The blood is a major part of the circulatory system. Its components include small, irregular-shaped cells known as platelets, which circulate in the blood to form clots and block off wounds by sticking to each other. The platelets sense the presence of air and form a web-like mesh to trap the blood within it. When it hardens and dries, the platelets form a scab. Platelets are much smaller than white blood cells. Normal human blood contains 150,000 to 400,000 platelet cells per microliter of blood. However, a low platelet count can risk excessive bleeding. In this case, a select few foods can stimulate the number of platelets in your blood.
Considerations
A decrease in platelet count in the blood is a condition known as thrombocytopenia. Foods can certainly help if your platelet count is a little low, especially if thrombocytopenia is caused by some kind of nutritional deficiency. However, it is often the result of a serious condition that might require special treatment or medical attention. You should always talk to your doctor first before using a specific treatment.
Calcium and Vitamin K
Calcium and vitamin K are essential for proper platelet clotting. Vitamin K helps blood coagulation, and calcium, in its electrically charged form, is essential for binding the various coagulants together. If you lack these nutrients, then it will take longer than normal for your blood to clot. At its most extreme, deficiencies of these two important nutrients can cause uncontrolled bleeding and, if the wound is particularly severe, even death. Consuming certain whole, natural, unprocessed foods in your diet can alleviate this problem.
Dietary Sources
While dairy products are particularly rich in calcium, they might actually have the opposite effect of artificially decreasing platelet count. Instead of relying solely on dairy products, it's a good idea to eat more leafy green vegetables, which contain large amounts of both calcium and vitamin K. Kale and collard greens are particularly helpful for supplying these important nutrients. Seaweed might also help, though some forms might contain a dangerous amount of iodine.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid
Deficiencies of vitamin B-12 and folic acid from nutritional deficits or metabolic disorders can cause the impaired production of platelets in the bone marrow. In this case, eating both nutrients might help stimulate your platelet count. Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is found in leafy green vegetables, as well as legumes, fortified grain products, egg yolks and certain fruits. Vitamin B-12 is found in animal products such as beef, poultry, seafood, dairy products and eggs.
References
- Franklin Institute: Platelets
- "European Journal of Haematology"; "Thrombocytopenia as an Adverse Effect of Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Herbal Remedies, Nutritional Supplements, Foods and Beverages; Derek Royer et al.; January 2010
- Platelet Disorder Support Association: ITP Diet Suggestions
- Net Doctor; "Thrombocytopenia (Reduced Platelet Count)"; Claire Harrison et al.; September 2006
