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33 Best Foods to Increase Platelets Count for Dengue Recovery

Dengue fever is a viral infection that mosquitoes can transmit and result in low platelet counts, thereby increasing the likelihood of bleeding. Although it is important to receive medical treatment, diet also plays a major role in recovery support.

This blog will discuss what are the best foods for dengue recovery that can naturally boost the platelet count. Nutrient-dense meals like these should be incorporated into one’s daily intake to accelerate healing from dengue fever by promoting immunity as well as the production of platelets.

What is Dengue?

Dengue refers to any of four closely related viruses (OMS) primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. The disease is common in tropical and subtropical areas such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean region, including Central America. 

Typical symptoms include high fevers accompanied by severe headaches, joint pain, muscle pains, skin rashes or mild bleeding. Sometimes, it leads to more serious illnesses characterised by massive internal bleeding called dengue hemorrhagic fever or causing failure of several organs known as syndrome shock dengue.

33 Best Foods to Increase Platelets Count

Individuals need to maintain an optimal number of platelets in their bodies as they enable the clotting of blood as well as generally keep healthy lives. Illnesses, medication or other medical conditions may bring about low platelet counts, commonly known as thrombocytopenia. 

In such situations, we should eat foods with a lot of important nutrients because this will help us produce more platelets and speed up our recovery process. This article presents some of the best natural food sources that can increase platelet count in the body naturally, with a special focus on vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre, folates, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, among others.

List of Nutritional Rich Foods to Increase Platelets Count

A balanced diet should always include foods as they are important for health. They provide the necessary nutrients that help in raising platelet counts. Below is a list of foods full of nutrients which can be taken to increase platelets.

SNo. Food Description Nutrient Content per 100g
1 Oats Porridge The porridge made from oats is simple to digest and acts as a great source of energy as well as fibre which helps with digestion while also promoting overall health. Vit C: 0.0 mg
Vit K: 0.1 µg
Omega 3: 0.2 g
Fibre: 10.6 g
2 Khichdi Khichdi is a nutritious dish composed entirely of rice, lentils and vegetables. It provides our bodies with all the necessary nutrients and ensures quick recovery after illness or surgery. Vit C: 3.5 mg
Vit K: 0.6 µg
Omega 3: 0.3 g
Fibre: 1.8 g
3 Spinach Soup Vitamins and minerals are abundant in spinach soup, particularly vitamin K. It supports blood clotting besides increasing platelet counts if any potentiality exists. Vit C: 28.1 mg
Vit K: 482.9 µg
Omega 3: 0.1 g
Fibre: 0.8 g
4 Salmon Salmon fish contains a lot of healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. They have been found to promote good cholesterol levels within our bodies. Vit C: 0.0 mg
Vit K: 0.5 µg
Omega 3: 2.2 g
Fibre: 0.0 g
5 Pumpkin Seeds These seeds provide our body with zinc, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients. All these components are responsible for boosting the immune system; hence, if need be, they can help raise platelet count. Vit C: 1.9 mg
Vit K: 0.6 µg
Omega 3: 0.5 g
Fibre: 5.0 g
6 Coconut Water Coconut water is a refreshing beverage choice for hydration. It’s low in calories and free from cholesterol and fats. Vit C: 1.24 mg (per cup- 240 ml)
Vit K: 0.1 µg per cup
Omega 3: 0.1 g per cup
Fibre: 1 g per cup
7 Kale Kale is a green leafy vegetable with high concentration levels of vitamin K known for its role in blood coagulation thus increasing platelets. Vit C: 93.4 mg
Vit K: 389.6 µg
Omega 3: 0.2 g
Fibre: 2.0 g
8 Papaya Leaves Juice Papaya leaf juice is thought to help increase platelet count due to its high papain content, which is a digestive enzyme and other nutrients. It’s commonly used as a traditional cure for dengue fever.

Vitamin C: 144 mg

Vitamin K: 0.6 µg

Fibre: 0.5 g

Omega-3: 0.1 g

List of Vegetables to Increase Platelets Count

Dengue fever is one example where maintaining enough platelets becomes very important for overall health. Thus, various types of vegetables that contain high levels of nutrients should be included in our diet. Some examples include:

SNo. Vegetables Description Nutritional Content (per 100g)
9 Spinach Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and may help increase platelet count. It also contains vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, spinach is high in fibre, aiding digestion and overall health.

Vitamin C: 28.1 mg

Vitamin K: 483 µg

Fibre: 2.2 g

Omega-3: 0.13 g

10 Broccoli Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, which is beneficial for immune function. It contains vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and fibre for digestive health. Additionally, broccoli provides a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamin C: 89.2 mg

Vitamin K: 101.6 µg

Fibre: 2.6 g

Omega-3: 0.1 g

11 Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. They also provide vitamin C for immune support and fibre for digestive health. Brussels sprouts contain a modest amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamin C: 85 mg

Vitamin K: 177 µg

Fibre: 3.8 g

Omega-3: 0.1 g

12 Bell Peppers (Red) Red bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which aids in immune function and may help increase platelet count. They also contain fibre for digestive health. While not as high in vitamin K as leafy greens, they still provide a small amount.

Vitamin C: 127.7 mg

Vitamin K: 7.4 µg

Fibre: 1.7 g

Omega-3: 0.09 g

13 Pumpkin Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin C, supporting immune function. It contains some vitamin K, which is beneficial for blood clotting, and is high in fibre, aiding digestion. Pumpkin also provides a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamin C: 9 mg

Vitamin K: 1.1 µg

Fibre: 0.5 g

Omega-3: 0.1 g

List of Fruits and Juices to Increase Platelets Count

Fruits and fruit juices have vitamins and antioxidants. These components support healthy blood cell production, including thrombocytes or platelets. Here is what you need to know about such nutritional-rich food items:

SNo. Fruits Description Nutritional Content (Per 100 grams)
14 Papaya Rich in vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption, vital for platelet production.

Vitamin C: 62.4 mg

Folate: 39 mcg

Fibre: 2.7 g

15 Guava Excellent source of vitamin C and folate, both important for healthy blood cell function.

Vitamin C: 126 mg

Folate: 39 mcg

Fibre: 8.8 g

16 Kiwi High in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, all beneficial for blood health.

Vitamin C: 64 mg

Vitamin K: 28 mcg

Folate: 34 mcg

Fibre: 3.1 g

17 Grapefruit Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that may support overall well-being.

Vitamin C:53.2 mg

Fibre: 2.4 g

18 Beetroot Juice Contains nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, potentially promoting platelet production

Vitamin C: 4.2 mg

Fibre: 2.8 g

19 Pomegranate Juice Rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, which may indirectly benefit platelet health

Vitamin C: 12 mg

Fibre: 4.4 g

List of Dairy Products and Nuts to Increase Platelets Count

Vitamins, fibres and calcium contained in dairy products like milk and nuts such as almonds contribute towards maintaining adequate levels of platelets. Considerations can include:

SNo. Dairy Products and Nuts Description Nutritional Content (Per 100 grams)
20 Milk (cow, goat) Provides vitamin B12 and riboflavin, which are important for red blood cell production and can indirectly support platelet health.

Vit. B12: 0.4mcg

Calcium: 113mg

Fibre: 1g

21 Greek Yoghurt A good source of vitamin B12 and protein, which can support overall well-being and indirectly benefit platelet health.

Vit. B12: 1.2 mcg

Calcium: 120 mg

22 Cheese Certain cheeses offer vitamin K2, which may play a role in blood clotting. Vitamin K2: 80 mcg
23 Almonds Packed with vitamin E, protein, and healthy fats which can contribute to overall health and potentially support platelet function indirectly.

Fibre: 9.4 g

Omega-3: 0.5 g

24 Walnuts A good source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which may have anti-inflammatory properties and indirectly benefit platelet health

Fibre: 6.7 g

Omega-3: 2.5 g

List of Vegetarian Food to Increase Platelets Count

Vegetarian diets offer all the necessary nutrition required by our bodies to produce enough amounts of blood-forming cells called platelets, among other functions. Some examples are as follows:

SNo. Foods Description Nutritional Content (Per 100 grams)
25 Lentils Lentils are rich in iron and folate, essential for producing healthy blood cells, including platelets. They also provide a good amount of fibre, supporting digestive health.

Vitamin C: 4.5 mg

Vitamin K: 2.5 µg

Fibre: 7.9 g

Omega-3: 0.5 g

26 Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) Chickpeas are a good source of iron and folate, which are important for healthy blood cell production. They also provide fibre, aiding digestion and supporting overall health.

Vitamin C: 2.9 mg

Vitamin K: 4.8 µg

Fibre: 7.6 g

Omega-3: 0.3 g

27 Quinoa Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, including lysine, which supports the production of antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.

Vitamin C: 0 mg

Vitamin K: 0.6 µg

Fibre: 2.8 g

Omega-3: 0.6 g

28 Tofu Tofu is a good source of iron and calcium, which are important for blood health. It is also rich in protein and provides small omega-3 fatty acids. While not high in vitamin C or K, tofu can contribute to nutritional intake.

Vitamin C: 0.1 mg

Vitamin K: 0.1 µg

Fibre: 0.6 g

Omega-3: 0.1 g

29 Sunflower Seeds Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, supporting immune function as an antioxidant. They also provide iron and folate for blood health. Sunflower seeds contain healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, for heart and digestive health.

Vitamin C: 1.4 mg

Vitamin K: 1.9 µg

Fibre: 8.6 g

Omega-3: 0.06 g

List of Non-Vegetarian Food to Increase Platelets Count

Non-vegetarian dishes also have high nutritional values of vitamins, iron and folates that help improve low counts of thrombocytes or other types of blood cells. Some options include:

SNo. Foods Description Nutritional Content (Per 100 grams)
30 Beef Liver Exceptionally rich in vitamin B12, folate, and iron. Vitamin B12 is crucial for red blood cell production (which indirectly supports platelets), folate aids in cell division, and iron is a key component of red blood cells. Vit. B12: 63.8 mcg,
Folate: 910 mcg,
Iron: 6.7 mg
31 Eggs A good source of vitamin B12, iron, and vitamin D. Vitamin D may regulate the immune system (which can impact platelet production). Vit. B12: 2.4 mcg,
Iron: 2.1mg,
Vit. D: 57 mg
32 Chicken Lean protein sources that provide vitamin B12 and iron, both important for healthy blood cell function. Vit. B12: 0.5 mcg
Iron: 2.1 mg
33 Oysters Packed with zinc, which plays a role in immune function and may indirectly support healthy platelet production. Zinc: 16.5 mg,
Iron: 10.3 mg

Causes of Dengue

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes and poses a global threat to human health. Knowledge of its origins is essential in preventing and controlling the disease.

  • Mosquito Bites: Aedes mosquito bites are the main cause of dengue infections in humans, with the most common species being Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus.
  • Viral Infection: The dengue fever in humans is brought about by the dengue virus which belongs to the Flaviviridae family viruses.
  • Infected Individuals: Mosquito transmission occurs when they bite an infected person, thus picking up the virus for further distribution through bites.
  • Stagnant Water: Stagnant waters act as breeding sites for these mosquitoes, thereby enabling them to multiply rapidly, thus heightening chances for transmitting dengue.
  • Urban Areas: The overcrowdedness and poor sanitation found in many towns provide an ideal environment for urban outbreaks. 
  • Travel: People who travel into regions with high levels or frequent cases recorded become more exposed as they might get infected afterwards.

Symptoms of Dengue

This mosquito-borne viral infection causes various symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent further complications. Some common signs include:

  • Abruptly Raised Body Heat: Dengue normally starts with an abrupt and higher fever, which can go up to 104°F (40°C) or more.
  • Extreme Cephalalgias, Usually Felt Behind the Eyes: Dengue-related Headaches may be severe and often perceived around the eye sockets.
  • Pain in Joints and Muscles: Breakbone fever is a nickname for dengue since it is characterised by severe pain in muscles and joints.
  • Weakness and Weariness: Extreme tiredness or weakness due to dengue can make it difficult for individuals to perform their everyday tasks.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Many people infected with the dengue virus experience feelings of sickness followed by vomiting, leading to dehydration.
  • Rashes on Skin: After a few days duration from the onset of the fever, a typical measles-like rash appears on the trunk area first before extending to limbs.
  • Mild Bleeding: Due to less production of platelets during infection, dengue may cause mild forms of bleeding like nose bleed, bleeding gums or easy bruising.
  • Abdominal Pain: Stomach ache and persistent vomiting often accompany abdominal pain or tenderness caused by dengue fever.
  • Loss of Appetite: Loss of appetite due to this type of fever, also called “break-bone” disease, further weakens the patient, making one feel even more tired.

How to Maintain a Healthy Diet for Dengue Recovery?

Eating properly is imperative for recovering fast from dengue fever. Below are some tips to follow:

7 Food Items to Avoid When Suffering from Dengue

It’s important during the dengue recovery phase when one needs good nutrition to recover quickly and relieve symptoms simultaneously. Certain kinds of food can disrupt natural defence mechanisms against viruses within our bodies, so here are seven foods to avoid:

SNo.

Food Items to Avoid Reason to Avoid
1 Caffeinated Drinks (Coffee, Tea, Soda) Dehydrating can worsen fluid loss.
2 Alcohol Dehydration can interfere with recovery.
3 Sugary Drinks It can worsen dehydration and offer minimal nutrients.
4 Spicy Foods It can irritate the stomach, causing discomfort.
5 Greasy/Fried Foods Difficult to digest and can strain the already stressed digestive system.
6 Dark-Colored Fruits & Vegetables (berries, some leafy greens) It may contain blood-thinning compounds that could worsen the bleeding risk associated with dengue.
7 Salty Foods It can worsen dehydration and increase blood pressure.

Side Effects of an Unhealthy Diet for Dengue

Dengue fever can cause you to feel feeble and drained. An improper diet for dengue can aggravate symptoms and prolong recuperation time. Here’s how:

  • Slows Down Recovery: A lack of necessary nutrients may slow down tissue restoration in the body as well as the fight against infections.
  • Worsens Dehydration: Foods or drinks that cause dehydration tend to make this state worse, thus resulting in tiredness and weakness.
  • Creates Digestive Problems: Fatty or spicy foods can irritate the digestive system, leading to discomfort such as nausea and vomiting.
  • Enhances Risk of Bleeding: Certain types of food-containing substances could thin the blood, thereby increasing the chances of bleeding during dengue.

When dealing with dengue fever, we must consume nutrient-dense foods such as spinach, oranges, and papaya leaf juice since they boost immunity and improve platelet count. Besides these, people should eat well-balanced diets that don’t worsen the condition but promote their recovery after getting sick.

However, medical intervention becomes mandatory so it’s important to change what we eat and consult professionals on how best to manage this disease.

FAQs about Food Items to Increase Platelets Count in Dengue

How serious is the dengue virus?

About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue develop severe dengue symptoms. It can result in shock, internal bleeding or even death.

What are the symptoms of dengue?

High fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, swollen glands, rashes over the skin, nausea, vomiting, and severe headache are common symptoms of dengue.

What is the first stage of dengue?

The febrile stage is the first stage of dengue characterised by the sudden onset of fever, ranging from 39-40 degrees Celsius, headache, redness on the face and eye pain.

Which fruit is good for dengue?

Kiwi, papaya, pomegranate and citrus fruits are great to consume in dengue as these fruits help in boosting immunity and fight against infection.

How long does dengue last?

Normally, dengue lasts for a week or two in mild cases but in severe cases, immediate emergency intervention is needed as the patient can directly collapse.

What not to eat in dengue?

It is advisable to avoid heavy spicy or high-fat foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol if suffering from dengue.

Can dengue spread from person to person?

No, dengue is not contagious and can’t directly spread from person to person. It can spread through infected mosquitoes that transmit it from one person to another.

Should we bathe in dengue?

Bath in dengue fever depends on the stage and condition of the disease. However, one should avoid vigorous scrubbing as it might lead to bleeding.

What is the season of dengue?

Dengue fever mostly spreads during monsoon season when the mosquito population tends to increase.

Which organ is affected by dengue?

The liver is the targeted and most common organ for immune-mediated mechanisms affected in dengue.

What are the worst effects of dengue?

The worst effects of dengue can be shock, internal bleeding, organ failure or even sudden death.

How to take care of a dengue patient at home?

You can properly take care of dengue patients by providing complete bed rest, preventing dehydration, controlling high fever and providing nutrient-rich foods.

What is the platelet count for dengue?

In dengue, the platelet count is decreased, also known as thrombocytopenia. It goes below 150,000/mcL. The normal count is between 150,000 to 400,000 per mcL.

Is ORS good for dengue?

Yes, dengue patients usually suffer from dehydration and ORS can be an excellent choice to manage dehydration.

Does papaya increase platelet counts?

Yes, not only papaya but even the mixture made from leaves extracted from papaya trees is beneficial during dengue.