Thrombocytopenia refers to the condition wherein the blood in the body becomes deficient of platelets. Also known as thrombocytes, these platelets help in clotting, while repairing, clumping and plugging any damaged blood vessels in our body. Without these colourless blood cells, our body won’t be able to form clots of blood in case of bleeding. Also, the patient might experience frequent bruising, prolonged bleeding, bleeding gums, presence of blood in urine, etc. If you happen to be suffering from any of the above symptoms, you might want to get a complete blood count done in order to assess the underlying cause.

Mild or severe

This haematological abnormality called thrombocytopenia might be mild or severe, depending upon how low the platelets have reached below the normal mark. Sometimes the blood would become too thin, to the extent that it might seep into the tissues or cause significant loss of blood in case of a bruise or an injury. In this case the patient with low platelet count can suffer from physical disability or even a significant risk to life. The average platelet count in our blood should range between 1,50,000 - 4,50,000 per micro litre.

Causes of thrombocytopenia

While thrombocytopenia can be attributed to a variety of factors such as decreased thrombopoetin (reduced production of platelets) or bone marrow suppression, other possible causes could be excessive consumption of alcohol, iron deficiency, medications or drug induced (such as that brought about by chemotherapy), an increase in destruction of platelets (owing to stress, or auto immune disorders), etc. Several bacterial or viral infections can also lead to the onset of this condition.

Relation between hepatitis B and thrombocytopenia

Talking about viral infections, there is one particular type which remains one of the most common causative factors leading to thrombocytopenia. This is generally caused by hepatitis B. Chronic hepatitis, an infectious disease caused by hepatitis B virus, can significantly bring down our platelet count and cause our body to exhibit several other disturbing symptoms, such as cirrhosis of the liver or even liver damage.

Also known as HBV, hepatitis B is a severe viral infection which usually affects the liver. It gets transmitted by means of sexual contact, and while safety is necessary, its prevention involves immunisation against HBV so as to prevent being afflicted by this infection. In fact, Hepatitis B is the only sexually transmitted disease that is believed to be preventable by means of vaccination.

Managing the condition with Carica papaya

The fruit of Papaya has its own varied health benefits to offer. Ripe papaya is not only refreshingly delicious to eat but also acts as a significant therapeutic fruit. However, of late the plant is making more noise in terms of its effectiveness at raising the platelet count, especially in cases of severe thrombocytopenia where the platelets have reached abnormally low levels. This especially comes handy in case of those suffering from dengue fever, which is often synonymous with thrombocytopenia. Other causes of a reduced platelet count, including hepatitis B, can also be managed and cured to a great extent by means of this magic of Papaya leaf extract.

How does it help?

Consuming the leaf extract of Carica papaya plant is helpful for increasing the platelet count. In fact, it not only boosts the number of platelets, but does that at a much faster rate. Studies indicate that its oral consumption on a regular basis helps improve the rate at which platelets are produced in our body, a process called thrombopoiesis. Carica papaya contains the bioactive compound which not only helps improve the process of clotting in our body, but also prevents any internal bleeding from taking place - both being prominent symptoms of thrombocytopenia.

Carica papaya - a promising alternative

Carica papaya, therefore, is being revered as a traditional herbal remedy to cure the condition of thrombocytopenia and to bring up the decreased platelet count. It is one of the very few natural foods available to mankind which are equipped at fighting this problem. Pomegranate is another fruit that could help enhance the platelet count, apart from pumpkin and other foods that are loaded with a variety of vitamins (especially A, Folate and C) and some minerals (especially iron and zinc).

Papaya leaf extract is, however regarded as the best alternative means of treatment, that is, in combination with other medications or even transfusion of platelets, if required.

Sanat Uplat

Uplat, from the house of Sanat products ltd, is essentially a natural platelet booster indicated for the management of thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) due to Dengue, Malaria, Viral, Chemotherapy, Liver Cirrhosis, ITP and for Hepatitis B. Although no drug interaction has been reported so far with the product and there are no known side effects or adverse reactions, yet Sanat counsels specific precautions in case of pregnancy and lactation.

Dr. Sonica Krishan
drsonicakrishan.com/drsonica-blog

 

Author and Speaker
Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices.

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Herbal Healers I Home Remedies I Healing through Ayurveda I Healing through Ayurveda Herbs in your Kitchen Garden I Healthy Living through Dosha Healing (Ayurveda).
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