What foods can help increase platelet count?
Disease description:
A friend's child has leukemia and a very low platelet count. I would like to visit them. Could you please advise what foods can help increase platelet levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
To increase platelets, consider consuming the following foods:
1. High-protein foods: such as milk, lean meat, fish, eggs, and legumes. These foods are rich in high-quality protein, one of the essential components for building platelets.
2. Iron-rich foods: Iron is a crucial component in the production of hemoglobin, which is closely related to platelets. Good sources of iron include animal liver, lean meat, eggs, and vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes.
3. Foods rich in vitamins: especially vitamins C and K. The former aids in iron absorption, while the latter directly participates in platelet production. Fresh fruits such as oranges, lemons, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C, while leafy green vegetables like spinach and celery are high in vitamin K.
4. Specific ingredients: such as peanut skins, red-skinned peanuts, walnuts, and other dried nuts, as well as traditional Chinese herbs like Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Chinese yam (Shan Yao), which are also believed to be beneficial for increasing platelet count.
Please note that although the above foods may help increase platelets to some extent, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. If the platelet count drops significantly, it is recommended to consult a qualified physician and consider medication as appropriate.
