How to Lower Platelets
Platelets or thrombocytes, play a very important role in our body and influencing the blood clotting process. They help to prevent bleeding wounds and injuries and allow for proper blood circulation in the body. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000/mcL, but different health conditions can cause it to increase, affecting your health. At oneHOWTO we'll give you some tips about how to lower platelets to a normal count.
Steps to follow:
Visit a specialist to know why you have a low platelet count. If, after a full blood panel the results indicate an increase in platelets, it's crucial to consult a hematologist. They will be able to establish the cause of the increase. There are several reasons for platelets to increase. It's important to be informed about them, to seek the most appropriate treatment.
These suggestions help to lower high platelets to a normal level. But, under no circumstances are they substitutes for professional medical treatment. Before taking any of the medicinal plants and natural remedies listed, it's wise to consult a doctor.
Take Ginkgo Biloba tablets. One of the best plants to lower platelets and bring them down to normal levels is ginkgo biloba.Due to its high content of antioxidants and terpenoids, it can prevent clots and reduce blood viscosity.
However, this powerful medicinal plant shouldn't be taken without consulting a doctor. It can influence the effect of certain pain medications such as Ibuprofen and aspirin. Can affect anti-depressives such as Xanax, hepatic medication, anti-convulsive and fluoxetine medication. Moreover, it has several contraindications, which is why it should not be taken by:
- Pregnant or lactating women.
- Children under the age of 12.
- People with anxiety, nervousness or insomnia.
- Patients that take anti-coagulant pills.
- People with external or internal ulcers.
- Women with heavy periods, as bleeding could increase due to its vasodilatory properties.
- Epileptic people or those who suffer from convulsions.
Take ginseng supplements. Ginseng, in addition to fighting fatigue and increasing energy, is also indicated to lower high platelets. This is due to its anticoagulant effect and antioxidant content. Like ginkgo biloba, you should consult a doctor before taking it and can be taken in pills. Take a look at the contraindications of this remedy to lower platelets so you know who should not be taking it:
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Children under 12 years of age.
- People who suffer from anxiety, nervousness or insomnia, as it's a stimulant.
- Patients with varicose veins or vascular diseases.
- People who suffer from hypertension or cardiovascular conditions,. as this plant can increase blood pressure and affect medication.
- Diabetics, as it can interfere with insulin levels.
- Patients with thyroid problems.
- People who suffer from migraine or strong headaches.
- Those who have autoimmune diseases such as lupus or HIV.
- Have had organ transplants.
- Those who take other stimulants such as tea or coffee.
Add raw garlic to your diet. Garlic is a popular home remedy to lower platelets in the blood due to its allicin content, which is a vasodilator and anticoagulant. To maximize its effects, it should be consumed raw, which is why we give you all the keys to eat raw garlic in one of our oneHOWTO articles.
Take omega-3 supplements. They are not only beneficial for healthy skin and to increase good cholesterol levels. Omega-3 rich foods are also great allies to inhibit the production of platelets, helping you reduce their levels. This nutrient canbe foundin:
- Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines trout or anchovies.
- Shellfish such as prawns and crab.
- Egg yolk.
- Vegetable oils such as canola, nut, soy or hazelnut.
- Nuts.
It's recommended to eat cold-water fish three times a week as well as adding several other ingredients that are rich in omega-3 to our diet.
Choose ingredients that are antiplatelet agents. There are other foods that function as antiplatelet agents and prevent clot formation. These include the following:
- Raw onion
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Soybeans
- Red grapes
These ingredients should be added to your diet to lower platelet levels in the blood. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of pomegranates also makes this fruit very useful to lower platelet levels. Take pomegranate juice once a day and this will help you reduce levels or add it to your diet.
Get rid of bad habits. If you want to raise platelet levels, it's also highly important to quit some of the bad habits that may be causing this condition. Start by quitting smoking to reduce the chances of blood clot formation.
Add cinnamon to your diet. Did you know that this spice has a compound known as "cinnamaldehyde" that can also prevent blood clot formation? Try adding a teaspoonful to your oatmeal breakfast or use the benefits of chai tea to increase your intake in cinnamon.
Drink red wine to reduce clot formation. Red wine contains flavonoids, which comes from the skin of red grapes during production. These flavonoids prevent the overproduction of cells in the lining of artery walls (a process caused by too many platelets in the blood). This protects you from clot formation.
Of course, you must not exceed your daily alcohol allowance. There is only one unit of alcohol in about 175ml of wine, and it is important that men do not exceed 4 units per day. Women should limit their drinking to 14 units of alcohol a week. Moreover, it is important that you have at least two alcohol-free days every week.
Foods rich in Vitamin K are not recommended for patients with high platelets, since they can affect the efficacy of anticoagulant medications and also promote platelet aggregation. Avoid eating the following:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Leafy greens
- Beef
Don't forget that diet has a significant impact on your overall health.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Lower Platelets, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.