Seven everyday foods that support recovery, and the warning signs that mean it is time to call a doctor.
Recovering from dengue, or from any illness that affected your blood? Then you have probably heard a lot about platelet count lately, usually from someone who has never seen a blood report.
Platelets are tiny blood cells that help form clots and stop bleeding. When the count drops, a condition called thrombocytopenia, you may notice easy bruising, bleeding gums, fatigue or slow healing.
Medical care always comes first. Alongside it, certain foods can support platelet production and a smoother recovery. Here are seven nutrient-rich ones, followed by the signs that tell you food is not enough.
Papaya leaf extract is among the most talked-about natural remedies for low platelets, and some small trials suggest it may help platelets recover during dengue. However, a review of nine studies rated most of them low to moderate quality and said the evidence is not yet strong enough for firm conclusions. Treat it as a supportive extra, never as a replacement for treatment.
How to use: Blend fresh papaya leaves with a little water, strain, and drink 20 to 30 ml daily. It is bitter, so do not expect a treat. Always check with your doctor first, especially for children.
Spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi) and kale are rich in vitamin K, iron and folate, nutrients that support the making of blood cells, including platelets.
Quick tip: Steam your greens lightly to keep the nutrients, and add a serving to everyday meals.
Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and iron. It is said to help protect existing platelets from oxidative damage while supporting the creation of new blood cells.
How to use: Eat the seeds fresh, or have a glass of fresh pomegranate juice.
Beetroot is a particularly good source of folate, a vitamin that supports healthy blood production. Bonus: it is the one item on your recovery plate that is not beige.
Quick idea: Juice it fresh with carrots, or roast it and toss it into a salad.
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A (as beta-carotene), which is said to help regulate proteins involved in platelet production, and it supports bone marrow health.
Tip: Cook pumpkin in soups, curries or stews, or bake and roast it as a side dish.
Oranges (santra), lemons, strawberries and kiwis are high in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron and is said to support platelet function.
Daily habit: Start the day with lemon water, and keep oranges or mixed berries as snacks.
Walnuts (akhrot) and flaxseeds are good plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds and pumpkin seeds add vitamin E and plant-based iron. A handful a day slots easily into a recovery diet.
How to include: Sprinkle seeds on your breakfast bowl, or keep a handful of mixed nuts for a mid-day snack.
Nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, beetroot, pumpkin, citrus fruits and nuts support the making of blood cells and help recovery. They do not replace medical treatment, so anyone with a low platelet count should be guided by a doctor.
Papaya leaf extract is widely used during dengue recovery, and some small trials suggest it may help platelets recover. A review of nine studies rated most trials low to moderate quality and called the evidence insufficient for firm conclusions. Trials mainly reported minor nausea and vomiting. Check with your doctor before using it, especially for children.
See a doctor immediately if you notice continuous bleeding or bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, red spots on the skin (petechiae), or a platelet count below 150,000 per microlitre.
Call 1122 for emergencies, such as bleeding that will not stop or anyone in immediate danger. Call Tele-Tabeeb 1123 for medical advice and non-emergency concerns. If you are unsure, call 1123 first, and the doctor will tell you if an ambulance is needed.
Yes. Tele-Tabeeb 1123 is a free telemedicine service operated by SIEHS. It offers 24/7 access to PMDC-certified doctors and licensed mental health professionals across Pakistan, with no fee and no registration.
At Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), we care for your health in emergencies and in everyday situations. Both numbers below are free to call.
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