What You Should Know About Platelets and How to Increase Your Count

Blog Introduction: Platelets are small cells in your blood that help with clotting. A low platelet count can lead to a variety of problems, such as excessive bleeding, easy bruising, and an increased risk for infection. A number of factors can contribute to a low platelet count, including certain medical conditions, certain medications, and diet. If you think you might have a low platelet count, talk to your doctor. They can perform a blood test to check your platelet levels and give you specific instructions on how to increase your count.

Causes of Low Platelets

There are a number of different causes of low platelets. One common cause is a vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency. This can be caused by not getting enough of these vitamins in your diet or by certain medical conditions that make it difficult for your body to absorb these nutrients. Another common cause of low platelets is an autoimmune disorder where your body attacks healthy cells by mistake. Other causes include cancer, bone marrow disorders, and liver disease.

Certain medications can also lead to low platelets. These include antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you think a medication you’re taking is causing your platelet levels to drop, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.

How to Increase Your Platelet Count

If you have a low platelet count, there are a few things you can do to increase your count. One thing you can do is take supplements if you’re deficient in vitamins B-12 or folate. You should also avoid drinking alcohol as it can worsen some of the symptoms associated with a low platelet count.

You should also avoid taking NSAIDs unless directed by your doctor as they can further decrease your platelet levels. If you have an autoimmune disorder causing your low platelet count, treatment options will vary depending on the specific disorder but may include immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.

Five Ways to Increase Your Platelet Count

A low platelet count can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, underlying medical conditions, and even stress. While a low platelet count can be serious, there are things you can do to increase your platelet count naturally. Here are five of them:

1. Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is necessary for the formation of new blood cells. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, Brussels sprouts, kale, and tomatoes.

2. Consume more iron-rich foods. Iron is necessary for the production of new blood cells. Foods that are high in iron include spinach, lentils, chicken, beef, and tofu.

3. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and have been shown to increase platelet count in those who have chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds.

4. Drink green tea daily. Green tea contains polyphenols—powerful antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and promote the production of new blood cells. Try to drink two to three cups of green tea per day for best results.

5. Reduce stress levels with meditation or yoga. Stress can impact nearly every system in the body—including the Platelet Factory (where new blood cells are produced). Taking some time out of your day for relaxation through activities like meditation or yoga can help to improve your overall health and increase your platelet count over time.

Conclusion:

A low platelet count can cause a variety of problems, so it’s important to know how to increase your count if needed. Talk to your doctor if you think you might have a low platelet count as they can perform a blood test to check your levels. There are a number of different things that can cause low platelets, including certain medical conditions, certain medications, and diet. If you have a low platelet count, there are a few things you can do to increase your count including taking supplements and avoiding alcohol and NSAIDs unless directed by your doctor. Treatment options for an underlying autoimmune disorder will vary depending on the specific disorder but may include immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.

A low platelet count can have a serious impact on your health—but there are things you can do to increase your platelet count naturally! By incorporating more vitamin C-, iron-, and omega-3-rich foods into your diet and drinking green tea regularly, you can help to promote the production of new blood cells. Additionally, reducing stress levels with relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can also help to increase your platelet count over time.