Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a low blood platelet count, which can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and when their levels are low, the body's ability to stop bleeding is compromised. While medical treatments are essential for managing ITP, dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments can play a supportive role in improving overall well-being. There are no official dietary recommendations for someone living with ITP. However, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients may help you to feel better while managing the condition.
Understanding the Importance of Diet in Managing ITP
Nutritional deficiencies, such as those of vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin C, can lead to a low platelet count. This means that if you aren’t getting enough of these essential nutrients, your platelet production may be taking a hit. Certain foods can positively or negatively impact platelet count, making it essential for individuals with thrombocytopenia to follow a diet that supports platelet production.
Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet
A diet rich in specific nutrients is recommended by the Platelet Disorder Support Association to increase platelet production and function. Here's a list of foods to consider incorporating into your diet:
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
One nutrient that may support platelet production and function is folate. “That’s actually really easy to get as long as you’re eating fruits and vegetables,” says Hultin, especially if you’re eating leafy green vegetables. But nearly all fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutrients that can help your blood function. Leafy greens, including kale, collard greens and spinach are a great source of vitamin K, calcium and minerals, which promote clotting and can also help fight fatigue. Sea vegetables like seaweed are also beneficial. Consider fresh fruits and vegetables as beneficial snack choices. They not only offer essential nutrients but also provide a source of energy.
Foods High in Vitamin C
Foods high in vitamin C, such as kiwi, can help increase platelet counts.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Iron-Rich Foods
Iron supports platelet synthesis and helps in energy production within platelet mitochondria, which in turn leads to increased platelet counts and volume. Iron is the building block of healthy blood cells. It is important in the production of hemoglobin, a vital protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport in the body. You can consider incorporating iron into your diet to naturally increase platelet counts. Meat provides an easily absorbed form of iron, although Hultin says that you can get enough iron in your diet from other sources, including plants. The Cleveland Clinic has compiled a list of 52 foods that are high in iron.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is another important nutrient for those with thrombocytopenia. Keep in mind that it’s about more than just eating right; it’s also about making informed dietary choices. Leafy greens, including kale, collard greens and spinach are a great source of vitamin K, calcium and minerals, which promote clotting and can also help fight fatigue.
Lean Sources of Protein
Including protein in your diet not only provides the critical building blocks for many processes in your body but it can also help ensure that you avoid spikes and dips in your energy level throughout the day. Quality sources of lean protein to include in your diet are poultry, fish, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and soy products.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are an important source of complex carbohydrates, which form the basis of a balanced diet along with healthy fats and lean protein, says Hultin. Some options include oats, whole-wheat bread and pasta, quinoa, and other grains. These foods are also often a good source of B vitamins, she adds.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats include nuts and nut butters, seeds, and avocados, which provide not just unsaturated fat but a wide range of other helpful nutrients, says Hultin. What’s more, Hultin adds, these foods can help you get enough calories and provide an antidote to the fatigue that at least half of the people who have ITP experience, per the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Foods and Beverages to Limit or Avoid
While some foods help increase your platelet count, there are also foods and drinks that negatively impact it. It’s also important to avoid foods that may have an adverse effect on platelet counts. Focus on eating fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats if you have a low platelet count. Also, limit your intake of alcohol, sugar, saturated fat, and high-sodium foods for thrombocytopenia.
Alcohol
Alcohol has well-established anticoagulant properties and should be consumed with caution if you have ITP, says Hultin. According to the PDSA, alcohol damages the bone marrow, which produces platelets. Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of bleeding. Whether you need to avoid alcohol entirely depends on your individual counts and where you are with your treatment, Hultin says: “Some people won’t be able to drink much, if at all. And they definitely need to be talking to their doctor about that.”
Foods High in Saturated and Trans Fats
While avoiding unhealthy forms of fat is good advice for most people, this precaution may be even more important for people who have ITP because of the long-term corticosteroids sometimes prescribed for the condition, Hultin says. People who receive corticosteroid treatment could be at an increased risk for high blood pressure, so heart-healthy foods are recommended, she adds. The PDSA advises people with ITP to avoid hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or trans fats as much as possible.
Fatty and Processed Meat
Not only do fatty and processed meat provide potentially unhealthy levels of saturated fat, they also contain less protein and are often high in sodium. Too much saturated fat and salt can be a concern for your heart health, Hultin notes. So be sure to stay away from items like bacon, sausage, and deli meat.
Refined Grains and Added Sugars
While it’s probably not realistic to avoid all refined grains and processed foods, these types of carbohydrates tend to be absorbed more quickly and don’t contain the nutrients found in their whole-grain counterparts. Added sugars are especially important to limit, says Hultin, to ensure that your blood sugar and energy levels remain stable.
Read also: Weight Loss with Low-FODMAP
Concentrated Foods That May Interfere With Clotting
Certain foods, including red grapes, blueberries, garlic, onions, and ginger, may interfere with clotting when eaten in large quantities, per the PDSA. But in most cases, small amounts of these foods in your diet shouldn’t be a problem, says Hultin.
Sodium-Rich Foods
Steroids can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure. To manage these side effects, it is advisable to limit sodium intake.
Raw or Undercooked Foods
ITP patients may be more susceptible to infections, so it is important to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Additional Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations
Meal Planning
Meal planning is more than just a time-saver for busy individuals; it’s a lifeline for those with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP). Creating a meal plan for ITP needn’t be an uphill task. For breakfast, consider a bowl of fortified cereal like Cheerios topped with fresh fruits. For lunch, a salad with lean chicken, spinach, and a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds can be a great option. And for dinner, a serving of grilled fish with a side of quinoa and steamed vegetables can hit the spot.
Hydration
Hydration is an important part of overall health and nutrition that is often overlooked, says Hultin. Consuming enough water can help you fight fatigue and may help improve digestion. While beverages other than water can help you stay hydrated, make sure you’re not consuming added sugars in large amounts.
Exercise
Exercise is another crucial adjustment.
Sufficient Sleep
Finally, sufficient sleep is essential as it promotes endothelial function (healthy blood flow) and may improve platelet production. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Research has shown that both too little and too much sleep can aggravate health problems.
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate ITP symptoms. Look at the people and situations that create stress in your life and try to find ways to reduce the stress, which have been shown to aggravate many diseases. Replace any negative thoughts with positive ones-especially the positive things you want to happen in the future.
Avoiding Potential Allergens
Some ITP patients may have underlying food allergies or sensitivities that can worsen symptoms. Find out if you have allergies to foods or other sources, then eliminate or avoid them, if possible.
Supplements
Taking supplements is also important in supporting platelet count and overall health. However, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen is recommended.
The Mediterranean Diet and Platelet Health
Research has indicated several dietary factors that can support platelet function and maintain platelet counts within the normal range. Dietary bioactive compounds, for instance, are substances in foods that can affect biological processes or substrates and influence health. The Mediterranean diet is another dietary strategy that can be beneficial. Following a MedDiet has been associated with improvements in atherothrombosis biomarkers, platelet function, and decreases in the circulating levels of prothrombotic microvesicles. The Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables, was shown to decrease the risk of thrombocytopenia in older participants in one study.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is the belief that following a low-fat diet or consuming specific foods, herbs, and drinks effectively raises platelet counts in individuals with thrombocytopenia.
The Role of a Registered Dietitian
If you have ITP, your specific dietary needs will vary based on your overall health, what other conditions you have, and what medications you take. Talk to your health care provider to learn more about nutrition and ITP. They can offer advice and resources, as well as provide referrals to nutrition specialists and dietitians.
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