Best foods to increase platelet count in dengue infection | Dengue treatment food

Posted On December 5, 2021October 30, 2022

Introduction

Does goat milk help to boost platelet count? Well! There are a lot of myths and misconceptions like this… Here, I’ll clear all your doubts and provide you best food to increase platelet count in dengue with scientific evidence.

Guys! Platelets are a crucial component of our blood.

When you get injured, platelets clump together to make the blood clot and stop bleeding. This is the primary function of our platelets. 

But in dengue infection, if you expose to a dengue mosquito’s bite, the dengue virus sticks to your platelet cells and starts to decrease their counts. During this condition, we lose the count of platelets. This increases the severity of dengue infection.

In this post, we will know – 

• how to increase platelet count naturally, or 
• what to eat in dengue to increase platelets, and 
• dengue food diet

Here, I’ll reveal the top 10 super-foods to increase platelet count in dengue. 

So, let’s get started right away.

Symptoms of low platelet count in dengue 

If you think that you have a low platelet count in your blood. In this case, you may feel – 

• Headache 
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Confusion

In extreme conditions, you may observe bleeding from the nose, mouth, stool etc. 

You need to consult your doctor if you find any bleeding in your body.  

For more information, you may read my post on signs of dengue fever

Causes of low platelet count

Dengue infection is not only the reason for low platelet count. Several reasons may also cause thrombocytopenia (low platelets) like – 

• Anaemia
• Blood cancer like Leukaemia 
• Viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis C
• Nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12 (methyl-cobalamin) and B9 (folic acid) 
• Chronic alcohol consumption
• Chemotherapy and radiation exposure
• Pregnancy (gestational thrombocytopenia, especially in the third trimester)

Normal platelet count by age

A healthy person’s normal range of platelets is around 150000 to 450000 per μL (microliter).

According to a study, platelet counts are clearly affected by age.

Platelet density remains stable if you are in the age group of 25 to 60 years old. But as you get older (+60 years), your platelets start to decrease. 

Regarding infants or children, a healthy child’s normal platelet count range is between 250,000 μL and 450,000 μL. Most children commonly have mild thrombocytosis (increased platelet counts above the upper limit of normal). 

Dengue platelet count danger level

When to worry about low platelet count! 

In dengue infection, your platelet count falls below 100,000/ μL, which leads to a condition known as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

Generally, thrombocytopenia can be classified into three categories – 

• Mild thrombocytopenia (platelet count 100,000 to 150,000/ μL),
• Moderate thrombocytopenia (50,000 to 99,000/ μL),
• Severe thrombocytopenia (<50,000/ μL)

You need to worry if your platelet counts are too low in dengue infection. 

Severe thrombocytopenia can be dangerous for you because it may cause bleeding that leads to life-threatening. In this condition, you may require hospitalization or platelet transfusion. 

How to increase platelet count in dengue at home 

Although, there is no exact treatment option available for dengue infection. You need to take only supportive care. 

For example, if you have a fever during a dengue infection, you should take only a paracetamol tablet. For gastric ulcers – you can take PPI (e.g., Rabeprazole).

Apart from this, you must take certain foods that increase platelet count fast in your blood. For example, 

• Eating more iron-rich foods
• Eating more citrus fruits
• Increase intake of green leafy vegetables
• Consume vitamin B12 foods like fish, chicken, eggs and other animal products
• Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like fish, nuts, seeds and plant oils
• Nutritional supplements like vitamin B12 (methyl-cobalamin), vitamin B9 (folic acid), and ferrous (iron)
• Stop alcohol consumption

What to eat in dengue to increase platelets

There are a lot of foods that increase platelets count naturally in your blood. Here, I have mentioned the best food to increase platelets in dengue. 

1. Papaya leaf in dengue

Papaya leaf extract is a popular remedy for dengue infection. But sometimes you do doubt – does papaya leaf increase platelet count?

Yes. Many scientific studies say that papaya leaves effectively increase platelet count. 

Although papaya leaf has a bitter taste. But it is effective in dengue fever. 

According to an experimental animal study, fresh Carica papaya (C.Papaya) leaf extract was given to mice. It was found a significant rise in RBC count and platelets level.

The effects of C.Papaya leaf has also been seen in human being. In the randomized controlled trial (RCT) study, patients received papaya leaf juice during dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). 

It was observed that papaya leaf significantly increases the platelet count in patients with dengue fever. 

So, Papaya leaves can be used as a medication to boost platelets level. Drinking the juice of papaya leaves every day can be recommended until your platelet count doesn’t come to normal.

2. Coconut water in dengue

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) water is a powerhouse of minerals that contains vital electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, etc. 

The effect of coconut water on platelets was observed in an experiment on healthy rabbits. In this study, it was revealed that coconut water remarkably increased platelet count and fibrinogen level. 

Moreover, it decreases bleeding time and increases clotting time. So, it is a popular drink to boost platelet count. 

Dengue fever may cause dehydration in your body. Coconut water also helps to make your body hydrated. Taking 1-2 glasses of coconut water is recommended to prevent dehydration. 

3. Wheat grass for platelets

Wheat-grass (Triticum aestivum) is also a popular and economical plant for dengue fever patients. 

A study published in the Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological, and Chemical Sciences (RJPBCS), 2017, reveals that wheatgrass juice helps to improve your platelet count. 

It also elevates your other haematological parameters like haemoglobin, RBC count, and lymphocytes.

Wheat-grass is rich in natural antioxidants, containing vitamins C, E, and Glutathione.

Due to this, it is also associated with many other health benefits like cancer prevention, lower cholesterol, reduced blood sugar level, joint disease, and decreased inflammation.

You may consume a cup of fresh wheat-grass juice with some lemon juice. 

4. Kiwi fruit in dengue

Can kiwi increase platelet? There is another myth and dilemma about Kiwi fruit.

Kiwi is an expensive and unique fruit. You have seen that people buy kiwi fruit to boost platelet count, especially for Dengue infection. 

But no scientific evidence supports the claim that there is a direct relation between kiwi fruit and increased platelet count. 

Kiwi is a citrus fruit that contains a lot of vitamin C. Therefore, it might help boost platelet count.

You can add kiwi fruit to your dengue food diet because it has many other health benefits. 

Kiwi fruit is very beneficial for cardiovascular disease (like ischemic heart disease) because kiwi has potent antiplatelet and antioxidant properties. It reduces platelet aggregation and lowers cholesterol levels. 

The effect of kiwi fruit has been seen in febrile dengue when combined with papaya leaf extract. 

A study published in the International ayurvedic medical journal (IAMJ), in 2020 concluded that combined therapy of papaya and kiwi fruit has a remarkable effect on the rise of platelet count during febrile dengue. 

In this study, a pulp of kiwi fruit once a day and papaya leaves extract 30 ml twice daily have improved haematological profiles.  

5. Pomegranate increases platelets

It is the best fruit to boost your platelet level. In a study published in the Alexandria Journal of Medicine 2017, the effect of pomegranate juice has been seen in healthy volunteers. 

It was observed potent anti-thrombocytopenic effect after taking natural pomegranate juice. It also reduces inflammation and free radicals and lowers cholesterol levels. 

6. Citrus fruits for dengue patient

Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which helps to absorb iron and increase platelet count in your body. 

The effect of vitamin C was analyzed in dengue patients in a retrospective study published in the International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019. 

In this study, it was seen increased platelets count in patients who were taking vitamin C. 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps remove free radicles from the body. It also helps in boosting your immunity. 

Citrus fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamin C. It includes oranges, lemons, kiwifruit, raspberries, strawberries, amla, tomatoes, and broccoli. 

Vitamin C is generally recommended for all patients with Dengue fever.

7. Vitamin B12 foods to increase platelet count

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is crucial in producing red blood cells. Animal-based foods are rich in vitamin B12, like – fish, meat, chicken, eggs, and dairy products. 

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the daily recommended intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg in adults.

A prospective study published in the Journal of Association of the Physicians of India, 2018 observed that vitamin B12 deficiency may be responsible for severe thrombocytopenia (significantly fewer platelets count).

So, it would be best to take for producing RBC cells and platelet levels in your body, especially in dengue fever.  

8. Vitamin K foods to increase platelet count

Bleeding and haemorrhage problem are classical signs of vitamin K deficiency. 

The primary function of vitamin K is activating proteins (such as prothrombin) that make blood clotting. Moreover, it helps in the development of your bones. 

The recommended daily intake of vitamin K is 120mcg, as per NIH.

During dengue, you may have bleeding due to fewer platelets count. Therefore, you should have sufficient Vitamin K in your body.  

The natural sources of vitamin K (phylloquinone) are green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, and kale. 

Vitamin K is also in fewer amounts in soya products like soybeans and soyabean oil.

9. Aloe vera juice for dengue patients

Aloe vera is generally considered a miracle plant because it has various health benefits such as – 

• Control diabetes 
• Cardioprotective effect  
• Digestive disease protection 
• Skin protection
• Bone protection
• Anticancer effects 
• Antimicrobial activity
• Prebiotic property 
• Anti-inflammatory property
• Antioxidant property

Aloe vera is used for medicinal purposes. It contains 75 active chemical constituents, but important active chemical compounds are aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, emodin, and acemannan. 

The role of aloe vera has been seen in dengue patients because it normalizes the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelet count through the antioxidant property. 

It would be best if you also considered this aloe vera herb in your dengue food diet. 

10. Tulsi leaves in dengue

Tulsi is known as the “Queen of Herbs” as it has numerous health benefits. 

Still, there is no scientific study on platelet levels, but tulsi leaves have an anti-dengue activity. 

You must also include tulsi leaves in your dengue food diet.

Nutritional supplements that help to increase platelet count

You can take nutritional supplements like tablets or capsules if you are not getting enough nutrients from natural sources to increase platelet counts. 

You may also do combination therapy like nutritional supplements with natural foods. This combination can boost your platelet count in dengue infection. 

In nutritional supplements, you can take – 

• Folic acid tablet (Vitamin B9)
• Methyl-cobalamin supplement (Vitamin B12)
• Iron supplement (Ferrous salt)
• Vitamin K supplements
• Chewable vitamin C tablets (Limcee)
• Zinc tablets 
• Vitamin D3 granules sachet 
• Multivitamin supplements

Medicine that increases platelets in dengue

There is no such medicine to boost platelet count in dengue. 

You can take Carica papaya leaf extract tablets. It is a herbal supplement that comes with the brand name Caripill.

You may take caripill 500 mg daily for 5 days. This supplement effectively controls thrombocytopenic conditions and increases the platelet count. 

Foods to avoid if you have low platelets in dengue 

You must avoid certain foods or beverages that decrease platelet count in dengue infection. It includes – 

• Alcohol 
• Smoking 
• Oily and fried foods
• Caffeine 
• Carbonated drinks 
• Spicy foods
• Saturated fat 

In addition, you should avoid NSAIDs pain-killer in dengue because these medicines decrease the platelet count.

Conclusion

Above mention, certain foods are natural ways to increase platelet count. These foods have scientific evidence that suggests increased platelets count.

However, if you are having severe thrombocytopenia symptoms. It would be best if you take medical treatment immediately. 

If you have any query regarding this post – foods to increase platelet count. Let me know in the comments below. I will try my best to answer all of them. 

Please share it on social media if you find this post informative.

Stay healthy & protect yourself from dengue infection.

FAQ

Q 1. Does turmeric increase platelet count?

No. Turmeric does not increase platelet count. But turmeric does not let down the platelet level and other haematological parameters. It contains curcumin that exerts anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activity, which prevents platelet aggregation.

Q 2. Does milk increase platelet count?

No. Milk does not have the property to increase platelet count. There is no scientific evidence that suggests milk increases the platelet count. But milk contains many healthy nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin D etc. So, you may take milk for dengue infection. 

Q 3. Does coconut water increase platelets?

Yes. There is a well-proven study of coconut water on platelet count. Coconut water is a popular drink that reduces dehydration and increases the platelet count in dengue infection. 

Q 4. Which fruits increase platelets fast?

Pomegranate is the best fruit that maintains your all-haematological parameters (like red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). Along with this fruit, you can add vitamin-C-rich fruits (kiwi, amla, orange, strawberries, tomato etc.) and coconut water. These fruits help to boost platelet count fast in dengue infection. 

Q 5. How can I raise my platelet count fast?

Papaya leaf extract is the ultimate option to boost platelet count fast in your blood. You must include this remedy in your dengue food diet to recover from dengue infection.  

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