What Does ‘Platelet Count’ Mean?
‘Platelets’ are a very important component of blood. They are the smallest of the blood cells which facilitate the body in the clotting of the blood, by forming plugs in blood vessel holes.
The role of platelets is very crucial in the case of an injury because these blood cells help the body to form clots in order to stop bleeding. Platelets circulate in the blood with an average lifespan of 5-9 days.
‘Platelet count’ refers to the number of platelets per microliter of circulating blood. The platelet count is considered to be ‘normal’when the number of platelets per microliter of circulating blood ranges between 150,000 and 450,000.
If the platelet count falls below 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood, it is considered to be ‘low platelet count’; and if the platelet count is more than 450,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood, it is considered to be ‘high platelet count.’ The health condition linked to alarmingly low platelet count is known as ‘Thrombocytopenia’; whereas the health condition associated with abnormally high platelet count is called ‘Thrombocytosis.
Some of the common indications of ‘low platelet count’ include fatigue, easy bruising, slow clotting of blood, bleeding gums, and appearance of red/purple spots on the skin. On the other hand, some of the common indications of ‘high platelet count’ include chest pain, weakness, headache, and dizziness (or light-headedness).
How Can ‘Platelet Count’ Be Increased Naturally?
A ‘low platelet count’ can lead to several health complications because this conditions results from reduced production of platelets, presence of platelets in the spleen or increased breakdown of platelets. This condition can put the affected individual at apotentially high risk of internal bleeding or other problems related to blood vessels or clotting of blood.
Platelet count can be increased naturally with the help of certain foods which are readily available and are also quite cheap. However, if the number of platelets is severely low, it is advisable to seek medical treatment in time, so as to avoid complications.
Some of the foods which can be helpful in increasing platelet count naturally are:
Steamed Vegetables
The addition of steamed vegetables to daily diet can be very beneficial for people having a low platelet count. There are certain vegetables which, when taken in steamed form, can give a notable boost to platelet count. These vegetables are: pumpkin, cabbage, potatoes, peas, carrot, turnip, beans,bottle gourd, round gourd, bitter melon, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Sprouts
The intake of sprouts is also a very convenient way to increase platelet count naturally. Patients with low platelet counts are generally advised to include sprouts of green lentils, bengal grams, beans and fenugreek to their diet.
Fruits
Making changes to the diet in order to include certain fruits can also be very effective in increasing the platelet count in a safe and natural manner. Some of the fruits which should be a part of the diet of patients with low platelet count include apples, bael, papaya, banana, pears, and pomegranate.
However, it is pertinent to note that people with low platelet count should avoid the intake of citrus fruits like lemon, orange and sweet lemon.