Platelets are colorless blood cells that prevent hemorrhaging by enabling the body to form blood clots. Many diseases lower the normal platelet count including chemotherapy, dengue fever, chronic jaundice etc. Low platelet count leads to a condition called thrombocytopenia derived from the word thrombocytes (which means platelets). A healthy person has nearly 400,000 thrombocytes per micro-liter of blood. Abnormally low platelet counts can cause excess bleeding, bruising, and even increase risk of hemorrhage. So let us study some foods and natural supplements to increase platelets instantly.
1. Raisins
Soak 25 grams of black raisins in water. Add a bit of lemon juice to the mixture and leave it to soak overnight. The next morning, eat the raisins and drink its water on an empty stomach. Keep doing this daily until your platelet count increases.
2. Boiled papaya leaves
Make an infusion or tea by pouring some hot water on clean, green, raw papaya leaves. Leave the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. Drink this tea two-three times a day to increase platelets count in dengue or other illnesses.
3. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C and we all know that this antioxidant helps with iron absorption. Squeeze an entire lemon in water and drink the juice before meals. This is one of the best home remedies for increasing platelets rapidly. You can also supplement your diet with red meat to increase iron absorption. This remedy is particularly beneficial for anemia patients. High dose Vitamin C also helps. You can also eat vitamin C rich foods like kiwi, broccoli, bell peppers and spinach. Eat the white fibrous rind of oranges which are rich in flavonoids. We have discussed some more superfoods for increasing thrombocytes later in this guide.
4. Panax pseudo ginseng
1-2 capsules of ginseng taken 3-4 times a day are the best supplements for increasing platelet count rapidly. This is a reliable therapy compared to other synthetic drugs use for platelet increase.
5. Melatonin
Melatonin hormone is secreted by the pineal gland and plays an important role in platelets regulation. Many fruits, grains and nuts and seeds increase melatonin including cherries, asparagus, kiwis, barley, oats, walnuts etc.
6. Barley grass
Drinking juice of barley grass can also help increase platelet count tremendously.
7. Goldenseal extracts
Take goldenseal extract to increase blood platelet count. This remedy especially helps with dengue fever. Goldenseal also helps with immunity building.
8. Maitake mushroom extracts
Many traditional herbalists recommend Maitake mushrooms to increase platelet count.
9. Shark liver oil
Shark liver contains alkylglycerols which can help increase platelets instantly. Avoid omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil when you have low platelet count.
10. Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice is a potent weapon in your fight against thrombocytopenia. It instantly raises the count of Thrombocytes.
11. Red guava
Research is currently underway to study the role of red guava in improving platelets. However, many herbalists recommend that this remedy is highly beneficial.
12. Fresh raw pineapples
Apart from increasing platelets, pineapples also improve body’s immune function thanks to its high bromelain content.
13. Other foods that increase platelets
All green leafy vegetables can help-eat plenty of spinach, kale, broccoli, Chinese vegetables like Choi sum etc. They are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce pain, inflammation and also increase platelet count. Phytonurient rich blueberries, raspberries and blackberries neutralize free radicals and help increase platelet count as well.As mentioned above, walnuts, carrots (cooked or steamed), tomatoes, milk, peanuts, lean meats etc can all help.
14. Supplements and foods to avoid
Keep your daily vitamin E dosage below 600 IU as at higher dosage, this vitamin lowers platelet count. Also avoid gingko, aspirin, and ibuprofen (Advil etc) which are blood thinners. Limit intake of green tea and garlic if you experience nose bleeds. Avoid supplements like nattokinase and omega 3 fish oil (as stated above).
Low platelets can be debilitating especially after dengue or other illnesses. We hope these superfoods and natural remedies help you out.