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If you are reading this I can assume that either you or a loved one is suffering from low platelets and are wondering how to increase them. You are not alone, millions world wide also want to know how to increase platelet count. For the next few brief lines we are going to discuss your medical options. In conclusion we will mention and option that for the most part is overlooked although it has proven successful for thousands.
If you are already familiar with standard medical treatments and are looking for additional methods to increase platelets I suggest you skip right to the last three paragraphs of this article.
You can have low platelets for several reasons. Medications taken for other ailments can lower your platelet count. Injuries can also have a negative effect on your counts. In both of these cases your body is producing platelets it is just that an external cause has lowered them. Correcting the issue (stop the offending medication or the bleeding) will cause your platelet counts to go back to normal.
But for many it is not so easy. They suffer from an autoimmune condition called ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura) where the body is actually destroying platelets faster then they are being made causing the low counts. This results in bruising and bleeding and can even lead to hospitalization if not attended too.
Standard medical treatments are geared towards immediate action if counts are so low that your life is threatened and immune suppressing methods if counts are low but not yet dangerous. The treatments used in a life treating situation are temporary and once out of danger the treatment strategy will be changed to the latter.
Temporary Measures
- Transfusions
- Spleen removal
- Blood Filtration
- Infusing Immunoglobulins
Any one or combination of these treatments could be successful for the short term but further long term treatment to suppress the immune system will be needed.
Long Term Treatments
The drug used most is Prednisone. It decreases the antibodies in the body that are attacking the platelets and thereby platelet levels increase. The problem is this treatment is not without its nasty side effects ranging from osteoporosis, obesity, cataracts, diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma and more.
Another treatment involves using synthetic male hormones (Danazole). This needs to be used over a year to see results. Many go into remission using this method of treatment. However it is also not without it's side effects. The main one is risk for liver disease but others include stroke, clots, jaundice and for woman breast shrinkage and facial hair.
Alternative Remedies
Doctors care is imperative for those with ITP or low platelets for what ever reason, however you can do more to improve your situation than go to the doctor. Natural remedies for lupus can also be implemented to increase platelet count. You may scoff at this but it is true. You can actually modulate the part of the immune system causing the problem instead of suppressing the whole thing and possibly damaging it permanently.
This is going to take action on your part. You will have to educate yourself and them implement what you learn. Discipline is necessary but the benefits are well worth the effort. You will not only learn How to Increase Platelet Count naturally but you will also improve your over all health in the long run. That means less hospital and doctors visits. You will get your life back!
This over looked strategy is completely covered in a book written by Louis Cruz titled Conquer Low Platelets. As a doctor he has help many, including family members to overcome low platelets permanently using scientifically backed all natural methods.
@ Elene... thanx for the reply. Part of treatment on the patients side of things is avoiding things that the body can not handle. Often we only think in terms of things we already know are bad for us like smoking, over drinking or eating to much junk foods. But at times it could be even healthy foods like those that contain gluten.
diagnosed with MDS and platelet counts go below normal levels. Red dots all over lower and upper legs, no where else, but platelet count at 55. Other than low dose prednisone, what steps can I take to help counts become more stable? I really would appreciate a reply. JJinhouston
There are many causes for MDS but often the cause can't be determined. If cause is known and can be avoided that would be the first thing to do. But usually that option is not available. Work closely with your doctor and continue to ask questions. It is a proven fact that patients who are actively involved in their treatment get more focused attention from their doctor. Look into building your platelet counts naturally as an addition to your doctor's treatments.
My daughters platelets are constantly between 14 and 19 she gets a cold they go up to 35 but as soon as her cold is gone its right back down to 19. The doctor has been talking about removing her spleen but I really dont want to, and there is a new injection that she may be eligible to get but its expensive (Romiplostim) and lots of side effects. I want to try changing her diet to see if it helps hoping someone has some suggestion on foods that can increase platelets.
Laura, I too just had a cbc done and my platelets came back low at 133. My doctor said he was not concerned due to liver enzymes coming back good. But this is the 3rd time I have been told my platelets were low. I am not on any medication except .25 xanax, Adderal, and a bunch of supplements. So Im wondering if my supplements could cause this, or perhaps Adderal.
You are under doctor's care and that is good. Seems your doctor is not to worried about it. I am not a doctor myself so your doctor's instructions take priority. It would be a good idea however to always get a second opinion. As far as the side effects of Adderal there are quite a few. Google "wiki/Adderall" (no links allowed here). Whether or not it is bringing down your platelet count I couldn't say. Your doctor could answer that. It is good that you ask these very questions of your doctor. It is a proven fact that patients who are active participants in there treatments get more attention from there doctors. Thanks for the comment and sorry it took a couple of week to get back to you. Good health to you!
My Mom has mylodysplasia- her platelet counts are low, she has been seeing a doctor, he gave her Prednezone. This has been for approximately 10 years now. She has fibromyalgia as well, she is always in pain. Her platelets were 32, 37, 50 then back down to 35...that is with the reintroduction of Prednezone. She is 76 and before this and fibromyalgia, was always in great health. What can I study, or do to help her to get her platelets up? She is also due for shoulder surgery, but has to wait for her platelet level to rise. Help, please Mia D.
@ Mia D Sorry to hear about your mother's poor heath. When later in life it is more difficult to maintain good health. Your mom is blessed to have a daughter who looks after her. Since your mother is on Prednisone she is obviously under doctors care. Once you have been on Prednisone for some time it is difficult to get off of it and at your mother's age I doubt she even should. Healthy eating is very important and fruit and vegetables high in vitamin and nutrients are very important in maintaining a properly balanced immune system. One fruit that helps low platelet counts is blueberries. Fresh is best but of course those are not always available. But you can always get them in the frozen food section. Hopefully your mother's appetite is up to par. When my grandmother was sick we had problems getting her to even eat enough. Again I recommend reading "Conqure Low Platelets" mentioned in the above article.
I have just recently had a full blood count and have been told that my platelet level is low, my doctor has said she is unsure why and will do another blood test in a few months. Is this the appropriate way to address this and is there anything I can do to increase them ie. diet etc?
@ Lauren 1... You don't have much information to go on other than your doctor telling you that your counts are low? Since he did't elaborate I would conclude that is is not a serious situation at this time. However being tipped of ahead of time by your doctor is a blessing allowing you to work on improving things now and not later when things are much more serious. It is only common sense that the body will respond to the proper natural treatments will less side effects than using prescription medications. I would recommend that you learn all you can about diet and other healthy habits that have a direct positive effect on your overall health and will improve platelet counts. I would recommend reading "Conquer Low Platelets" mention in the above article. There is also a free book available written by Maggi Pier who successfully used all natural methods to address her daughter seriously low platelet counts. Thanx for posting your concerns and good health to you.
hi laura, i had a cbc and all of my blood results came perfect and in range, but the platelets count were 135 k/ul, where the normal range is (140 - 440 ), my doctor and the lab doctor said that there is nothing to worry about, this may be due to may things, its not a big deal, so should i be worried, cause im a little bit crazy about those stuff :) thanks
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