Understanding Platelets: Functions, Causes of Low Platelets, and Natural Ways to Increase Them

In the human body there are three blood cells namely red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These three blood cells have their respective functions in the body. Thrombocytes are blood cells that play a major role in the blood clotting process.

Platelet counts in adults can be said to be normal if they have a number of around 150,000 – 450,000 per microliter (mcl). If the amount is below 150,000/mcl, then you can be sure that the blood clotting process will be seriously disturbed.

Therefore, decreased platelets is not a good thing for the body because it can cause serious problems. So, what are the functions of platelets that need to be maintained in the body? Check out the full discussion below.

Thrombocyte Function

Quoted from the book Teach Nursing Care with Disorders of the Hermatological System by Wiwik Handayani, platelets have the main function for the body, namely:

1. Prevents Blood Loss

The first function is to clog damaged blood vessels so that the occurrence of a lot of blood loss can be minimized. Thus, the platelets remain in a normal state and will circulate throughout the body through the bloodstream.

However, within seconds of discovering damage to a vessel, platelets rush to the area in response to the collagen present in the subendothelial layer of the vessel. After that, platelets will stick to the damaged surface and release a number of substances (serotonin and histamine) that cause vasoconstriction of vessels.

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2. Facilitate Wound Healing

Another function of platelets is as a means for the body to facilitate wound healing on parts of the body. Therefore, when you are experiencing an injury to a part of the body, platelets will gather at the wound site and then trigger the blood vessels to hold back the blood so that not much comes out.

Then, these platelets will form blood clotting threads called fibrin threads. These fibrin threads form a net-like formation that will cover the wound area thereby stopping active bleeding that occurs in the wound.

3. Blood Coagulation

The next function of platelets is to carry out blood clotting. Not much different from the function of leukocytes, platelets also have the same function as white blood cells in general.

4. Against viruses

The last function is to fight viruses that enter the body that can cause a person to contract a certain disease. If the number of platelets in the body is below normal, this will cause the body to be more susceptible to various diseases.

Reason Low Platelet

As previously explained, platelet levels can be said to be normal if they have a number of around 150,000 – 450,000 per microliter (mcl). If the number is below 150,000/mcl, it means that the platelet level is decreasing. If this is allowed, then the virus will more easily enter the body and can be attacked by various diseases.

There are various causes of low platelets, which are as follows:

• The spinal cord is not sufficient to produce platelets
• Platelets undergo destruction in the bloodstream, liver, and spleen
• Are undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
• The influence of drugs that are being consumed by detikers
• Autoimmune disease, which is when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless objects as threats
• There is a severe infection in the blood that causes the destruction of platelets
• Too many alcoholic drinks
• Women who are pregnant usually have platelet levels below normal, but this condition is considered mild and will gradually improve after delivery
• Presence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in the body, which can occur when a blood clot is small enough to remove many platelets.

How to Increase Platelets Naturally

After knowing the cause of decreased platelets, of course there are ways to increase platelets in the body naturally that can be done

Here’s the explanation below.

1. Eating Healthy Food

The first way to increase platelets quickly is to eat healthy foods that are also processed in a good way, such as vegetables and fruits.

In addition, reduce consumption of processed foods, especially oily ones, refined sugar, junk food, alcoholic beverages, and caffeine to prevent decreased platelet count. This is because these foods can inhibit the production of platelets by the bone marrow.

2. Consume Vitamin B12

The next way is to consume vitamin B12 which is able to maintain healthy blood cells. Reported from Journal of Family Medicinea deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause a low platelet count.

Sources of vitamin B12 can be obtained by eating animal foods such as beef liver, mussels and eggs. Although vitamin B12 can also be obtained through milk and cheese, several studies have shown that cow’s milk can interfere with platelet production.

3. Consume Folic Acid

Consuming folic acid can also help increase platelets. This is because folate is a B vitamin that can form red blood cells. A number of foods that contain natural folate are nuts, eggs, spinach, kale, bananas, and oranges.

4. Consuming Vitamin C Rich Foods

Apart from folic acid, consuming foods rich in vitamin C also helps platelets to assemble and function efficiently. It also helps the body absorb iron, which can also increase the platelet count.

According to the book Vitamin C: Its Chemistry and Biochemistryreported an increase in the number of platelets in a small group of patients receiving vitamin C supplementation. Meanwhile, sources of vitamin C can be obtained from foods such as mangoes, pineapples, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower.

5. Drink a lot of white water

Drinking lots of water is also one of the recommended methods to increase platelets. This is because blood cells are made of water and protein so drinking lots of water will produce more blood cells.

Thus, the number of platelets will increase. In addition, drinking lots of water can also improve overall body health.