Our body needs platelets to clot properly. However, we should only get the right level of it for us to stay healthy. In some cases, the bone marrow produces too many platelets, which is a disorder called primary thrombocytosis or essential thrombocythemia. It exists even without any underlying cause like bone marrow disease. In this case, abnormal clotting occurs.
It was observed that people who have this condition have a gene mutation in the type of gene called Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene. This gene contributes to the production of proteins that help in the regeneration of cell in the body.
On the other hand, the condition is called secondary or reactive thrombocytosis when the platelets are too high due to an underlying issue. It is common on people who are affected with a viral infection.
Abnormal clotting can indicate if any of these two conditions are present. Bleeding can develop on any part of the body, and it is accompanied by various symptoms depending on the location of a blood clot. The affected individual can feel any of the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Numbness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Redness
- Chest pain
In severe cases, some signs can occur like bloody stool and urine, easy bruising, nosebleeds, and gum bleeding. Treatment may be recommended if the risk factors are found in the person with medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular disease. It is also advised to people over age 60, have a history of bleeding, and smoking.
Furthermore, the body should only have 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. But if you exceed this average and this condition remains over a more extended period, it is essential to monitor this level and take precautionary measures before it leads to complications.
Although this health condition may seem scary due to the possible complications it can bring, several natural remedies can be done to prevent the occurrence of terminal illness. You can do these simple methods at home to reduce the risks of additional problems that this condition may bring.
Opt for a healthy diet plan
Pomegranates – this fruit contains polyphenol, a substance that helps the body reduce the production of platelets and normalize the blood clotting. You can make a pomegranate juice for your snack, eat it fresh, or add an extract of it to your dish.
Raw garlic – this food is known to decrease the high number of platelets fast. It contains allicin, a compound that interferes in the production of platelets. This substance can be lost when you add it to your cooking, so it is advisable to eat the garlic raw. It can also boost the immunity of the body, allowing it to fight the antigens that harm the system.
Omega 3-rich seafood – this substance found in most kinds of seafood like salmon, tuna, shellfish, and scallops can regulate the production of platelets and promote proper blood clotting. It is recommended to have two to three servings of fish every week to sustain the needs of your body. There are also fish oil supplements that are available in the market. A 3000 to 4000 milligrams of it can help you meet the dietary allowance that you need.
Salicylate-rich foods – fruits and vegetables that contain salicylate aid in thinning of the blood. Besides, it regulates the body to clot properly and maintains the right level of platelets. As a result, the body gains a strong immune system, allowing it to fight the foreign materials that enter the system.
Food sources that are rich in salicylate are zucchini, alfalfa, mushrooms, and cucumber. Also, don’t forget fruits like cherries, oranges, and berries for you to gain additional nutrients. Shiitake mushrooms are also an excellent option to bring back your platelets to its average level.
Coffee – complete your morning with a cup of coffee since it has antiplatelet properties. This effect is due to its content called phenolic acids, a substance that aids in platelet aggregation.
Cinnamon – it is not only best used as a spice that gives an aromatic flavor to your dishes, but it is also known to reduce the risk of platelet aggregation. This benefit is due to the compound found on it called cinnamaldehyde. You can add it to your stewed vegetables or boil some sticks to make a tea.
Wine – this beverage naturally contains flavonoids that you can avail from the skin of red grapes. This element controls the development of a high amount of cells in the lining of the artery wall. This overproduction process happens when the body has a high platelet count that triggers the growth of clot in this area.
The recommended amount of wine to be consumed by men should not be more than 21 units per week and no more than 21 units per week on women. Take note that a 175-milliliter wine contains one unit of alcohol so, drinking it should still be controlled.
Take supplements
Gingko biloba – it contains terpenoid, a substance that helps in blood thinning to reduce the risk of clots in the sensitive parts of the body. It also produces warfarin, a useful element that dissolves the blood clots and allows the blood to circulate properly all throughout the body. You have the option to boil the gingko biloba leaves to create a tea. If you want a more natural way to avail its benefits, you can take its supplement which is available in the market.
Ginseng – this supplement in the form of a capsule contains ginsenosides, substances that are responsible for decreasing the aggregation of platelets to prevent the formation of clots most especially in the brain and intestinal tract.
Improve your lifestyle
Cigarettes contain nicotine, a compound that does not only make your teeth yellowish but also a great culprit that contributes to abnormal blood clotting. It thickens the blood, causing the platelets to gather in the vessels and prevents the blood from circulating properly. Smoking can also bring various health problems like cardiovascular disease.
