Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and also referred to as thrombocytes. These thrombocytes play a crucial role in blood clotting and preventing excessive loss of blood. However, elevated levels of platelets in the blood are also associated with a wide range of systemic problems and need to be addressed immediately
Excessive levels of platelets in the blood may result in excessive formation of clots in the blood. These blood clots may get logged into the circulatory system which in turn may hamper the normal blood flow through the body. This condition needs to be treated spontaneously or may result in severe complications like myocardial infarctions or strokes.
What Are The Causes Of High Platelet Count?
There are several factors that are responsible for elevated levels of platelets in the blood. Some of the common conditions include,
- Essential Thromobocythemia: A condition characterized by overproduction of megakaryocytes, the processors of thrombocytes is associated with elevated levels of platelets. This may result in increased risk of formation of blood clots and also results in excessive bleeding and bruising. Individuals with essential thrombocythemia are at a higher risk of developing leukemia or cancer of the bone marrow
- Polycythemia Vera: A relatively less common condition, this condition is characterized by excessive production of Red blood cells in the bone marrow.Often this condition is associated with excessive production of platelets. The other symptoms associated with the condition include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue and breathlessness coupled with headaches and change in skin complexion.
- Cancer: Cancer of the bone marrow tends to result in abnormal production of the platelets which may be responsible for elevated levels of platelets. The cancer may be primary in nature (i.e. cancer of the bone marrow) or secondary (i.e. metastasis of cancer of the colon, stomach, lung or breast).
- Iron Deficiency anemia: As per the Mayo’s Clinic, hemolytic anemia is often associated with secondary rise in the levels of platelets. Though the precise mechanism of the interrelationship is not defined as yet, there is substantial evidence to support this claim.
How To Reduce Elevated Platelet Count?
Treatment of the condition depends upon the underlying cause of condition. Effective treatment for cancer is mandated in cases that are associated with cancer. However here are a few diet tips that can help reduce the levels of platelets in the blood,
- Gluten is considered to increase the levels of platelet in the blood. A gluten free diet is recommended in the management of the condition and also in the treatment of celiac disease. Gluten is a complex protein which is present in wheat. Increase the intake of barley, oats and maize which are free from gluten.
- Eliminate foods like cabbage, turnips, cucumbers, wheat and rye from your diet
- Increase the intake of green leafy vegetables, nuts like almonds and apricots, figs and fresh fruits to increase the intake of iron. Iron supplements can also help in the management of iron deficiency anemia, but may be associated with constipation, especially if you suffer from intestinal disorders.