Thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is a very common problem for many of us. But we generally do not bother to see the platelet values even during regular complete platelet count because we are ignorant about this blood parameter. Like hemoglobin level, RBC count, it is equally important to remain within the range. Low platelet is more prevalent for the Bengali population. If we are aware of this health issue, we can manage it by only modifying our daily diet. There are many Indian foods that may help you to increase platelet count.

What is Thrombocytopenia ?

Thrombocytopenia is a hematological disorder that decreases the platelet count. If the platelet count is lower than the normal range that is 150,000 /microL, it is called thrombocytopenia.

Table-1: Severity of Thrombocytopenia depending on the platelet count

Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is the second most common hematological disorder, next to anemia. It is common among pregnant women. Around 7 – 10% of pregnant women are suffering from thrombocytopenia whereas 1- 4 % of thrombocytopenic neonates are born with it. (2)

2.5% of the normal population have got thrombocytopenia. There can be bleeding after mild trauma in patients with thrombocytopenia. (3)

Why low platelet count may cause bleeding?

Platelets play an important role in the blood clotting process. Whenever blood comes from a cut or injury in any part of the body, platelets aggregates together and form a clot to stop the bleeding. Hence, if the number of platelets is inadequate, the blood clot is not formed and thus bleeding will not stop. When the platelet count is lower than 50,000 /microL (Severe Thrombocytopenia), there is a risk of bleeding.

Causes of Thrombocytopenia

There are several causes of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). The viral disease, especially Dengue, reduces the platelet count. Several drugs also may cause a low platelet level.

thrombocytopenia is not usually detected until the platelet count falls below 100,000/microL. Severe thrombocytopenia, such as intracerebral and intra-abdominal bleeding may be life-threatening. So, diagnosing the treatment immediately can save a life. (4)

How Thrombocytopenia can be detected?

Platelet count can be measured very easily. Complete blood count (CBC) revealed the platelet number. (5)

Natural Remedies for Low Platelets Count

In our mother nature, several foods have medicinal value. If you have enough knowledge regarding the medicinal values of natural foods, you can easily treat mild to moderate thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) with appropriate foods without medicine.

10 Indian foods to increase platelet counts

Papaya leaf extract

This herbal extract is able to increase the platelet level within a short time. Daily intake of the extract of raw papaya leaves shows positive results within a week. (6) (7) (8) (9)

How to make Papaya leaf Juice?

• Take 2 Papaya leaves
• Remove the stem
• Wash it thoroughly under the running water
• Chop the leaves
• Put it in the blender
• Add 1 cup of water (boiled & cooled) to the chopped leaves
• Blend well
• Strain the juice and serve

Caution: Papaya juice is bitter in taste. Therefore you may need to have a teaspoon of jaggery/ sugar after taking the juice.

Guava and Guava leaves

A study suggests guava extract helps to enhance the platelet count. (10)

The effectivity of guava leaves to increase the platelet level of those suffering from thrombocytopenia is also scientifically proven effective (11)

Trombinol present in guava leaves helps to increase the platelet count. (12)

How to take guava to increase platelet count?

There are two ways to take guava to increase the platelet count –

1. Eat a guava daily and don’t forget to chew well

2. Have a glass of guava leaf extract juice.

• Take 6-8 guava leaves
• Remove the stem
• Wash it thoroughly under the running water
• Chop the leaves
• Put it in the blender
• Add 1 cup of water (boiled & cooled) to the chopped leaves
• Blend well
• Strain the juice and serve

Sweet potato leaves

Intake of sweet potato leaves is also effective to increase the platelet count. (13)

How to make sweet potato leave juice?

• Take 10-15 sweet potato leaves
• Remove the stem
• Wash it thoroughly under the running water
• Chop the leaves
• Put it in the blender
• Add 1 cup of water (boiled & cooled) to the chopped leaves
• Blend well
• Strain the juice and serve

Pomegranate juice

Scientific studies confirm that daily intake of pomegranate juice is very effective to increase platelet count. (14)

Green amaranth leaves (aranthus hybridus)

Amaranth is a commonly available green leafy vegetable in India. The scientific study suggested that this green is capable to increase the platelet count of those suffering from thrombocytopenia. (15) (16)

Kanta Note (Amaranthus spinosus)

This green is also capable to increase the platelet count within a short period. Take these leaves regularly, it will boost your platelet count within 2 weeks. (17)(18)

Pomegranate and sweet lime juices along with green coconut water

A case study confirms that regular intake of pomegranate and sweet lime juices along with green coconut water is very effective to increase the platelet count of dengue patients. It also increases the white blood cell count and hemoglobin level. (19)

Camel milk

Consumption of camel milk is also useful to improve platelet count. (20)

Wheatgrass juice

Fresh wheatgrass juice is very effective to increase the platelet level of blood. (21) (22)

Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, minerals like magnesium, selenium, zinc, chromium, antioxidants like beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), vitamin E, vitamin C, anti anemic factors like vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, pyridoxine, and many other minerals, amino acids, and enzymes, which have significant nutritious and medicinal value. Wheatgrass is a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid content. Thrombocytopenia is lower than the normal number of platelets in the blood. Platelets play an important role in clotting and bleeding.  Wheatgrass significantly increases platelet counts and reduces bleeding and clotting time in thrombocytopenic rats. (23)

Aloe Vera Juice

Fresh aloe vera juice is effective to increase platelet count in patients with low platelet count. (24). Regular consumption of aloe vera juice can improve the platelet level. (25)

Bottom line

Thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is a common health problem among Indians, particularly in Bengali populations. It can be detected by a complete blood count (CBC) test. You should not ignore the health issue. Low platelet count may even cause internal or external hemorrhage which may even risk your life. But if you detect the problem at early, mild to moderate Thrombocytopenia can be treated simply by dietary modifications. Take more red-colored vegetables (like beetroot) and fruits (like pomegranate). You may take wheatgrass juice too. Try these Indian foods to increase your platelet count. You will be fine.