Blood and body

How to Lower Platelets

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: February 16, 2021
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.

You may also be interested in: How to Lower Your Hematocrit Levels

Steps to follow:

1

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.

2

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.
How to Lower Platelets - Step 2
3

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.
4

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.

5

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.

How to Lower Platelets - Step 5
6

Choose ingredients that are antiplatelet agents. There are other foods that function as antiplatelet agents and prevent clot formation. These include the following:

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.

7

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.

How to Lower Platelets - Step 7
8

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.

9

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.

How to Lower Platelets - Step 9
10

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.

Write a comment
What did you think of this article?
20 comments
Rating:
Ed Parker
how to lower platelets in your blood
Rating:
barbara decandia
iT'S VERY HELPFUL TO KNOW WHICH FOODS, ETC. ARE HELPFUL. I'VE BEEN EATING SPINACH FOR GLAUCOMA AND EYE HEALTH. SO, I HAVE A CONFLICT. ARE THERE SPECIFIC VITAMINS THAT HELP. I ALSO EAT RAW GARLIC AND POMEGRANATE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FOODS OR OTHER TO EAT MORE OF. THANK YOU AND PLEASE INCLUDE MY EMAIL FOR ANY PUBLICATIONS, ETC. THAT YOU MIGHT OFFER.
Rating:
Beverly
Can my food consumption lower a platelet count of 750 if I'm serious about eating? Doctors want me to take oral chemo and I refuse but also, I do not feel very strong. Thanks
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Beverley,

While you certainly have a say in your own care, the doctors should have all the information you need. If you think they are wrong about your diagnosis or treatment options, you should get a second opinion. It must be a difficult time, but unless you have a good reason to refuse a doctor's advice, they should have your best interests at heart.
Rating:
Todd
I have ITP how can I raise my platelet count ranges from 43\ thousand to 85 thousand I don't have HIV or HEB c or all the hep bs my doctor just check so it was non reactive
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Todd,

We have an article on how to raise platelet levels:

https://health.onehowto.com/article/how-to-increase-platelet-levels-187.html

However, you should always check with your doctor if you are concerned about these problems.
Rating:
Betsy
Only three times a year for cold water fish.....I would think you mean 3 times a week?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Betsy,

Yes of course, this is a typo! Thanks for pointing it out, we have now amended the article accordingly.
Rating:
SANDRA
SHOULDNT EAT THESE VEGTABLES CONTINAING VITAMIN K IF ON AN ANTICOAG. SO WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST THEN
steve
This article is confusing. Is Broccoli good to bring down platelets count or not?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Steve
No, we recommend avoiding broccoli if you’re looking to lower platelets.
joyce
my mother has a high platelet count over 900. she has been treated with hydroxyurea which she had to stop taking because she couldn't eat anything. she is 96 years old and I am trying to find a way to lower the platelets without medication or a medication that will not affect her eating help please.
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Joyce.
Some foods that can help lower platelet count include; pumpkin, milk, papaya, pomegranate, Vitamin A rich foods (liver/salmon), folate rich foods (eggs, leafy greens, broccoli, legumes) and vitamin K rich foods (Kale, asparagus, spinach).
Rating:
Ellen
Reassuring that there are natural ways to correct high platelet counts
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Ellen,

Glad we can help. We do always recommend speaking to a doctor if there are platelet issues and these options can be discussed further.
Sisir kanti ghosh
My son age 22 platecount 14lake.takeing hydrya 3nos.a day .is it possible to control your above mentioned home remadies.
Thanking you.
Sisir kanti ghosh.
Rating:
abdul k khan
My wife has High platelets about 15yrs. Her spleen and liver size larging day to days . I looking treatment
to reduce her platecounts and reduce/shrink her spleen and liver. I am looking auyuvedric treatment. Thks
Rating:
RAHL
Have been diagnosed with ET currently platlet level 1000. Treatment advised by doctor and started is just baby aspirin. They say not necessary to taking medication as yet and just to be monitored but I want to help myself naturally to try to bring my level down by following the above even tho Drs say without medication cant be done ! Is Ginko safe to take whilst am also taking baby Aspirin ?
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Rahl,

Gingko Biloba works as a blood thinner as does aspirin. They are not recommended to be taken together. As always, articles here are for information purposes only and are not a replacement for a doctor's advice, so ask them again if you are unsure of treatment.
senthil
Need suggestion to reduce platelet level .....
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Senthil,

Do you mean other than the advice given in the article? Let us know to see if we can help!
SL
OneHowTo Editor
Above article says AVOID those food


Avoid eating the following:

Broccoli
Spinach
Lettuce
Cabbage
Leafy greens
Beef

But your answer is to eat above..So which is correct may I confirm!?
OneHowTo Editor
Sorry about that, the comment is wrong, foods mentioned in the article should be avoided. Any other vegetables except those high in vitamin K should give you the amount of vitamins and nutrients your body needs.

Hope this helps
nataline
what about coffee and what vegtables are good to lower high platelets
OneHowTo Editor
As it mentions in the article the best vegetables to lower platelets are the following:
Raw onion
Soybeans
Broccoli
Spinach
Lettuce
Cabbage
Leafy greens
Regarding coffee, according to a study by the National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition, moderate coffee consumption can be beneficial too.
Hope this helps!
Diane Hawkins
I eat a lot of these foods, already. I exercise regularly and my BMI is 18. My platelets were 412,000. Should I be concerned? Do I need to take a baby aspirin? My fear is stroke or blood clot. Thank you.
OneHowTo Editor
Have you been diagnosed with the underlying problem of your high platelet count? If not, visit your GP with your blood test results to find out.
If you do know, there may be something about your condition that is keeping your platelets high and therefore must be looked into too.
Hope this helps
Rating:
darathy sagunthala
My daughter aged 17 years. In blood result on 20.8.16, platelets counts are XXX-XXX-XXX. I should know what will I do to reduce the counts. And also we are going to consult the doctor. Already last year Nov.2015 to Feb.16, we have consulted two doctors regarding this platelets. They are advised the counts are reduced gradually in three times of blood results Last counting is XXX-XXX-XXX. There is no symptoms in her body. And also thyroid in her body. So she is taking Thronam 75mg everyday. Anything else no probem. But on 20/8/16 in her blood results, again platelets increase problem. What will we do and how to reduce it. please advise me in this regard. Thanks
Rekha sherigar
my total WBC count 10630 cells/cum m and platelet count is 413 Thou/Cu mm. What should i do to reduce this
OneHowTo Editor
Follow the tips given in this article and make sure you also take notice at your doctor's recommendations.
Hope this helps
Rating:
noreen togalon
my sister have a very high platelets 1300,000
we are also seek a medical assistant, but the doctor told as to do some test for her, if you eat those food it was automatically go down her platelets?
Jane Bertin (oneHOWTO editor)
All these foods are recommended, but the source of the problem must be found, and the doctor's instructions must be followed. These can be supplements to the treatment, but on their own they are not enough when the platelet count is so high.
Babs
Are there any other food suggestions? The foods that you said not to eat are the foods that I was eating continuously, when I acquired this issue . I have contacted my doctors with the information provided on this website to give me more insight .
OneHowTo Editor
Hi Babs,
The foods stated in this articles are the ones that will be more effective if you want to lower platelets. It's a good idea to consult your doctor, as he/she will be able to give you more detailed information that can be useful for your particular case. Let us know if you have any other recommendations that could be useful for other users.
Hope the article helped!
Georgina
What about eating or drinking lots of moringa tea and dandelions?
OneHowTo Editor
Yes, dandelion root when combined with tea con lower platelet levels, though you should use it with care. Talk to your doctor before using this home remedy.
1 of 5
How to Lower Platelets