Platelets -- sticky, disk-shaped cells produced in the bone marrow -- help form blood clots if you injure yourself or if you're bleeding internally. Many disorders can cause low platelet levels. Eating certain foods will not raise your platelet levels, according to registered dietitian Lisa Andrews, M.S. of the University of Cincinnati. Some types of food can cause low platelets in rare cases. Allergic reactions can also cause low platelets.
Causes
Low platelet levels, called thrombocytopenia, can occur for many reasons. Many medications can cause low platelet levels. Some types of cancer, autoimmune disease and some viral illnesses can also cause low platelet counts. Some allergic reactions to foods and medications can trigger a drop in platelets; in these cases, avoiding the food that causes the reaction can help raise your platelet levels.
Symptoms
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter. Serious internal bleeding into the organs or the brain can occur if platelets drop to 10,000 or less. Symptoms of low platelets include pinpoint spots on the skin, called petechiae and easy or possibly spontaneous bruising.
Foods That Lower Platelets
Some people cannot drink sodas or tonic water that contains quinine without developing thrombocytopenia. If you suddenly develop signs of thrombocytopenia, think back to any new foods or medications that you might have ingested in the last few days, including quinine drinks. A newly developed food allergy could also trigger a low platelet count.
Dietary Changes
According to the Platelet Disorder Support Association, a 2001 survey conducted by researchers from Weil Medical Center of Cornell University asked 916 people with idiopathic thrombocytopenia, also called ITP, if they had tried different types of diets. About 40 percent reported an improvement in platelet counts and symptoms when they followed a macrobiotic diet, which stresses whole, organic food and deemphasizes refined sugar and dairy. People who followed the Eat Right for Your Type by Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo reported more improvement than those who followed the Atkins or Zone diets. This was not a placebo-controlled study and also applies only to those with ITP, a type of platelet disorder whose cause is unknown.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Thrombocytopenia; November 2010
- Net Wellness; Foods That May Increase Platelet Count; Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., et al.; December 2007
- Platelet Disorder Support Association; ITP Diet Suggestions
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Quinine-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a 68 Year-Old Man; James George;July 2004
- "European Journal of Haematology"; Thrombocytopenia as an Adverse Effect of Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Herbal Remedies, Nutritional Supplements, Foods, and Beverages; D. Royer, et al.; January 2010
