WHAT IS ITP?
Immune thrombocytopenia or ITP is a disease that can lead to excessive or easy bruising or bleeding due to extremely low levels of platelet cells. Platelet cells play a crucial role in blood clotting and avoiding bleeding.
In ITP, the body’s immune system mistakenly begins to attack the body’s own platelet cells, and inhibit their normal functioning i.e. to form blood clots.
In children, ITP disease gets developed usually after a viral infection and recover fully within 6 months on its own without taking any treatment. While in adults, ITP is chronic and can last for more than six months.
ITP is more commonly found in young women and the patient who are suffering from health issues such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or antiphospholipid syndrome.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ITP?
At the beginning of ITP, the signs, and symptoms are hard to understand. As the disease proceeds, the patient begins to observe the following signs and symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding during menstrual flow
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the stools
- Easy or excessive bruising
- Bleeding in the gums
- Bleeding in the nose
- Easy or too much bruising
- Pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots usually on the lower legs
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF ITP?
The main reason behind the development of ITP is the unusual functioning of the immune system. When the immune system mistakenly commences attacking the platelet cells, ITP develops. Due to decreased platelets, the blood becomes unable to clot. This abnormal functioning of the immune system may be the result of several factors, such as:
- Infections; basically viral infections, including the viruses that cause chickenpox, AIDS, and hepatitis C
- Immune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Low-grade lymphomas and leukemias can also produce abnormal antibodies against platelet proteins
- Use of several OTC (over the counter) medications can result in allergy that cross-reacts with platelets
All these factors may contribute to the abnormal functioning of the immune system, resulting in ITP.
COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ITP
Untreated or prolonged ITP disease can give rise to various annoying health issues that can last for a long duration. Take a look at some major complications of ITP:
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe nosebleeds
- Bleeding in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
These complications can be avoided by taking proper treatment of ITP at the correct time.
WEIGHT LOSS IN ITP
Weight loss is a rare but major complication associated with ITP. Only 30% of total ITP patients suffer from weight loss due to the highly negative impact of the Itp disease. Excessive bleeding, low platelet levels, decreased count of white blood cells, and lack of hemoglobin levels result in weight loss.
The rate of weight loss may vary from individual to individual depending upon the severity of the disease. In several cases, weight loss may go up to 15 kg while in some cases it is observed 4 kg only.
On the basis of disease seriousness, body type, preventive measure, and type of medications, weight loss depends. So, try to take preventive measures that will help you in minimizing the weight loss process. Consumption of several healthy foods is also a good option for reducing the loss of kilos.
FOODS TO CONSUME IN ITP FOR PREVENTING WEIGHT LOSS
The best foods for ITP patients are those that are considered “clean” and “whole”. The foods that are not processed or packaged are best for consumption to prevent weight loss in ITP. Here is the list of some food items:
- Vegetables (Green leafy)
- Whole fruits
- Flaxseed
- Healthy fats including olive oil and avocado oil
- Fatty fish like salmon
- Chicken breast
- Ground turkey
- Whole grains
- Whole wheat bread and pasta
- Nuts
- Low-fat dairy products
- Eggs
Take a look at the food products that are not your friends while suffering from ITP. Check the list and avoid such kinds of food items:
- Fast food
- Fruits that can prevent blood clottings such as tomatoes and berries
- Butter and margarine
- Saturated fats present in whole dairy products
- Red meat
- Canned food
- Frozen foods
- Garlic and onion
These food products may pace up the weight loss in ITP which can further give rise to stress, body weakness, and various other health issues. So, it is advised to follow good lifestyle habits to alleviate the complications of ITP.
CONCLUSION
To get rid of ITP and prevent weight loss, you can consult an Ayurveda expert doctor online by dialing +917743002519 or visiting www.avedaayur.com. Online consultation is absolutely free and the doctor will ask your complete medical history, reports, and current symptoms. After that, the team of Life Aveda will send you doctor’s prescribed medicines at your doorstep.
All the herbal products of Life Aveda totally natural, safe, and effective. Their action in the body is completely natural. Thousands of patients have successfully treated their health by consuming Life Aveda’s medicines. You can also recover your normal health with their treatment. Wish you all the best!
