Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Diet and Lifestyle
• Method 2 of 2: Medications and Procedures
• Tips

Platelets are small blood cells that make up a small fraction of the blood fractions. The main function of platelets is to prevent bleeding through the formation of a blood clot. However, in some situations, the bone marrow can make too many platelets. Such conditions are dangerous with the formation of a large number of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke or heart disease. Learn how to lower your platelet count through diet, lifestyle, or medication.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Diet and Lifestyle

1. 1 Eat raw garlic to lower your platelet count. Raw and crushed garlic will support allicin, which reduces platelet production in the bone marrow.
   • In response to a decrease in platelets, the body boosts immunity, which helps you fight off infectious agents (bacteria and viruses).
   • Allicin is completely destroyed by cooking, so eat raw garlic.For some people, raw garlic can cause stomach upset, so combine garlic with meals.
2. 2 Use ginkgo biloba to lower blood viscosity. Ginkgo biloba contains substances called terpenoids that reduce blood viscosity and prevent blood clots from forming.
   • Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation and increases the body's production of warfarin, which dissolves blood clots.
   • Ginkgo biloba supplements are available as solutions or capsules. Choose the most convenient form for you.
   • If you have ginkgo biloba leaves, steep them in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Drink the resulting ginkgo biloba tea.
3. 3 Use ginseng to prevent blood clots. Ginseng contains ginsenoids, which reduce platelet aggregation and thus prevent the formation of clots.
   • Ginseng supplements are available in capsule form. They are added to energy foods and drinks.
   • Ginseng causes insomnia and nausea in some people, so it is important to monitor your reaction to it when you start taking it.
4. 4 Eat pomegranates to reduce platelet count. Pomegranates contain substances called polyphenols, which have an anti-thrombotic effect, meaning they reduce the production of platelets in the bone marrow and prevent the development of blood clots.
   • You can eat whole fresh pomegranate, drink pomegranate juice, and add pomegranate extract to your food.
5. 5 Eat seafood that is rich in omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce platelet activity, thin the blood, and reduce the likelihood of blood clots. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in abundance in seafood such as tuna, salmon, scallops, sardines, shellfish, and herring.
   • Include 2-3 servings of fish per week to meet your omega-3 needs
   • If you don't like fish, fill your omega-3 needs with 3-4 grams of fish oil per day.
6. 6 Drink red wine to lower your platelet count. Red wine contains flavonoids that are released from the shell of the grape into the wine. Flavonoids prevent over-production of platelets, which lowers the total number of platelets in the blood.
   • One unit of alcohol is contained in half a regular glass of wine (about 175 ml). Men are advised not to drink more than 21 units of alcohol per week and more than 4 units per day.
   • Women are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week and more than 3 units per day. Both men and women are advised not to drink alcohol at least two days a week.
7. 7 Eat fruits and vegetables rich in salicylates to thin the blood. Fruits and vegetables containing salicylates help thin the blood and prevent blood clots. They also strengthen the immune system and help maintain a normal platelet count.
   • Salicylate-rich vegetables include cucumbers, mushrooms, zucchini, radishes, and alfalfa.
   • Fruits rich in salicylates are all types of berries, cherries, raisins and oranges.
8. 8 Add cinnamon to reduce platelet buildup. Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is known to reduce platelet aggregation (clumping) and therefore reduce blood clotting.
   • Add ground cinnamon to baked goods or stews. You can also add a cinnamon stick to tea or hot wine (mulled wine).
9. 9 Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots due to the ingestion of harmful substances such as nicotine. Smoking promotes blood clotting and platelet aggregation.
   • Serious health problems, such as strokes and heart problems, are usually the result of platelet aggregation in the bloodstream. Quitting smoking is the first and best step to prevent blood clots.
   • Quitting smoking is not easy - it is not something that can be done overnight. Read the article on how to quit smoking.
10. 10 Drink coffee. Coffee has an antithrombotic effect, that is, it reduces the number of platelets in the blood and prevents their aggregation.
    • The antithrombotic effect of coffee lies not in caffeine, but in phenolic acids. Therefore, even caffeine-free coffee has an antithrombotic effect.

Method 2 of 2: Medications and Procedures

1. 1 Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners. These drugs reduce blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, and blood clots. The most commonly prescribed drugs are:
   • Aspirin
   • Hydroxyurea
   • Anagrelide
   • Interferon alpha
   • Busulfan
   • Pipobroman
   • Phosphorus - 32
2. 2 Get a procedure known as thrombocytopheresis. In an emergency, your doctor may prescribe platelet pheresis, which quickly lowers the level of platelets in your blood.
   • During the procedure, your blood will pass through an intravenous catheter through a machine that removes platelets.
   • Blood that has been cleared of platelets will return to your body through another intravenous catheter.

Tips

• To measure the number of platelets in your blood, a blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Normally, the number of platelets is 150 - 350 units. in ml.
• Dark chocolate is believed to lower platelet counts, so try eating a wedge or two in the afternoon.