Platelets (platelets) are so small that they make up only a small part of the total blood volume. The main function of platelets is to prevent bleeding by clotting blood. However, in rare cases, some people develop a condition that causes their bone marrow to produce too many platelets. This can result in the formation of large blood clots that can lead to various health problems, such as stroke or heart disease. Start by reading step 1 below for more information on how to reduce the number of platelets in the blood through diet, lifestyle, and medical treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Through Diet and Lifestyle
Step 1. Consume raw garlic to reduce the number of platelets in the blood
Raw garlic, both whole and after mashed, contains the compound allicin which can affect the body's ability to produce platelets, thereby reducing the number of platelets in the blood.
- The body will respond to a decrease in platelet levels by increasing its immunity, which is useful to help protect the body from attacks of all kinds of foreign objects (such as viruses or bacteria).
- Garlic's allicin content drops dramatically when it's cooked, so try to eat it raw. Consumption of raw garlic can cause indigestion in some people, so be sure to take it with food.
Step 2. Take gingko biloba to reduce blood viscosity
Gingko biloba contains terpenoid compounds, which reduce blood viscosity (thinning it) and prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Gingko biloba also helps improve blood circulation and increases the body's production of warfarin, which helps dissolve blood clots.
- Gingko biloba is available as a health supplement in liquid or capsule forms. You can buy this supplement at a pharmacy or health food store.
- If you can get fresh gingko biloba leaves, you can boil them in water for 5-7 minutes, then drink this boiled water as tea.
Step 3. Take advantage of ginseng to prevent the formation of blood clots
Ginseng contains ginsenoside compounds that help reduce platelet clumping, thereby preventing blood clots.
- Ginseng is available in capsules at pharmacies and health food stores, and is often added as an ingredient in food or energy drinks.
- Ginseng can cause symptoms of insomnia and nausea in some people, so you should test its use for a while to see how it reacts to your body.
Step 4. Eat pomegranate to get its antiplatelet effect
Pomegranate contains polyphenolic compounds that are efficacious as antiplatelets, which can reduce the production of platelets in the body and inhibit the process of blood clotting by platelets that have been formed.
You can consume fresh pomegranate directly, drink the juice, or add the extract to food
Step 5. Eat seafood rich in omega-3 to inhibit platelet production
Omega-3 fatty acids can affect platelet activity, thin the blood, and reduce the chance of blood clots. Seafood such as tuna, salmon, mussels, sardines, clams, and herring are rich in omega-3s.
- Try to include 2-3 servings of seafood above each week to meet the nutritional intake of omega-3.
- If you don't like eating fish, increase your omega-3 intake by taking fish oil supplements of 3000-4000mg daily.
Step 6. Drink red wine to reduce the chances of blood clots forming
Red wine contains flavonoids, which are derived from the skin of the grapes when they are made. Flavonoids can prevent the formation of excessive lining cells in the artery walls (a thing caused by a high number of platelets in the blood), thereby reducing the possibility of blood clots.
- In one standard glass of wine (125 ml) sometimes 1 unit of alcohol. Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol in one week, and no more than 4 units in one day.
- Women should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol in one week, and no more than 3 units in one day. Both men and women are advised not to consume alcohol at all for 2 days in 1 week.
Step 7. Eat fruits and vegetables that contain salicylate, a blood-thinning compound
Fruits and vegetables that contain salicylates can help thin and prevent blood clots, as well as boost immunity and help maintain a normal platelet count.
- Vegetables that contain salicylates include cucumber, mushrooms, zucchini, radishes, and alfalfa.
- Fruits that contain salicylates include all kinds of buns, cherries, raisins, and oranges.
Step 8. Add cinnamon to your cooking to reduce platelet aggregation
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is known to reduce platelet aggregation, thereby preventing blood clots.
Add cinnamon powder to baked cakes or stir-fry vegetables. You can also brew a cinnamon stick in tea or grape juice
Step 9. Quit smoking to prevent blood clots
Smoking increases the risk of blood clots forming due to the number of harmful compounds it contains (such as nicotine). Smoking will thicken the blood and trigger platelet aggregation.
- Various serious health problems such as heart problems and strokes often occur due to blood clots. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take to prevent blood clots from forming before they occur.
- Quitting smoking is difficult and cannot be done in an instant. Check out the following article for some suggestions that can help you quit smoking.
Step 10. Drink coffee to get its antiplatelet effect
Coffee can reduce the number of platelets in the blood and prevent their aggregation.
The antiplatelet effect of coffee does not come from caffeine, but phenolic acid. So, you can still get antiplatelet properties by consuming decaffeinated coffee
Method 2 of 2: Using Medicines and Medical Measures
Step 1. Take blood thinners as prescribed by your doctor
In certain cases, the doctor will prescribe blood thinners. This medicine will prevent blood clotting, platelet aggregation, and the formation of blood clots. Some of the blood thinning drugs that are often given are:
- Aspirin
- Hydroxyurea
- Anagrelide
- Interferon alpha
- Busulfan
- Pipobroman
- Phosphorus–32
Step 2. Carry out the plateletpheresis action
In an emergency, doctors may recommend a treatment known as plateletpheresis. This action can reduce the number of platelets in the blood drastically.
- In plateletpheresis, an intravenous tube is inserted into a vein to remove blood from the body. This blood is then fed into a machine that filters the platelets from the blood.
- This platelet-free blood is then channeled back into the body through a second intravenous tube.
Tips
- In measuring your platelet count, a sample of your blood will be taken and tested in a laboratory. The normal range of platelet counts is 150,000-350,000 per microliter of blood.
- Dark chocolate is also believed to inhibit the production of platelets. So, try eating a dark chocolate chip or two after every dinner.
