Ever been told you’re low in blood platelets? You know, those little rascals that protect you from losing too much blood when you get a wound? Found in your blood, platelets are irregularly shaped and sticky, with no color. When you get injured, they congregate at the site and form a clot to halt bleeding. Thrombocytopenia, or a low blood platelet count, occurs for a variety of reasons, including genetics, medications, alcohol, viruses, pregnancy and diseases. It can also be caused by heavy menstrual flow. Medicines are available to treat this condition, but certain fruits and vegetables contain the nutrients you need to increase your blood platelets.

But how? Medication?

Blood Platelet Problems

Perhaps. But if you prefer to opt for a natural remedy before heading to your doctor for a prescription, the answer might be sprouting in your garden. That’s right. Consider it your very own “farmacy.” Lying within the leaves and flesh of your fruits and vegetables are several key ingredients to increasing your blood platelets.

Plant-based Nutrition Solutions

Think leafy greens like spinach and kale, both high in Vitamin K. When you’re injured, proteins are activated begin the process of clotting your blood and halt the bleeding. These proteins rely upon vitamin K to get the job done. Low folate can also lead to low platelet count. Found in spinach, broccoli, and asparagus, you can also get folate from orange juice and chickpeas.

If you live in a warm climate, your go-to remedy might be papaya or pomegranate–both are powerhouses for platelet building.

Wheatgrass is amazing for the blood. Comprised of over 70% chlorophyll, it has a remarkably similar molecular structure to that of hemoglobin. This nutrient has a strong effect in overall blood production and can increase platelet count in the body. Wheatgrass is easy to grow, though you will need a special juicer.

Not to be outdone is Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for healthy protein regulation, it helps in the process of cell division and growth. Sources of Vitamin A include carrot, pumpkin, kale and sweet potatoes. With summer approaching, now is a great time to get those sweet potato slips going! Learn how to start your sweet potato slips, otherwise known as sproutlings.

Lean Protein Sources for Blood Platelet Production

Want a little meat with those fruits and vegetables? Lean protein foods are excellent sources of zinc and Vitamin B12 and include turkey, chicken and fish. Oysters are also a high source for zinc and should be included in a diet plan towards increasing platelet production.