Fresh, natural foods
“Whole,” fresh foods pack the greatest nutritional punch. And while you may be unable to ditch all convenience foods, you can probably make it a point to enjoy at least one unprocessed food at every meal.
Leafy greens
Leafy green foods give your body lots of vitamin K, which promotes clotting. Plus, they can also help fight fatigue. So fill your plate with kale, collard greens, spinach and sea vegetables like seaweed.
Whole grains
Brown rice, wheatberries, farro, quinoa and other whole grains are full of fiber and nutrients.
Dairy products
Dairy foods can promote mucus formation, which worsens some autoimmune diseases. So when your platelet counts are low, limit how much milk, cheese and other dairy you eat.
“Blood-thinning” foods
Onions, dark grape products, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and large amounts of fish oil can interfere with blood clotting. Eat these only in moderation.
Sugary items
Read food labels carefully to cut back on hidden sources of sugar, such as fructose, corn syrup and other sweeteners. And limit table sugar, honey and other known sources.
Avoid quinine—found in tonic water, the natural substance can lower platelet counts.
