5 foods that can help in increasing platelet count

5 foods that can help in increasing platelet count When you're suffering from vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, your platelet count becomes low which can be potentially fatal if it isn't treated on time. Platelets are responsible for preventing excessive blood loss during injuries by forming blood clots and attending to damaged blood vessels. A healthy person has 150,000 to 450,000 platelets every microlitre of blood. Minal Asurlekar, Clinical Dietitian at Hinduja Hospital says these five foods will help in improving your platelet count along with conventional treatment.Kiwi Kiwi can help in increasing your platelet level and the best part is, it is now easily available in every local market. Have at least two kiwis a day to see some results while undergoing medical treatment. It is also useful for those suffering from anemia, vitamin B deficiency and other viral infections.Dragon fruit Dragon fruit is considered as an exotic food in India but it is available in wholesale markets and some supermarkets. Asurlekar says she has observed that dragon fruit helps in improving platelet count in dengue patients due to its antioxidant properties.Egg whites Egg whites are a cheap way to boost your platelet count as they contain albumin which is a vital protein found in the blood plasma.Milk and milk products Milk and milk products are great sources of calcium which can help in boosting your platelet count during your treatment. If you don't consume adequate calcium, your body will take much longer to form blood clots especially when you suffer from any injury.Papaya leaves Papaya leaves contain enzymes like chymopapin and papain that help in improving low platelet counts. Asurlekar says you can boil papaya leaves for around 15 minutes and drink that water twice a day.