What to eat to increase platelets?

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Sudden thrombocytopenia can affect the health of the whole body such as intestinal bleeding, brain hemorrhage,... Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to increase blood platelets such as medication or treatment. adjust your diet. In particular, increasing the platelet count by diet is a natural, safe method, avoiding unwanted side effects.

1. What are platelets?

Blood contains a number of different blood cells, which serve different purposes. Blood cells include red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. In particular, platelets are cells responsible for blood clotting in case of wounds and bleeding in all organs of the body.
For the platelets to work properly, each person needs to be in good health. However, in some cases, the platelet count can drop suddenly, affecting general health. Low platelet count can be caused by viral fever, dengue fever, bone marrow diseases (leukemia, lymphoma), chemotherapy for cancer patients, cirrhosis of the liver, enlarged spleen, side effects of certain medications, drinking a lot of alcohol,...
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia occur only when the platelet count is particularly low. In mild cases, they cause almost no symptoms. When symptoms occur, mainly: Easy bruising, dark red spots on the skin (petechiae), headache after minor injury, spontaneous or excessive bleeding, bleeding from the mouth or nose after brushing teeth,... If the platelet count is too low, it can lead to many serious complications.
Therefore, it is necessary to know how to increase the number of platelets in the blood by using drugs or natural methods - adjusting the diet. In case of diseases such as thrombocytopenia hemorrhagic fever, viral fever, the doctor may prescribe the patient to receive intravenous platelet transfusion to restore the platelet count to normal.
MORE: What to eat with dengue fever to increase platelets?

2. What to eat to increase platelets?

If you are looking for a natural way to increase platelets, you can increase your consumption of the following foods:

2.1 Foods rich in folate

Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for blood cells, helping to increase platelet count. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Adults need at least 400mcg of folate/day and pregnant women need 600mcg/day. Foods that contain folate or folic acid include: Dark green leafy vegetables, beef liver, breakfast cereals, milk, rice,...
Users should pay attention not to consume too much folic acid from supplements Because high levels can interfere with the function of vitamin B12. And eating a lot of foods rich in folate will not affect anything;

2.2 Foods rich in vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause platelet counts to drop. People over 14 years old need 2.4mcg vitamin B12/day. Pregnant and lactating women need 2.8 mcg of vitamin B12/day. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products such as beef and beef liver, eggs, salmon, tuna, clams, oysters, dairy products. Vegetarians can eat foods such as cereals, almond milk, oranges, soy milk, etc. to supplement vitamin B12 for the body.

2.3 Foods rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C plays an important role in the body's immune system. Vitamin C also helps platelets work properly, enhances the body's ability to absorb iron (iron is an essential substance for platelets).
There are many fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, which are broccoli, citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), kiwis, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes, pomegranates, strawberries, bell peppers, .. Note, because high heat can destroy vitamin C, it is best to eat foods rich in vitamin C raw if possible.
SEE ALSO: Foods that help increase platelets for people with dengue

2.4 Foods rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for the proper functioning of bones, muscles, nerves and the immune system. In addition, vitamin D also plays an essential role in the function of bone marrow cells that produce platelets and other blood cells.
The body can produce vitamin D through exposure to the sun. However, not everyone gets enough sunlight every day, especially during the winter months. Adults 19-70 years old need 15mcg of vitamin D/day.
Therefore, vitamin D can be obtained from food to increase platelets. Foods rich in vitamin D include: Egg yolks, salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod liver oil, yogurt, breakfast cereals, orange juice, soy milk, mushrooms,...

2.5 Foods rich in vitamin K

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. The recommended amount of vitamin K for adult men 19 years of age and older is 120 mcg/day and women 90 mcg/day. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement vitamin K from foods such as beets, broccoli, kale, spinach, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin, ...

2.6 Iron-rich foods

Iron is an important component for red blood cells and platelets. Iron can increase platelet counts in people with iron-deficiency anemia. Men over 18 and women over 50 need 8mg of iron per day. Women 19-50 years old need 18mg of iron/day. Pregnant women need 27mg of iron/day.
Should add iron-rich foods to the diet to increase platelets. Foods rich in iron include: Oysters, beef liver, breakfast cereals, lentils, tofu, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, etc. It is recommended to eat iron-rich foods with vitamin C to enhance ability absorb. Avoid eating calcium-rich foods or taking calcium supplements at the same time as iron-rich foods.

2.7 Foods to avoid

Some foods and drinks that can lower platelet count that we need to avoid are: Alcohol, aspartame (artificial sweetener), cranberry juice, quinine (found in energy drinks) ), sesame sauce,...

2.8 Supplements

Patients who want to increase platelet count can use some supplements such as:
Chlorophyll: Is a green pigment found in plants. Taking chlorophyll may reduce some symptoms of thrombocytopenia. Algae supplements are rich in chlorophyll, a potential supplement option for people with low platelet counts; Papaya Leaf Extract: Research in rats showed that papaya leaf extract significantly increased platelet and red blood cell counts. However, more research on humans is needed; Melatonin: A hormone produced by the body. Several animal studies have shown an association between melatonin and increased platelet levels. However, more research is needed to determine its benefits for people with low platelet counts. Eating certain foods and taking supplements can increase platelet counts. However, if there are warning symptoms of a very low platelet count, the patient should seek medical attention and receive early treatment to avoid serious complications.

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References: medlife.com, medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com