Reviewed by Experts
Platelets are tiny, colourless blood cells that play a significant role in the clotting of blood. A healthy platelet count ranges between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding and other health problems. Many factors can cause a low platelet count, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer treatment. [1] [2]
15 Foods to Increase Platelet Count Naturally
While there are medical treatments available to increase platelet count, Ayurveda offers several natural remedies that can help to improve platelet count. One of the most effective ways to increase platelet count is to consume foods that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that can help to stimulate the production of platelets. Here are the top 15 foods that can increase platelet count naturally:
1. Papaya Leaf Juice
Papaya leaf juice is a potent natural remedy for increasing platelet count. The enzyme papain present in papaya leaves can help to increase platelet production. To prepare papaya leaf juice, wash a few papaya leaves and crush them to extract the juice. Drink two tablespoons of papaya leaf juice twice a day for a week to increase platelet count. [3] [4]
2. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for the production of platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can help to protect the platelets from damage. Adding spinach to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [5] [6]
3. Beetroot
Beetroot is a rich source of iron, folate, and vitamin C, which can help to stimulate the production of platelets. It also contains betacyanin, which can help to protect the liver, an organ that is involved in the production of platelets. Drinking beetroot juice or adding it to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [7]
4. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C, which can help stimulate platelet production. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Eating fresh amla, drinking amla juice, or eating amla murabba can help to increase platelet count naturally. [8] [9]
5. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. It also contains iron, which is essential for the production of platelets. Drinking pomegranate juice or adding it to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [10] [11]
6. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin A, which can help to stimulate the production of platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Adding pumpkin to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [12]
7. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a rich source of chlorophyll, which can help to stimulate the production of red blood cells and platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Drinking wheatgrass juice or adding it to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [13] [14]
8. Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a rich source of iron, which is essential for the production of platelets. They also contain zinc, which can help to stimulate the production of platelets. Eating sesame seeds or adding them to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [15] [16]
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help to stimulate the production of platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Adding turmeric to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [17] [18]
10. Guduchi
Also known as Tinospora cordifolia, Guduchi is a herb commonly used in Ayurveda to support the immune system and increase platelet count. Guduchi can be consumed in the form of tea, tincture, or supplement. [19] [20]
11. Carrots
Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, which can help to stimulate the production of platelets. They also contain antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Adding carrots to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [12] [21]
12. Figs
Figs are a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood and platelet production. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried, as a snack or added to salads and smoothies. [22]
13. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help to stimulate the production of platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Adding ginger to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [23] [24]
14. Ashwagandha
Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha can help to reduce stress and support the immune system, which can promote the production of healthy platelets. Ashwagandha can be consumed in the form of tea, tincture, or supplement. [25] [26]
15. Honey
Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can help to stimulate the production of platelets. It also contains antioxidants that can protect the platelets from damage. Adding honey to your diet can help to increase platelet count naturally. [27] [28]
FAQs
1. What is a low platelet count?
A low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a condition where the number of platelets in the blood is lower than normal. This can lead to excessive bleeding and easy bruising.
2. What causes a low platelet count?
There are several causes of a low platelet count, including viral infections, medications, autoimmune disorders, and certain medical conditions.
3. Are there any side effects to consuming these foods to increase platelet count?
In general, consuming these foods is safe and has no side effects. However, if you have any allergies or medical conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
4. Should I stop medical treatment if I am consuming these natural remedies?
No, it is important to continue following your doctor’s advice and medical treatment while incorporating natural remedies to increase platelet count. These remedies can be used as complementary therapy to medical treatment.
5. Can I consume these foods if I have a high platelet count?
While these foods are generally safe to consume, it is important to consult with your doctor before making any dietary changes if you have a high platelet count or any other medical conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a low platelet count can lead to several health problems, and it is essential to take steps to increase platelet count naturally. The foods mentioned above are some of the most effective natural remedies for increasing platelet count. Adding them to your diet, along with making other lifestyle changes, can help to improve your platelet count and maintain overall health. In addition to consuming these foods, there are several other lifestyle changes that you can make to increase platelet count naturally. These include getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products.
It is important to note that while these foods can be beneficial for increasing platelet count, they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of a low platelet count, it is essential to seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s advice.
Disclaimer: This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
References:
- Platelet Disorders – Thrombocytopenia | NHLBI, NIH
- Determinants of platelet count in humans – PMC (nih.gov)
- Leaf Juice of Carica papaya L.: A Remedy of Dengue Fever
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- Dietary Spinach Saponin-Enriched Lipophilic Fraction Inhibits Platelet Aggregation and Blood Coagulation | Journal of Medicinal Food (liebertpub.com)
- The Potential of Spinach (Spinacia olarecea) Leaves Extract in Increasing Platelet Count | Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts (aaresearchindex.com)
- Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Acute Effects of Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice on Blood Pressure, Hemostasis and Vascular Inflammation Markers in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study (mdpi.com)
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- Clinical evaluation of Emblica Officinalis Gatertn (Amla) in healthy human subjects: Health benefits and safety results from a randomized, double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled study – ScienceDirect
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- Natural remedies to increase platelet count(thepharmajournal.com)
- Immunoprophylactic potential of wheat grass extract on benzene-induced leukemia: An in vivo study on murine model – PMC (nih.gov)
- The Effect of Wheatgrass Lyophilizate on Blood Clotting Time in Rats (mdpi.com)
- Antithrombosis effect of sesame seeds and flour cultured with microorganisms. (cabdirect.org)
- Sesamol induces apoptosis in human platelets via reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial damage – ScienceDirect
- Inhibitory effect of curcumin, a food spice from turmeric, on platelet-activating factor- and arachidonic acid-mediated platelet aggregation through inhibition of thromboxane formation and Ca2+ signaling – ScienceDirect
- Curcumin, a major component of food spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) inhibits aggregation and alters eicosanoid metabolism in human blood platelets – ScienceDirect
- Guduchi: Its Medicinal Properties (researchgate.net)
- A single case study: Guduchi Kwath (Tinospora Cordifolia) in dengue fever(researchgate.net)
- Nutritional and Health Benefits of Carrots and Their Seed Extracts (scirp.org)
- A review on nutritional values and pharmacological importance of Ficus carica
- Effect of ginger on platelet aggregation in man. – Abstract – Europe PMC
- Effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) on blood lipids, blood sugar and platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease – ScienceDirect
- Immunomodulatory Effect Of Ashwagandha Against Doxorubicin Toxicity(researchgate.net)
- Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) extracts in experimental immune inflammation – ScienceDirect
- Effect Of Natural Honey On Human Platelets And Blood Coagulation Proteins(researchgate.net)
- Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Honey and Its Phenolic Compounds as an Effective Natural Medicine for Cardiovascular Diseases in Humans? (mdpi.com)