Platelets are common blood cells that help in the clotting process and are thus essential for overall wound maintenance and wound health. Thus normal levels of platelets in the blood are of utmost importance, otherwise, the person suffers from various health issues and severe blood loss as well.
Most commonly a person tends to suffer from low levels of platelets during the onset of dengue. In order to confirm whether you have dengue or not your doctor might recommend you a Dengue PCR Test.
Symptoms of Low Blood Platelets
Some common signs or symptoms that a person is suffering from low levels of platelets are as follows:
- Easy bruising
- Small red dots on the skin and the development of large patches
- Prolonged bleeding cases even in case of a small cut
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Irregular menstruation or heavy bleeding during periods
- Bleeding gums during brushing
- Headaches
- Cases of internal bleeding which might be damaging to the organs
But do not worry as there are some foods that can increase the number of platelets in the human body naturally. While you are up taking the right foods to increase the platelet count you have to be sure of avoiding some foods such as alcohol and various types of artificial sweeteners.
Let us have a look at some of the key foods that one needs to stock up on if one want to increase the platelet count.
Folate-rich Folate
One of the essential food for good blood health is folate. The synthetic form of folate is folic acid.
The daily intake quantity for adults folate is at least 400 micrograms. But this amount doubles up in the case of 600 mcg.
Some of the best foods which are rich in folic acid are as follows:
- Dark, leafy green vegetables. The most common vegetables of such kinds are spinach, brussels sprouts.
- Beef liver
- Peas
- Cereals and oatmeals
- Dairy products
- Rice
- Yeast
But people need to take a check on how much folate they are consuming. Because an excessive amount of folic acid can interfere with the functioning of vitamin B-12.
Vitamin B 12-rich Foods
Another vitamin that is important for the health of blood cells is vitamin B 12. Because low levels of this vitamin can lead to low numbers of the platelet.
Some of the foods that are loaded with the contents of vitamin B 12 are as follows:
- Beef and beef liver
- Eggs
- Seafood such as clams, trout, salmon, and tuna
In addition to these mentioned foods vitamin, B 12 is also present in dairy products. According to research, cow’s milk is the best source of vitamin B 12.
But if you are a vegan, then you can get the right dose of vitamin B 12 from the given below foods. Such as:
- Cereals
- Fortified dairy alternatives such as almond and soy milk
- Some supplements
Thus make sure to pay attention to this aspect that you have enough vitamin B in your body for the proper functioning of various blood cells.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
There is no denial of the fact that vitamin C is inevitable for good immune health.
Vitamin C is highly essential because it enables the body to absorb iron and also helps in stabilizing the platelets count.
Some fruits and vegetables that provide a substantial amount of vitamin C are as follows:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits
- Kiwifruit
- Red and green bell peppers
- Strawberries
But do not overcook these foods because heat can destroy the contents of vitamin c and that is why make sure to eat these foods as raw as possible.
Vitamin D-rich foods
We all are aware of the fact that vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning and stability of the bones, muscles, nervous and immune systems.
This is mainly because vitamin D is essential for the right function of bone marrow cells and that is how it plays the right part in the production of platelets as well as other blood cells.
Yes, it is true that your body can produce the needed amount of vitamin D from the sun but the case might differ from person to person. Thus in this context given below are some of the foods that are rich in vitamin D. make sure to pay attention.
- Egg yolk
- Fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- Fish liver oil
- Milk and yogurt
In case you are a vegan, then you can make use of the following foods which are vitamin D:
- Breakfast cereals
- Orange juice
- Some of the dairy alternatives such as soy milk and soy yogurt
- Supplements
- UV-exposed mushrooms
The Bottom Line
Platelets are important for the maintenance of blood as well as for the whole healing mechanism of your body. In case you need further assistance, you can consult with a doctor in such regard.
