Observe the function and normal number of platelets in the body

When injured, the body usually has a procedure to stop bleeding. The one that plays a role in stopping bleeding is platelets. If the amount is too little, you are prone to heavy bleeding. Meanwhile, if there is too much, you are at risk of developing blood clots. Therefore, it is important to have and maintain normal levels. So, what is the normal blood platelet count?

What are platelets?

Platelets, or platelets, are one of the blood components that function in the blood clotting process. The lifespan of these blood platelets only lasts 10 days, after which the bone marrow will continue to renew its supply.

Just like red blood cells and most white blood cells, platelets are produced in the human bone marrow. The origin of this one platelet cell is a large bone marrow cell, called a megakaryocyte.

When the body is injured, platelets will be channeled to the wound site to make the blood sticky and form clots. As a result, blood will not continue to flow out.

At the same time, platelets also stimulate proteins in the blood to make fine threads called fibrin. This fibrin thread helps the platelets to strengthen the blockage of your wound covering.

When the injured skin tissue has improved, the platelets will be taken back by the blood. Meanwhile, the formed fibrin will slowly disintegrate.

Without platelets, the blood clotting process will be disrupted. Even a small cut can cause severe bleeding or clots all over the body.

Normal platelet levels in the blood

Normal platelet counts range from 140,000-450,000 pieces per microliter of blood (mcL), both in children and adults. Even so, the range of normal platelet counts for each person can be different.

For women, the average number of platelets in the body in general is 157,000-371,000 pieces per microliter of blood. Meanwhile, the average number of platelets in men generally ranges from 135,000-317,000 pieces per microliter of blood.

If the blood test results show a sub-standard platelet count, your platelets are considered low and abnormal. A low number of platelets can indicate the possibility that there is a disease in your body. People whose platelet count is too low are prone to bleeding because the blood is difficult to clot.

Meanwhile, if the number of platelets is higher than the normal range, you are at risk of experiencing unnecessary blood clots. As a result, you may experience strokes and heart attacks.

How to find out a normal platelet count

A platelet count can be used to detect and diagnose various diseases or conditions that can cause problems with blood clotting. Therefore, it is important for you to have a normal platelet count to ward off any diseases that may come your way.

The only way to make sure your platelet count is normal or not is with a complete blood count (CBC test— complete blood count). Usually, before and after surgery the doctor will perform a complete blood test to find out the number of platelets in the patient's body. This is done to predict the presence or absence of bleeding or clotting problems after the patient has performed certain procedures.

The number of platelets is also important to know during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The reason is, both of these procedures can inhibit the production of blood platelets in the bone marrow.

If the number of platelets is not properly monitored, patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience bleeding or blood clotting problems.

In addition to knowing the number of platelets in the body, a complete blood count test also helps doctors to find out:

• Red blood cell count
• Average size of red blood cells
• Hematocrit (percentage of blood in red blood cells)
• Total hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen)
• The amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell
• The amount of hemoglobin relative to the size of the cells in each red blood cell (MCHC)
• White blood cell count

Causes of high platelet levels

As previously mentioned, a platelet level that is too high can trigger certain health problems. One of the conditions characterized by increased levels of platelets in the body is thrombocytosis, also known as thrombocythemia.

A person is said to have thrombocytosis if the number of pieces of blood exceeds 450,000 mcL, even more than one million pieces of blood.

The high number of platelets in the body is usually caused by several things, such as:

• infection
• swelling
• blood cancer
• lack of iron
• inflammation in the intestines
• use of certain drugs

If this condition is allowed to continue, it can lead to hypercoagulation, which is when the blood thickens more easily. When the blood thickens, the flow in the blood vessels can be obstructed, which in turn triggers strokes, heart attacks, and thrombosis of the arteries and veins.

Causes of low platelet levels

Apart from being too high, low platelet levels can also trigger health problems. In medical terms, a platelet count that falls far from normal is known as thrombocytopenia.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website, a person is said to have thrombocytopenia if the platelet count is less than 150,000 mcL. In more severe cases, the platelet count can even drop below 10,000 or 20,000 mcL.

The cause of the drastic drop in the platelet count can be caused by 3 things, namely:

• Bone marrow disorders
• Platelets get stuck in the spleen
• Autoimmune problems because the body destroys its own platelets

Not always a disease or abnormality in the platelets will trigger symptoms in sufferers. In most cases, your body will react and show symptoms only when the platelet count in the blood is either very low or too high.

How to get a normal platelet count

Abnormal platelet counts are left at risk of triggering various complications or dangers to health conditions. The body that is deficient in the number of platelets in severe cases will experience internal bleeding, even potential bleeding in the brain.

Meanwhile, too much platelet levels in the body can lead to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and leukemia.

No need to worry and panic first if your platelet count is not normal. There are various effective and easy ways to restore the platelet count. The most important tip is to eat foods that are high in nutrition.

Yes, eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help the body to produce a normal platelet count.

Several important nutrients that must be met to get normal blood platelet levels, including:

1. Vitamin K

Vitamin K plays an important role in helping the blood clotting process. Without adequate intake of vitamin K, the body cannot produce protein which is useful for the blood clotting process.

You can get vitamin K from green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, and radishes. Vitamin K can also be obtained from nuts, such as edamame, soybeans, and peanuts.

2. Vitamin D

In addition to helping strengthen bones, muscles, nerves, and endurance, vitamin D is also important for supporting bone marrow function, which produces platelets and other blood cells.

You can get this vitamin intake from several foods, such as egg yolks, fish, and milk.

3. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, so it is good for the formation of blood platelets. This vitamin is found in many animal foods, such as beef liver, beef, eggs, fish and shellfish.

You can also get this vitamin intake from supplements. However, before taking vitamin B12 supplements, you should first consult a doctor to ensure its safety.

4. Folic acid

Not only good for pregnant women, folic acid can also help you get a normal platelet count in the body.

You can get folate from food. Some foods that are high in folate are fresh oranges, beef liver, chicken liver, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cabbage. You can also get this vitamin from nuts and seeds.

5. Iron

Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin in your body. Without iron, the body can't make hemoglobin and can't produce enough red blood cells and platelets.