Top 10 foods that help increase platelet count in blood

Platelets count in blood goes down drastically if you suffer from Dengue or other viral diseases, as a result of which you feel very tired. Those who are hit by viral diseases feel very weak, and that is due to the low count of platelets in blood (in medical term, its known as thrombocytopenia).

Thrombocytopenia occurs due to several reasons – medications, genetics, different kind of viruses, alcohol, diseases and during or after pregnancy.

While you can always rely on medicines suggested by your doctor, there are some highly effective foods that will help you increase your platelet count.

You can eat these foods as part of your daily diet as well, these are great for your health.

Here is the list of the top ten foods that helps increase blood cells (and good for treating thrombocytopenia):

1. Papaya

   I’m sure people in India now know (due to the several Dengue cases) that Papaya increases the blood count. Papaya is highly recommended for those suffering from thrombocytopenia. You can also drink the juice made from the papaya leaves; boil papaya leaves with water and drink it twice a day. You can eat both papaya and its leaf for increasing blood cells.

2. Wheatgrass

   Wheatgrass can help increase red blood cell, hemoglobin, white blood cell and differential white blood counts. Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll and its molecular structure is very similar to the human blood hemoglobin molecule. To Increase the blood count, drink half a cup daily of wheatgrass juice mixed with few drops of lemon juice.

3. Pomegranate

   Pomegranate is rich in iron and increases platelet count. You can eat it as is, or make its juice and drink it. This fruit is also rich in various vitamins, which can help you increase energy levels.

4. Lean Proteins and Fish

   Some doctors recommended high protein diet to increase the platelets counts. High protein foods that promote platelets production are also rich sources of vitamins like B-12 and zinc. You may include chicken, fish in your diet, these foods are rich sources of zinc and vitamin B-12.

5. Pumpkin

   Like Papaya, Pumpkin is also good for improving platelet count. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which supports the production of platelets. You can drink fresh pumpkin juice with 1 teaspoon honey, and drink it twice or thrice in a day. You can also eat pumpkin as part of baked foods, smoothies, stews, soups and puree.

6. Vitamin C

   Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) helps to increase the platelets count. 400 to 200 mg of Vitamin C is required by our daily. For Vitamin C, You can include foods such as lemons, Kiwi, Oranges, Peppers, and spinach in your diet; these are loaded with vitamin C.

7. Leafy Greens

   Leafy green like spinach, fenugreek and kale leaves are sources of Vitamin K and it’s good for increasing platelets. Vitamin K plays an important role in formation of blood clots (after injury). To increase blood platelets count, you have to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin K. Vegetable oil and parsley are also high-quality resources of vitamin K.

8. Indian Gooseberries

   Indian gooseberries (known as Amla in India) also help increase blood platelets. For best results, take 3-4 amla daily in morning on empty stomach. You can also drink amla juice with honey or salt, 2-3 times a day to increase blood platelets counts.

9. Beetroot

   Beetroot (or chukandar) is recommended for anemic patients, and is also known to increase blood count. You can take beets along with carrot in salad, or you can have it as juice.

10. Garlic

    Garlic is also good for increasing platelets count. Its also boosts your white blood cells to fight off various infections.