Causes And Way To Increase Low Platelet Count: What causes decrease in platelet count. what food or vitamins can I take to raise my platelet count?

Platelets can be described as the blood cells, which play a very important part in the clotting of blood. The platelets are one of the most important components of human blood, along with the red blood cells and plasma. During an injury, it is the platelets that prevent severe loss of blood, when they clump together and form plugs that cover the blood vessel holes. Hence, the platelet count in the blood should always be within the normal range, or else it could lead to some serious health complications. If the count of platelets in the body is too high, then it could lead to severe health problems like the excessive formation of blood clots, which could result in a stroke. However, in case of thrombocytopenia, which is the medical term for a low count of platelets in the blood, a person could suffer from prolonged bleeding problems, blood in the urine or stools, bleeding gums and nose as well as easy or excessive bruising. This condition could also interfere with a person's healing process, especially after a surgery. Women who suffer from low platelet counts generally lose a lot of blood every month, by way of a heavy menstrual flow. In some rare cases, if the level of platelets in the blood falls too low, it could lead to bleeding in the intestines or even the brain, which could be fatal. Therefore finding an answer to how do you raise platelet count becomes very important. Since there are numerous problems that could be the result of excessive loss of blood and low platelet counts, most people get in touch with a medical healthcare provider immediately, for platelet count increasing treatments. On average, a person's platelet count could be anywhere between 150,000 and 450,000. However, the average lifespan of each platelet is only around 10 days and therefore, the body needs to keep up a production of new platelets, which are produced in the bone marrow.

Causes of low platelet count in the body

There could be several factors that lead to a reduction in the levels of platelets in the body. The main cause of a low platelet count in the blood is bone marrow problems, like anemia and leukemia. Other viral infections too, can affect the bone marrow's ability to produce the adequate supply of platelets. Some of the other common causes of low platelet count are

• Pregnancy
• The use of certain medication
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ttp)
• Autoimmune diseases
• The presence of bacteria in the blood

How to raise platelet count?

If a person has undergone the required tests and has been diagnosed with low platelet count in the body, then it is important to try and increase blood platelets as soon as possible. However, in order to raise platelet count, it is important to identify the factors that have caused the platelets in the blood to reduce. Fortunately, there are many ways in which a person can increase the count of platelets in their blood, which range from taking certain medication to making a few dietary changes. Even though most people prefer to adopt methods that will help them raise platelet count naturally, it may be important to keep an open mind to medication, therapy, surgery or even blood transfusion. However, in addition to undergoing medical treatment, people can boost their consumption of certain foods to increase platelet count naturally. Some doctors may recommend supplements to increase blood platelets too, after checking the causes and the severity of the condition.

How to improve blood platelet count medically?

If the levels of platelets in the blood are slightly on the lower side, then the doctor may not even recommend any platelet count increasing drugs or medications. Women, who have just gone through childbirth, tend to have a lower level of platelets in their blood. Such cases usually get resolved without any treatment. However, for severe cases, doctors may prescribe medicines like corticosteroids. These medicines block the antibodies, which attack the platelets and destroy them. If the corticosteroids do not work, then a splenectomy (spleen removal surgery) may be recommended. There are stronger medicines too, that can be prescribed for suppressing the immunity systems. However, in case of severe bleeding, some doctors recommend blood transfusions, where the blood that a person loses is replaced with fresh blood, which is packed with platelets.

How to raise platelet count naturally?

Fortunately, there are several ways to naturally increase blood platelets too. First of all, the consumption of alcohol should be strictly avoided or preferably eliminated completely, since alcohol slows down the production of platelets. Other foods that should be avoided are refined foods, foods that contain sugar, aerated drinks and other processed foods. Instead, a person should switch over to a diet that is high in healthy and organic foods like berries, oranges, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, papaya leaf juice, kiwi fruit, flax seed and sweet lime juice. Apart from following a healthy diet, other natural ways to increase blood platelets could include getting adequate sleep and rest. Certain exercises, which can improve immunity and increase strength, may also be beneficial. However, any exercises or activities which can lead to an injury should be strictly avoided, even if they have been suggested as platelet count increasing techniques. People who are used to taking medicines for other conditions should also speak to the doctor about it.

Even when people are trying to increase platelet count naturally, with the help of certain diets, foods and home remedies, it is important to have doctor monitor the entire process carefully. This is because when people are suffering from other preexisting medical condition, a certain platelet count increasing food or diet may lead to other adverse side effects. Hence, before consuming any food that increases platelet count or following a diet to increase platelet count, it is best to get a "go ahead" from a doctor. In fact, doctors usually offer excellent advice on how to increase platelet count naturally, after studying a patient's medical history. Hence everybody should consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms of low blood count become visible.

answered by M W

Remedies to increase platelet count

Platelets or thrombocytes are blood cells derived from the bone marrow and necessary for blood clotting. They usually have a lifespan of 10 days and the normal range of platelet count is 150,000 to 400,000/ml. A decrease in this count, whether mild (100,000-150,000), moderate (50,000 to 100,000) or severe (less than 50,000), is referred to as thrombocytopenia. This could be due to increased destruction of utilisation of the platelets due to several medical conditions, decreased production due to anaemia, or cirrhosis of liver. Some drugs and medications can also lead to thrombocytopenia. Usually no treatment in required unless the thrombocytopenia is severe and the platelet count dips below 50,000/ml. The platelet count normally increases over time, especially mild thrombocytopenia in pregnant women or convalescing patients.

In case of severe thrombocytopenia, medical interventions such as surgery or blood transfusion are recommended. It is also important to undergo adequate medical treatment if there is mucous membrane bleeding, or if the patient suffers from hypertension, peptic ulcer disease or has a lifestyle/profession with increased risk of injuries and bleeding. While there is no specific diet or vitamins that are prescribed to increase platelet count, you can consume more drumstick leaves, fenugreek leaves, Bengal green gram, liver, egg yolk, citrus fruits and Indian gooseberry (Indian gooseberry). Apart from this you should avoid certain drugs which affect platelet functioning adversely, excessive alcohol intake and contact sports that may cause injuries and bleeding.

answered by G M

Tips to increase platelet count

If you need to raise your platelet count, it can safely be assumed that you are suffering from anaemia of some kind. If this is the case, then it is important that you get a medical examination which tells you the exact nature of your problem so you can take the correct kind of medication required to take care of the situation. It is unwise to take an over the counter pill to take care of a problem as grave as platelet deficiency. There are, however, certain additions you can make in your food habits that will make a marked positive difference to you.

Increase your consumption of beetroots, red meat, apples, potato skins and bitter gourd. You should also consume at least one serving of green leafy vegetables in a day. Make it a point to consume all of them on a daily basis. Once your blood count starts going up, you can add more complex foods to your diet such as meat and bone marrow. Remember not to eat such heave things in the beginning, because due to platelet deficiency, you may not be able to keep much of food down. It is a very common side effect to throw up if you have this problem.

answered by M W