To increase platelet count, one can focus on nutritional and lifestyle changes that promote platelet production and cell health.
Foods to Increase Platelet Count
- Foods rich in Vitamin B12 such as eggs, milk, cheese, poultry, and meat help boost platelet production.
- Folate-rich foods like dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), oranges, peanuts, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas support healthy cell division including platelets.
- Vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., amla, kiwi, strawberries, guavas, broccoli) help platelets function and improve iron absorption which indirectly raises platelets.
- Foods high in iron such as pomegranate, lentils, raisins, beef liver, and pumpkin seeds aid healthy blood cell production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids , found in salmon oil, walnuts, and cod liver oil, may have a positive impact when eaten moderately.
- Other helpful foods include papaya leaf extract, wheatgrass juice, carrots, pumpkin, and green leafy vegetables.
Supplements and Additional Aids
- Papaya leaf extract supplements are shown to help increase platelet counts.
- Melatonin and chlorella supplements may also support platelet production though research is ongoing.
Foods to Avoid
- Alcohol, cranberry juice, aspartame, and quinine-containing drinks (e.g., tonic water) may lower platelet counts.
Medical Treatments
- In cases of very low platelet counts or platelet disorders, corticosteroids and platelet transfusions are common medical treatments prescribed by doctors.
In summary, boosting platelet count naturally can be achieved by a diet rich in vitamins B12, C, folate, and iron, alongside specific foods like papaya and supplements. Avoiding certain foods that may reduce platelet levels is also beneficial. For severe cases, medical intervention might be necessary.
