What is low platelet count, and what should you eat to recover from it?


Quick Answer

A person's blood platelet count is considered low when it is less than 150,000 platelets per microliter during a blood test and dangerously low when under 50,000, according to MedlinePlus. The Platelet Disorder Support Association offers advice on what to eat for those with this condition, including eating more fruits and vegetables.

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Full Answer

Leafy green vegetables, such as kale, are an especially effective treatment option for people with low blood platelets, explains the Platelet Disorder Support Association. Following a macrobiotic diet by eating more quantities of vegetables, whole grains and beans and less quantities of animal-based products, such as milk, meat and poultry may also help a person's platelet count and bleeding problems. Another way to improve blood platelet-related symptoms is to follow a lower-calorie diet.

Preliminary studies show that people who eat fewer calories increase their platelet production versus people who do not. Eating fewer calories may also slow the aging of the cardiovascular system and prevent the onset of bone marrow fibrosis, which can cause low blood platelets, notes the Platelet Disorder Support Association. There are also a number of foods that may cause the body to produce fewer platelets. These foods usually contain quinine, aspartame or alcohol and should be avoided to improve platelet count.

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