How to Increase Your Platelet Count Naturally
Introduction
Platelets are a crucial component of our red blood cells that help us clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Since many chemotherapies and immunotherapies can cause a decline in platelet levels, I'd like to share more about the function of platelets and discuss some natural ways you can increase your platelet level.
The Function of Platelets
Platelets are tiny, disc-shaped cells in our blood that originate from larger cells called megakaryocytes in our bone marrow. Their primary function is to ensure that our blood can clot effectively when needed, in order to prevent excessive bleeding. Here's how they work:
Clot Formation: When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of injury. They adhere to the exposed tissue(s) and other platelets to form a barrier that temporarily stops the bleeding.
Release of Chemical Signals: Platelets release chemical signals, known as clotting factors, which initiate a cascade of reactions involving proteins in the blood plasma. This cascade eventually leads to the formation of a stable blood clot.
Clot Contraction: Platelets also play a role in clot contraction, helping to further stabilize the clot and minimize blood loss.
The Impact of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy on Platelets
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are common treatments for many types of cancer. While they target rapidly dividing cancer cells, they also affect other rapidly dividing cells in the body, including those in the bone marrow where platelets are produced. Here's how chemotherapy and immunotherapy can impact platelet levels:
Reduced Production: Chemotherapies and immunotherapies can slow down the production of platelets in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in their numbers.
Shortened Lifespan: Chemotherapy and immunotherapies can affect the lifespan of platelets, causing them to have a shorter time in circulation before being removed from the bloodstream.
Increased Risk of Bleeding: A decreased platelet count resulting from chemotherapy or immunotherapy can lead to a higher risk of bleeding and bruising, which can be a serious concern for those with cancer.
Natural Ways to Increase Platelet Count
If you're undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy and have a low platelet count, there are some natural approaches that may help boost your platelet level. It's essential to consult with your healthcare team before making any significant changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle, but here are some tips:
1. Focus on Food
Papaya
Numerous studies show that papaya fruit, papaya juice, and papaya leaf extract increase both red blood cell count and platelet levels.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a root vegetable with iron, folic acid, and vitamin C. It’s also a natural blood purifier and helps stimulate the production of red blood cells and platelets. Drinking beetroot juice can help to increase platelet count. Mix 2 tablespoons of beetroot juice with a glass of water or fruit juice and drink at least 2 times per day.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a powerful natural remedy high in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and nutrients. It helps stimulate the production of red blood cells and platelets and helps detoxify the body. Mix 2 tablespoons of beetroot juice with a glass of water or fruit juice and drink at least 2 times per day.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a vegetable high in vitamin A, which is vital for the production of platelets. It also contains iron, which helps stimulate the production of red blood cells.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a fruit rich in antioxidants that can help increase platelet count. It contains compounds that can help improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. Both eating pomegranates and drinking pomegranate juice can help increase your platelet count.
Vitamin C-rich foods
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps to increase platelet count. It also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which can increase platelet count. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, lemons, grapefruits, kiwis, and berries. * It’s important to note that grapefruit can interact with some medications so make sure to discuss the consumption of grapefruit, in combination with your medications, with your doctor.
Iron-rich foods
Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells and platelets. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, seafood, lentils, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help boost your platelet count.
Vitamin K-rich foods
Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and can help increase platelet count. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, as well as broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Folate-rich foods
Folate is also known as folic acid or vitamin B9. It's necessary for the production of red blood cells. Oranges, kidney beans, lentils, peanuts, and other foods are excellent sources of folate.
Zinc-rich foods
Zinc is necessary for a strong immune function and can help increase platelet count. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, beef, crab, lobster, nuts, and seeds.
2. Add in Supplements When Necessary
Here are some supplements that I like and trust, which can aid in the production of platelets.
Vitamin C
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Iron
Beet Root
Remember it's always important to consult with your doctor and/or other medical professionals before taking any supplements, as there may be some interactions with your medications. I also suggest working with an integrative oncology physician who is well-versed in the field of oncology and drug-supplement interactions to help guide you in what's best for you.
3. Consider Lifestyle Choices that Can Impact Platelet Production
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking
Both alcohol and smoking can impair platelet function and reduce platelet count. As stated in previous posts, quitting smoking and quitting/reducing alcohol consumption is extremely important for those who are affected by cancer.
Here are links to posts that you might be interested in reading.
Exercise
Regular/moderate exercise can help improve blood circulation and support overall cardiovascular health, which indirectly benefits platelet function.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact your immune system and blood cell production. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like prayer, mindfulness, yoga, meditation, massage, and acupuncture into your daily/weekly routine.
Conclusion
Platelets are a vital component of our red blood cells that are responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy can impact platelet levels, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. There are ways to naturally increase your platelet count but it’s always best to discuss these recommendations with your doctor and/or professional medical team so that they can provide you with personal guidance tailored to your specific medical needs.
