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Dengue scare: 7 natural ways to increase platelet naturally

Dengue cases are increasing in several parts of the country. The mosquito-borne causes platelets to drop. Here are 7 natural remedies to increase platelet naturally.

Published by Dimple Jangda

Updated On: 17 Oct 2023, 06:26 pm IST

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Dengue or break bone fever is a mosquito-borne disease that causes blood clots and impairs blood coagulation. It damages the body’s platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot and makes it difficult to combat infections. It causes the platelet count to decrease because the virus that causes platelet damage mainly affects the blood cells of the sufferer. These blood clots can usually form in the patient’s capillaries. However, at times, they can also form outside the blood vessels and block blood circulation to different parts of the body.

When the patient has blood clots, it causes the patient to feel faint and develop complications. When dengue hits, it causes the bone marrow which produces platelets to suppress, resulting in a drop in platelet production. Dengue also affects blood cells which also causes platelets to drop. Antibodies that are produced during this time can lead to further destruction of platelets.

What are the signs of low platelets?

A drop in platelets can lead to severe consequences, so it is crucial to look out for the signs. Here are the signs of low platelets you should know:

Red, purple, or brown bruises, called purpura
Nosebleeds
Bleeding gums
A rash with small red or purple dots called petechia
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Bleeding from wounds that persist or do not cease
Blood in your urine
Bloody or very dark vomit
Blood in your stool

They can occasionally also develop outside of blood vessels and obstruct blood flow to other bodily parts. These blood clots have the potential to make the patient feel dizzy and lead to other serious consequences. Blood cells that are infected with the dengue virus suppress the bone marrow that makes platelets, which lowers platelet production and damages platelets.

Is it possible to increase platelet count naturally?

You can improve platelet count naturally, but it doesn’t mean that it is an alternative to medication. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, prevent excessive bleeding and allow the healing of injured areas by forming blood clots. The loss of platelets or thrombocytes is a condition called thrombocytopenia. The platelet count should be in the range of 150,000 to 400,000. Any decrease in platelet count can lead to dire consequences. You should focus on increasing your intake of Vitamin B12, iron, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

Tips to increase platelet count naturally

Here are some tips to increase platelet count naturally:

Drinking milk and dairy products may help increase platelet count.
Eat vegetables such as spinach, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, parsley, asparagus, cabbage, watercress, pumpkin, turnips, red and green bell pepper, tomatoes, beetroot, Brussels sprouts and carrots.
Include more fruits rich in vitamin C in your diet. You should eat lime, lemon, kiwi, papaya, orange, Indian gooseberry, grapefruit, grapes, mangoes, pineapple, pomegranate, and guava.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants like strawberries, blueberries, and more.
You should include lentils, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, kidney beans, walnuts, unsweetened breakfast cereals, and black-eyed peas, in your diet.
Avoid processed foods such as sugar, junk food, alcohol, and beverages that may aggravate the problem.

dengue prevention — How to increase platelet count naturally? Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Home remedies to increase platelet naturally

1. Papaya leaf extract: Boil 4-5 papaya leaves in water to prepare a concoction and drink.
2. Wheatgrass juice: Drink a cup of wheatgrass juice with some lemon squeezed in it.
3. Raisins: Soak overnight and eat in the morning.
4. Fenugreek seeds water: Soak a teaspoon of seeds overnight in one glass of water. Strain the water the next morning, warm it up a bit, and drink it.
5. Vegetable juice: Prepare a concoction of aloe vera juice, beetroot juice, and carrot juice and drink.
6. Pumpkin juice: Squeeze a pumpkin and extract half a glass of juice. Add 1 teaspoon of honey in it.
7. Tomato juice with spinach: Take about 4-5 leaves of fresh spinach and boil it in two cups of water for 2-3 minutes. Let it cool and mix it with half a glass of tomato juice.