What Foods Bring Up The Platelet Count?

When your platelet count is low, you may find that bleeding wounds are hard to control and you bruise easily. This happens because platelets are responsible for clotting your blood. Fortunately, in most cases, you can increase your platelet count through simple dietary changes. However, if your doctor has prescribed an alternate therapy, it is important that you follow through with her suggestions.

Leafy Greens

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and platelet creation. It is readily available in leafy green vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce, kale and Swiss chard. You can also find vitamin K in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. However, the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania cautions against eating raw vegetables when you have a low platelet count, as they may cause damage to your intestinal lining. To ease the digestion of these vegetables, steam them until soft, or mix them into baked dishes for a similar effect.

Protein-Rich Meals

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre suggests eating protein-rich and high calorie meals to increase your platelet count. For an increased effect, choose foods with high levels of protein and high vitamin K levels such as liver, fish and eggs. Vegetarians may prefer high protein, fortified cereals instead.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain an array of antioxidants like vitamin E and phytoestrogens. According to a study that appeared in the September 1999 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers found that these antioxidants appear to increase blood platelet levels by reducing the platelet-aggregating effects of the blood, Obtain a healthy dose of whole grains by consuming more whole-wheat products, brown rice, soy products and whole grain cereals.

Organic Foods

Toxic chemicals in many pesticides and chemicals used to process food may inhibit the growth of new platelets according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. To avoid these toxins, the Platelet Disorder Support Association recommends eating organic foods that are grown with natural fertilizer and not sprayed with pesticides.

Dietary Restrictions

When trying to increase your levels of platelets, it is very important to avoid alcohol. Platelets are created in your bone marrow. Alcohol can damage the bone marrow, reducing your platelet levels even further, according to the Platelet Disorders Support Association. The association also warns against eating foods with the additive quinine as this can also lower your platelet count.