Eating to increase Calcium & Platelet Levels

[mummytoH]

A recent blood test showed I have low Calcium & low Platelets...  slightly concerned, and want to increase my levels as naturally as possible, without relying on supplements.  Anyone have any advice?  I drink a lot of tea, so this will be the first thing to go - as I know the caffeine can inhibit absorption - so ideally, I need a 'boost' in the morning - was thinking of a low fat yoghurt smoothie, if anyone has any recipes? 

Thanks in advance :)

[LLQ1011]

Also have you started exercising or do you exercise regularly?
 

• Spinach
• Kale
• Okra
• Collards
• Soy beans
• White beans
• Some fish, like sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout

to increase bio availability eat those foods with

• Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Egg yolks

Also like you said dairy is good for it too.

MMMM Lemon Garlic broiled salmon and spinach

[meemee]

i would really skip the dairy. if you are already eating enough dairy right now and your numbers are low, then i wouldnt stop the tea yet. 

instead i'd increase the amount of various coloured greens in your diet.

and i'd rather have a fresh green smoothie than a yoghurt smoothie.

not trying to turn you into a dairy free person, but its a misnomer that milk is the best source of calcium(by the way milk does not naturally contain a lot of calcium. it is fortified). in fact countries with high milk consumers are countries with the highest number of brittle bone disease.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/calcium-and-milk/

are you a vegetarian? are you getting enough B 12 and eating enough greens? i know those are a factor in low platelets count. 

[mummytoH]

Thanks for the advice :)

I actually bought supplements at the weekend, so am now taking B-Vitamin Complex, Calcium & Vitamin D, Cod Liver Oil & Folic Acid.

Have been trying to eat well, I walk at least 3 miles per day - I have dodgy hips so can't go running.

I'm not vegetarian & actually eat quite a lot of meat - possibly too much TBH.

Will have the bloods repeated in a month & see where I am then.  Going to ask about the platelets - the doctor said they were even lower back in 2008, but this was never mentioned to me - I was actually prescribed anti-depressants for fatigue - now wondering if perhaps my tiredness is caused by low platelets or deficiencies rather than 'depression' !!

[northerngirl]

I have low platelets and the hematologist said there was nothing I could do to raise them. I'm not at a dangerously low level (123,000 in Dec.) but he basically said I can't to anything for you unless you are bleeding out. 

I'd like to hear what can be done. 

[sunnygir1]

Since you are a tea drinker, maybe you could try starting your day with red raspberry leaf and/or nettle tea.  Both are excellent sources of bio available calcium and other minerals.  If you don't love the flavor (or if you're accustomed to sweet tea), try sweetening with raw honey rather than sugar.

I agree with lots of leafy green vegetables.  We find juicing to be an excellent, easy, and delicious way to get more greens in our diet.  You can also add them to smoothies as mentioned before.

[meemee]

ah good point sunny girl.

if you want to stop tea i assume you are drinking black or green tea. i would switch to herbal teas and really dont add any sweetener. you dont really need any with herbal teas. 

its a great way to get your liquids.