Blood that flows through our body is made up of many cells. And whenever you incur an injury, the platelet cells come together to form clots and gradually stop the bleeding. These platelets are essential for survival, as uncontrolled bleeding can lead to serious problems without the ability to clot. Here are the various factors that can aggravate a low platelet count in the body and the ways to deal with them:
Causes
Thrombocytopenia is a condition that causes low platelet count in the body, and it can be the result of multiple factors, such as underlying diseases. Certain conditions can destroy the platelet count and hamper their production. Some of the illnesses that affect platelet count in the body are
- Cancer
Some types of cancer, like leukemia and lymphoma, can damage blood stem cells. In severe cases, the bone marrow is affected, making the body unable to produce the number of platelets needed. - Autoimmune diseases
An autoimmune disease attacks the body and, in the process, destroys the platelets that were produced. Examples of such disorders include Type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease. - Infections
Infections greatly affect the platelet count, but the loss is temporary. Thrombocythemia and thrombocytosis are prime examples of such infections.
Dealing with these conditions will subsequently help with keeping a check on blood platelet count in the body.
Symptoms
Platelet shelf life is 7 to 10 days; if their count is low, the destruction is faster than their production. The various symptoms of low platelet count often indicate other issues in the body and usually depend on how bad the condition is. Here are a few common signs experienced due to low platelet count:
- Red, brown, or purple bruises
- Prolonged bleeding from cuts
- Bleeding of the gums
- Red or purple rashes
Getting these signs checked is imperative, so a healthcare expert should be consulted as soon as possible.
Prevention
If you think that you’re susceptible to a low platelet count, follow these steps to minimize the risk:
- Avoiding injuries and bleeding
- Reducing contact with toxic chemicals
- Carefully brushing your teeth and shaving
Foods to eat and avoid
One of the best ways to aid the production of platelets is by choosing the right sources of nutrition for the body. But there are some food products that you should avoid as well too.
Food to eat
Considering the following options will be quite beneficial when it comes to raising blood platelet count:
- Vitamin-rich foods
Vitamin B 12 is the one that helps to keep your blood cells healthy, and its deficiency is often seen in patients who suffer from low platelet count. Some of the best sources are eggs and clams.
Vitamin C helps you in the grouping of platelets, absorbs iron, and improves platelet count. Great sources of vitamin C include broccoli, pineapple, and tomatoes.
Vitamin K is another essential nutrient that must be included as it is incredibly important for bone health and clotting of the blood. Some foods rich in Vitamin K are soybean, kale, spinach, pumpkin, etc. - Foods with iron
Iron aids your body in producing healthy blood cells and hence should be a must in your everyday food intake. A high level of iron is found in lentils, mussels, and pumpkin seeds. - Folate-rich foods
This nutrient benefits the blood cells in the body and is available in various food items in the form of folic acid. A few sources of this nutrient include oranges, kidney beans, peanuts, and black-eyed peas. - Papaya leaf extract
Research shows that papaya leaf extract exponentially increases the platelet count in patients suffering from low platelets. So, it is advised to consume papaya leaf extract as a supplement if you are suffering from low platelet count.
Food to avoid
Some food and beverages are a strict no-no for people who have a low platelet count. Including cranberry juice, tonic water, bitter lemon, and any food containing artificial sweeteners can hinder production. In addition, you must keep in mind that if you suffer from a low platelet count if your blood isn’t capable of clotting that easily. If you include fish oil and vitamin E supplements, it will only worsen your matters. These options do not affect the platelet count but do not allow the blood to clot, making you more prone to uncontrolled bleeding.
Consult a healthcare expert for advice so a treatment plan that works best for you can be created. Dealing with a low platelet count early on will prevent other conditions from being aggravated or getting worse.
