How can I raise my platelet count? (With food)

Hi @denisem20 Doing a quick search I found several articles which talk about possibly increasing platelets through diet. Foods high in certain vitamins and minerals may help the body make and maintain platelets in the blood.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-platelet-count
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https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/blood-conditions/8-things-that-can-increase-your-blood-platelet-count
There’s also a discussion in the forum regarding nutrition for Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP): What helps?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/idiopathic-thrombocytopenia-prpura-itp/
However, while nutrients from foods may help with blood production because of an overall healthy diet, addressing the underlying cause for the platelet decrease is crucial. Depending on the diagnosis, there may be a need for treatment beyond diet.

As platelets get lower there is an increased risk for serious bleeding with cuts, internal bleeding or nosebleeds, etc. If you’re seeing more indication of this, your husband can always get in for an earlier blood test to make sure he doesn’t need a platelet infusion. Has your husband been diagnosed with a platelet disorder? You mentioned treatments, what is he being treated for?

I take papaya leaf extract to
Raise my platelets. It comes in capsules as well
From Herbal Goodness. It’s expensive but it works. Also
Wheatgrass.
I have MDS with my platelets running 30 to 40.

Hi @1deedee, we do have to cautious with taking any supplements like papaya leaf extract when we have blood cancers.
While they may have some great potential value, such as boosting platelets and over all health because of anti-inflammatory properties, they can also interfere with our disease and medications. I wasn’t able to take turmeric with AML for instance.
You mentioned that you’re having upcoming surgery and that your recent platelet infusions didn’t work. Does your doctor know about the supplements you take?

I did mention it to her. She didn’t say much except if it raises my platelets that is good. I have read some hematologists recommend it. I take wheatgrass as well. She didn’t say much about that either. I don’t overdue it. I take half of what they recommend you take. My red and white counts are very good. I know they say to
Stop the papaya leaf extract and wheatgrass 10 days before surgery because it could interfere with the anaesthesia. It is good for thought though. They are also checking me now for Von Wellebrand disease.

So I will be on Inqovi either injectable or pill just like to hear how this drug affected other MDs fighters out here thanks

My Mom was just diagnosed. Do you take any other supplements or medications. She’s on Aranesp.

Hi @cajungigi17 Welcome to Mayo Connect. This is a great forum to Connect with fellow members who have the same diagnosis! We can all share what works for us. Just remember that we’re not medical professionals so we can’t prescribe treatments, only offer our experiences.

It’s really important if you mom has been newly diagnosed with a blood disorder that she doesn’t take any supplements or other medications without checking with her hematologist and/or pharmacist first. Many supplements can interfere or potentially interact with the Aranesp she’s taking for Anemia.
Would you mind sharing your mom’s diagnosis?

No I am a watch and see. I did try to take prednisone a few years ago but it gave me a terrible headache and I felt nauseous. I am not taking any treatments. The wheatgrass and papaya leaf capsules help raise my platelets. My red and white cells are normal.

It is true what Lori said in his reply. I am not a doctor and it is best to always follow your doctor’s advice. MDS is a complicated disease. However I have been living with it for 7 years. There are a lot of new treatments available now. Keep yourself informed.

Hello @loribmt, this is denisem20, my husband was diagnosed with ITP, he has diabetes type 1, IDDM. He’s had the Ribuxm (I don’t resemble the spelling) treatment and prednisone. The doctor was able to see him and he was very low, 6000! The doctor thankfully immediately called in some prednisone. That has worked so far. He’s up at 91000. He’s still on prednisone as we speak. The only downfall is his glucose goes up really high. Even with diet it’s hard to control his glucose. This time around he’s also experiencing stomach discomfort and constipation. We have talked about splenectomy but we are worried because of his IDDM.