During a time when dengue cases are on a rise it becomes absolutely essential that you know the ways to increase your platelet count. Let’s find out what are the food items that can help you increase your platelet count.

What are platelets?

Platelets are very tiny blood cells that are spread in your bone marrow. The role of these cells is to clot the blood when you suffer from a wound. You might have noticed that when you get a cut and you start bleeding, after a minute or two the cut stops bleeding on its own. That is the work of platelets. They prevent us from dying of blood loss in case of a wound.

A healthy person should have a platelet count of more than 100,000 but there are certain conditions or diseases like dengue, anemia, cancer, etc. that can lead to reduction of platelet count. Having a platelet count of less than 20,000 is considered to be dangerous.

Here is how to increase your platelet count:

1. Animal Protein

It is important to fulfill the body’s B12 requirements for a healthy platelet count. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in keeping our blood cells healthy. So, having foods rich in Vitamin B12 like eggs, liver, seafood, etc. will help you increase your platelet count.

2. Coconut water

You might have noticed coconut water being prescribed to dengue patients by their doctors and there is a scientific reason behind that. According to a 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine, regular intake of coconut water has a positive effect on our red blood cells and hemoglobin. The study also revealed significant increase in platelets and fibrinogen level with decrease in bleeding time and increase in clotting time by coconut water.

3. Papaya Leaf Extract

Using papaya leaf extract to increase the platelet count is a very old home remedy which is also prescribed by the health experts. A study which shows that papaya leaf extract, when used on dengue cases, raises the platelet counts.

The study was conducted on 400 cases, half of whom were in the control group and got a specified quantity of papaya leaf extract in the form of tablets along with the normal dengue treatment. It was discovered that the cases in the control group endured smaller adverse goods and an advanced platelet count while entering papaya drug. Also, they didn’t need blood transfusions.

4. Giloy

Giloy is a creeper plant and the juice made from its leaves is known to have many benefits. According to a 2010 study published in the PubMed Central, Giloy or Tinospora cordifolia is good for blood purification and has a positive effect on white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin which keeps the platelet count in check.

5. Berries

Berries are a particularly rich source of polyphenols. They also contain other bioactive substances, such as vitamin C. A study published in the National Library of Medicine states that: The consumption of moderate amounts of berries resulted in favorable changes in platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and BP. The results indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.