelet count, you might want to try this fruit. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help you build an immunity to fight infections. 

Recently, we got a query about which food is good to increase your platelet count in case of malaria. We suggest you go for pomegranate in case of any viral infection, be it malaria, dengue, etc.

• Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is exceptionally rich in chlorophyll, which is similar in structure to the haemoglobin in your blood. That’s why not only is it food that increases platelets, it is also quite beneficial to your RBCs and WBCs. If you have just undergone chemotherapy and need to know which food can increase blood platelets during chemotherapy, you might want to look for wheatgrass juice. 

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• Milk: Not only is milk good for protein and calcium, but it is also rich in vitamin K, a vital element in foods that increases platelets. Vitamin K is significant for blood clotting to work properly. Having milk regularly is one of the best home remedies for improving your platelet count naturally. 

• Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A that helps increase the platelet count in the blood. Other than pumpkin, foods rich in vitamin A that helps improve the platelets are sweet potato, carrots, kale, etc. Pumpkin is the most suitable answer to “which food items increase platelets during pregnancy?”. 

• Papaya leaf extract: It is well-known that papaya leaves can be extremely bitter. But it is quite beneficial in raising the platelet count. If you are suffering from viral fever and your platelet count has gone down, papaya leaves extract might prove to be beneficial. 

Are you looking to find more information on “which foods can increase the platelet count?”. In that case, you might want to get in touch with the haematology experts at Ujala Cygnus Hospital. So book your appointment today to give your health the boost it needs!