If you're searching for foods to avoid with ITP, you've probably seen lists telling you to eliminate garlic, ginger, turmeric, blueberries, and other healthy foods. While these recommendations are often well-intentioned, the scientific evidence is more nuanced than many people realize. Understanding the difference between platelet count and platelet function can help you make informed decisions without unnecessary fear. Many ITP warriors have been taught to avoid these foods out of fear that they may "thin the blood" or "lower platelets,"
But is the fear justified?
The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.
Let's look at what the research actually says.
Understanding Platelet Count vs. Platelet Function
Before discussing individual foods, it's important to understand one of the biggest misconceptions in the ITP community.
Platelet count and platelet function are not the same thing.
- Platelet count refers to how many platelets are circulating in your blood.
- Platelet function, also called "aggregation", refers to how well those platelets stick together to form a clot when needed.
Some foods have demonstrated mild effects on platelet aggregation (how sticky platelets are) in laboratory studies. That does not necessarily mean they lower platelet counts.
Most of the research often cited online involves laboratory experiments, animal studies, or concentrated supplementsโnot people with ITP eating normal amounts of these foods as part of a healthy diet.
That distinction matters.
Are Blueberries Bad for ITP?
Blueberries are sometimes criticized because they naturally contain salicylates and powerful plant compounds called polyphenols. Some laboratory studies suggest these compounds may have mild anti-platelet activity. However, blueberries are also one of the richest sources of anthocyaninsโantioxidants known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
For people living with autoimmune conditions, reducing chronic inflammation may be far more beneficial than worrying about a mild laboratory effect on platelet aggregation.
There is currently no strong clinical evidence that eating normal servings of blueberries lowers platelet counts in people with ITP.
Is Turmeric Safe for People with Low Platelets?
Turmeric is probably one of the most misunderstood spices in the autoimmune world. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and mild anti-platelet effects in laboratory studies. High-dose curcumin supplements may also interact with blood-thinning medications. However, there's an important difference between using turmeric as a cooking spice and taking several grams of concentrated curcumin every day.
Most of the studies showing anti-platelet effects use purified extracts at doses far beyond what someone would consume in food. Meanwhile, turmeric is well known for supporting healthy inflammatory pathways and providing powerful antioxidant benefits.
Does Ginger Lower Platelets?
Ginger has been used for centuries in both cooking and traditional herbal medicine. Like turmeric, ginger has demonstrated mild anti-platelet effects in some studies, particularly when used in concentrated extracts or large supplemental doses.
Fresh ginger used in tea, soups, stir-fries, or other recipes provides far lower amounts. Ginger also offers numerous health benefits, including supporting digestion, reducing nausea, promoting healthy blood sugar regulation, and helping reduce inflammation.
For many people, those benefits outweigh theoretical concerns associated with normal culinary use.
Should People with ITP Avoid Garlic?
Garlic may be the food that creates the most fear within the ITP community. Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin that may reduce platelet aggregation. Again, reducing platelet aggregation is not the same as lowering platelet count.
Garlic is also associated with cardiovascular health, immune support, antimicrobial properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most concerns involve garlic supplements or consuming unusually large quantitiesโnot using garlic to season everyday meals.
The Bigger Picture: Don't Let Fear Replace Nutrition
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people becoming so focused on avoiding a few healthy foods that they overlook the foods most likely to contribute to chronic inflammation.
In my opinion, I'd be much more concerned about regularly consuming:
- Ultra-processed foods
- Refined sugars
- Highly processed carbohydrates
- Industrial seed oils (especially repeatedly heated oils)
- Artificial food additives
- Excess alcohol
These foods are much more consistently associated with increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction.
Meanwhile, whole foods like berries, leafy greens, herbs, spices, nuts, healthy fats, and wild-caught fish provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients that support overall wellness.
My Philosophy on Nutrition and ITP
I was diagnosed with ITP in 2003 with a platelet count of just 2,000. After years of conventional treatmentsโincluding steroids, IVIG, Rituxan, and a splenectomyโI eventually entered remission in 2006. Since then, I've spent nearly two decades studying nutrition, inflammation, and lifestyle approaches that support whole-body health. I believe our daily choices influence the environment in which healing takes place. It's about nourishing your body consistently.
Rather than asking whether one food has a tiny effect on platelet function in a laboratory study, I encourage people to ask a bigger question:
Does this food help create an environment where my body can thrive?
Food isn't magic, and no single food will cure ITP. (Which is most likely why doctors make the statement that "food doesn't matter.) But our daily food choices absolutely influence inflammation, gut health, immune function, oxidative stress, blood sugar regulation, and overall health.
Those are all areas worth supporting.
Instead of demonizing nutritious whole foods, I encourage an evidence-informed approach that focuses on the overall dietary pattern rather than isolated ingredients.
Choose wisdom over fear.
What foods should people with ITP focus on?
A nutrient-dense diet emphasizing whole foods, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and anti-inflammatory eating patterns may support overall wellness while reducing chronic inflammation.
Want to Learn More?
Read my article on The 7 Core Pillars I used to Heal My ITP and Stay in Remission
If you're ready to go beyond Google searches and dive deeper into the science of nutrition, inflammation, autoimmune health, and natural wellness, I'd love to invite you to join the Faith & Wellness Collective.
Each month we explore practical, evidence-informed topics designed to help you care for your body, strengthen your faith, and build a healthier lifestyle. Members receive exclusive classes, a growing resource library, live Q&A sessions, healthy recipes, wellness education, and a supportive community committed to pursuing healing with hopeโnot fear.
If you've ever wished someone would explain the "why" behind nutrition instead of simply handing you another list of foods to avoid, the Faith & Wellness Collective was created for you.
I hope you'll join us as we continue learning, growing, and pursuing wellness together.
Daily Habits That Support Natural Immune Health Without a Spleen
For years, getting sick felt terrifying.
As someone living without a spleen, Iโve learned how important it is to focus on natural immune support without a spleen through simple, daily habits.
I lost my spleen due to autoimmune ITP. Like many others, I was told that without a spleen, I would be considered โimmunocompromisedโ and more vulnerable to illness.
And for a while, that felt very true.
I seemed to catch everything that went around. Every cold lingered. Every illness felt bigger than it should.
But over time, something unexpected happened.
I stopped getting sick all the time.
Today, I can honestly say I have one of the strongest, most resilient immune systems of anyone I know.
Not because I never get exposedโฆ
Not because I live in a bubbleโฆ
Not because I live in a bubbleโฆ
But because I began consistently supporting my body in simple, intentional ways.
And these same habits?
Theyโve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
Theyโve also played a role in helping me maintain a place of stability and wellness in my ITP journey.
This post is for you if:
- Youโre living with ITP and want natural ways to support your body
- Youโve had a splenectomy for any reason and want to strengthen your immune system naturally
How can I support my immune system naturally without a spleen?
Supporting your immune system naturally without a spleen includes:
- Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods to help reduce inflammation
- Managing stress through daily habits like rest, prayer, and quiet time
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Reducing exposure to toxins in your home and personal care products
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These consistent daily habits help create a strong foundation so your body can respond well during times of stress or illness.
What It Means to Live Without a Spleen (And Why It Can Feel Scary)
The spleen plays a role in supporting the bodyโs response to certain infections.
So when itโs removedโwhether due to ITP, injury, or another conditionโitโs common to feel:
- More vulnerable to illness
- More anxious about getting sick
- Unsure how to best support your body moving forward
I remember that feeling well.
But what Iโve learned over the years is this:
๐ While we canโt control everythingโฆ
๐ We can support how our body responds
๐ We can support how our body responds
The Shift: From Fear to Supporting My Body Daily
There was a time when I felt like my body was working against me.
Now, I see things differently.
Instead of focusing on fear, I began focusing on daily supportโcreating an environment where my body could function well, recover well, and stay balanced.
And over time, that consistency changed everything.
The Daily Habits That Strengthened My Immune System
These are the foundational habits I rely on every dayโwhether I feel great or feel run down.
1. Reducing Inflammation Through Nutrition
I began focusing on foods that nourish instead of deplete.
This includes:
- Whole, simple ingredients
- Reducing processed foods and sugar
- Choosing meals that support overall wellness
This isnโt about restrictionโitโs about support.
2. Lowering My Daily Toxic Load
This was one of the biggest turning points for me.
I didnโt realize how much everyday exposure (cleaners, personal care, fragrances) could add stress to the body.
By making simple swaps, I helped:
- Reduce unnecessary burden
- Create a cleaner, more supportive home environment
3. Supporting Gut and Liver Function
These systems are closely connected to overall wellness.
When I began supporting them more intentionally, I noticed:
- Better resilience
- More balance in my body
- Greater overall balance
4. Managing Stress Consistently
Stress doesnโt just affect how we feelโit affects how our body functions.
For me, this looks like:
- Prayer and quiet time
- Slowing down when needed
- Creating space to rest mentally and emotionally
5. Using Targeted Supplements
I use supplements to support my bodyโnot replace the basics.
They help fill in gaps and provide extra support during times when my body needs it most.
Supplements are not one-size-fits-all, but focusing on antioxidants has been important for me.
6. Daily Essential Oil Support
Essential oils have become part of my daily rhythm.
I use them to support:
- Immune health
- Emotional balance
- Respiratory wellness (when my lungs or sinuses need extra support)
When I Feel Something Coming On: My Go-To Support Routine
I used to panic at the first sign of illness.
Now, I respond with support.
Immune Support
When I feel run down, I often increase:
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Oil-infused supplements featuring:
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Lemon
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
Respiratory Support (Especially Important Without a Spleen)
Supporting my respiratory system has become a priority.
I turn to:
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and ravintsara
- Raindrop Technique to support the body and overall wellness
- Simple acupressure points that support comfortable breathing
The Most Important (and Most Overlooked) Step
- Warm fluids like tea
- Hydration
- Restโeven when I start to feel better
A Thoughtful Note on Antibiotics and Immune Support
This is something Iโve been asked about oftenโespecially in the splenectomy community.
Many people without a spleen are encouraged to take antibiotics regularly as a preventative measure. This is something you should always discuss with your healthcare provider, as every situation is unique.
For me personally, Iโve taken a different approach. Because a large portion of the immune system is connected to the gut, Iโve been intentional about supporting my body in ways that help maintain overall balance.
In my own journey, Iโve chosen to reserve antibiotics for times when they are truly needed for bacterial infections.
As Iโve focused on strengthening my body through daily habitsโnutrition, reducing toxins, stress support, and immune-supportive toolsโ
Iโve found that my need for antibiotics has become far less frequent. This isnโt about telling anyone what they should doโbut simply sharing what has worked for me, and what has allowed me to feel more confident and supported in my day-to-day life.
A Note for Those Living With ITP
If youโre walking through ITP, I want to gently share this:
The habits that support your overall health also support your bodyโs ability to stay balanced.
Can natural approaches support overall wellness for those living with ITP?
Natural approaches can play a supportive role in overall wellness for those living with ITP by helping the body stay balanced.
Many people focus on:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Supporting the gut and liver
- Managing stress consistently
- Creating healthy daily habits that support the body as a whole
While every journey is different, these foundational habits can be a meaningful part of a long-term wellness routine. I have been in remission from ITP for 20 years with all of the healthy habits I have mentioned.
You Are Not Powerless
Whether you:
- Still have your spleen
- No longer have a spleen
- Are navigating ITP
- Or are simply trying to stay well
There are things you can do.
You donโt have to live in fear of every illness.
You can:
- Support your body daily
- Build resilience over time
- Walk through seasons of sickness with more confidence and peace
If You Want Support Getting Started
If youโre feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, youโre not alone.
I love helping others learn simple, natural ways to support their bodiesโespecially when it comes to:
- Essential oils for immune and respiratory support
- Reducing stress in practical, doable ways
- Building healthy habits that actually stick
If thatโs something youโre looking for, feel free to:
๐ Reach out to me directly
๐ Ask a question
๐ Or share what youโre currently struggling with
๐ Reach out to me directly
๐ Ask a question
๐ Or share what youโre currently struggling with
Iโm always happy to help guide you in a way that feels simple and realistic for your life.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITP, Splenectomy, and Immune Support
Can you live a healthy life without a spleen?
Yesโmany people live full, healthy lives without a spleen.
While the spleen does play a role in supporting the bodyโs response to infection, there are many ways to support your overall health and build resilience through daily habits, nutrition, and lifestyle choices.
How can I support my immune system without a spleen naturally?
Supporting your body naturally often comes down to consistency.
Some of the most impactful areas include:
- Reducing inflammation through nutrition
- Lowering your exposure to toxins
- Supporting gut and liver health
- Managing stress
- Using supportive tools like essential oils and targeted supplements
These simple habits, practiced daily, can make a meaningful difference over time.
Is it normal to feel more anxious about getting sick after a splenectomy?
Absolutely.
Many people feel increased fear or uncertainty after losing their spleenโespecially when it comes to illness.
Youโre not alone in that.
But over time, as you build supportive routines and learn what works for your body, that fear can shift into confidence.
What helps support the immune system when you feel like youโre getting sick?
When you feel something coming on, it can help to:
- Increase rest and hydration
- Support your body with nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants
- Use supportive wellness tools like herbal teas or essential oils
- Slow down and give your body time to recover
The goal is to support your body early and consistently. Don't wait until you're feeling terrible to start supporting your body!
Can natural approaches help with ITP?
Natural approaches can support overall wellness for those living with ITP by focusing on habits like nutrition, stress management, and supporting the bodyโs natural balance. While each personโs experience is unique, many find these habits helpful as part of their daily routine.
Where should I start if I feel overwhelmed?
Start simple.
You donโt have to change everything at once.
Choose one area:
- Swap out a few products in your home
- Add one nourishing meal per day
- Begin a simple stress-reducing practice
- Learn one or two essential oils to support your body
Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.
What should you do if you are diagnosed with ITP?
If you are diagnosed with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), start by understanding the condition, working with your doctor, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and taking small, consistent steps toward healing.
If you are diagnosed with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), start by understanding the condition, working with your doctor, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and taking small, consistent steps toward healing.
๐ Youโre Not Alone in This
If youโve just been diagnosed with ITP, I want you to know something right awayโฆ
Youโre not alone.
I remember what that moment felt likeโthe confusion, the fear, the questions that seemed to multiply faster than answers. One minute youโre living your lifeโฆ and the next, youโre trying to understand platelet counts, low platelets, and what this ITP diagnosis means for your future.
And if youโve already gone down the Google rabbit hole searching โwhat to do after an ITP diagnosisโโฆ I get it. Iโve been there too.
So before we go any further, can I gently say this?
Take a breath.
You do not have to figure everything out today.
You do not have to make every decision right now.
And this diagnosis does not get to write your whole story.
You do not have to make every decision right now.
And this diagnosis does not get to write your whole story.
There is space hereโto learn, to grow, and to walk this out one step at a time.
๐ช What to Do After an ITP Diagnosis
Letโs keep this simple. These are your first stepsโnot your whole journey.
What Is ITP? (Immune Thrombocytopenia Explained Simply)
ITP (immune thrombocytopenia) is a condition where your immune system mistakenly targets your platelets, which help your blood clot. Thatโs the simple version.
You donโt need to understand everything about ITP right nowโjust enough to begin asking good questions and feeling a little more grounded.
Work with Your Doctor (But Stay Informed)
After an ITP diagnosis, your doctor will likely monitor your platelet levels and discuss treatment options if needed.
This is importantโbut so is your role.
This is your body, and itโs okay to ask questions, learn about your options, and be part of the decision-making process as you move forward. (Helpful tip I learned along the way: Write your questions down and take them with you to your appointment.)
Learn to Notice Your Body Without Fear
When you first hear โlow platelets,โ itโs easy to become hyper-aware in a fearful way.
Instead, try shifting into gentle awareness.
Notice things like bruising, energy levels, or changes in your bodyโbut without panic. This isnโt about fearโฆ itโs about learning how your body communicates with you.
Simple Ways to Reduce Inflammation
If youโre wondering what to do after an ITP diagnosis from a natural perspective, this is a great place to begin.
You donโt need a perfect diet overnight. Just start with small, consistent changes:
- Focus on whole, nourishing foods
- Reduce highly processed ingredients
- Pay attention to how your body responds
Healing doesnโt happen in extremesโit happens in daily choices over time.
Why Stress Matters for ITP
One of the most overlooked parts of healing after an ITP diagnosis is stress.
Your body doesnโt just need physical supportโit needs a sense of safety.
Chronic stress can impact the immune system, so creating space for rest, prayer, quiet, and calm is not a luxuryโฆ itโs part of the healing process.
Protecting your peace matters more than you might think.
๐ Emotional Support After an ITP Diagnosis
I know this might feel scary right now. I know there are unknowns.
But your body is not your enemy.
And this diagnosis is not the end of your story.
And this diagnosis is not the end of your story.
There is hope here.
Iโve walked this road. Iโve faced the fear, the setbacks, the questionsโฆ and Iโve also experienced healing, strength, and a deeper understanding of how to care for my body in ways I never knew before.
You are not alone in this.
๐ค Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with ITP
If youโre feeling overwhelmed, you donโt have to figure this out by yourself.
Here are a few gentle ways to take your next step:
๐ If you need encouragement and reassurance
My website was created for warriors just like you:
My website was created for warriors just like you:
Click over to the homepage for some more resources: ITP WARRIOR HOMEPAGE
๐ฟ If youโre looking for a supportive community
Join my Facebook group, Platelets, Plants, and Prayers, where we talk about natural ways to support the body, share experiences, and encourage one another:
๐ [Join the community]
Join my Facebook group, Platelets, Plants, and Prayers, where we talk about natural ways to support the body, share experiences, and encourage one another:
๐ [Join the community]
๐ If youโre ready for a deeper, step-by-step guide
Iโve created a resource that walks through the areas that made the biggest difference in my own healing journeyโfrom food and inflammation to toxins, stress, and more:
๐ [Explore the ITP Healing Guide]
Iโve created a resource that walks through the areas that made the biggest difference in my own healing journeyโfrom food and inflammation to toxins, stress, and more:
๐ [Explore the ITP Healing Guide]
You donโt have to do all of this today.
Just take one small step.
And if todayโs step is simply choosing hope over fearโฆ
thatโs more than enough. ๐
thatโs more than enough. ๐
If youโve lived with ITP for more than five minutes, youโve probably heard this phrase:
โBe careful โ you donโt want to stimulate your immune system.โ
I remember hearing this early in my own ITP journey โ from doctors, from well-meaning friends, and even from people in the wellness world. At the time, it left me feeling stuck and afraid to try anything. I wanted healing, but I didnโt want to make things worse.
At first glance, that advice sounds wise. After all, ITP is an autoimmune condition. The immune system is attacking platelets. Why would we want to encourage it to do more? But hereโs the truth I didnโt understand until much later โ and wish someone had explained sooner:
Autoimmunity is not caused by an immune system thatโs too strong.
Itโs caused by an immune system that has lost regulation, tolerance, and has become overwhelmed with toxins.
Once I began to understand which immune cells were misfiring โ and which ones actually help restore balance โ my fear began to loosen its grip.
Which Immune Cells Are the Real Problem in ITP?
In ITP, the immune system tags platelets as dangerous and destroys them. The main players involved are:
๐ฅ Autoreactive T Cells (Especially Th1 and Th17)
- These are helper T cells that drive inflammation
- Th1 and Th17 dominance sends constant โattackโ signals
- They encourage the immune system to stay in fight mode โ even when no real threat exists
๐งจ B Cells (Autoantibody Producers)
- B cells create antibodies
- In ITP, some of these antibodies mistakenly bind to platelets
- Once tagged, platelets are cleared out by the spleen and liver
๐จ Chronic Inflammatory Cytokines
- Signals like TNF-ฮฑ, IL-6, and IL-17 keep the immune system on high alert
- This creates immune exhaustion, not healing
๐ So when ITP warriors fear โstimulatingโ the immune system, what theyโre really afraid of is further activating these inflammatory, autoreactive pathways.
That fear makes sense โ but itโs only part of the story.
A Complementary Perspective from Eastern Medicine
One of the reasons I stopped being afraid of my immune system was learning how Eastern medicine understands autoimmune conditions like ITP.
Rather than viewing ITP as a broken or aggressive immune system, Eastern traditions often describe it as a terrain problem โ a body overwhelmed by toxins, stagnation, or poor detoxification, leading to what might be described as โsickโ or stressed platelets.
In this view, platelets arenโt being attacked at random. They are being flagged because they no longer appear healthy within an overloaded internal environment.
When the terrain is inflamed, toxic, or congested:
- Platelets may become damaged or altered
- The immune system responds to what looks โabnormalโ
- Destruction becomes a downstream effect โ not the root cause
The Immune Cells That Help Restore Balance
Not all immune activity is harmful in autoimmunity.
๐ฒ Natural Killer (NK) Cells: The Regulators
Research on forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) shows that time spent in nature:
- Increases Natural Killer (NK) cell activity
- Lowers cortisol and stress hormones
- Improves immune surveillance and regulation
NK cells are part of the innate immune system. Their job is to:
- Remove damaged or infected cells (including cancer cells)
- Help regulate immune responses
- Prevent immune chaos
NK cells do not cause autoimmunity.
They help keep the immune system from spiraling into confusion.
They help keep the immune system from spiraling into confusion.
This is why practices like gentle movement, prayer, rest, laughter, essential oils, and time in nature donโt โrev upโ autoimmunity โ they help retrain the immune system.
Why the Word โImmune Stimulationโ Creates So Much Fear
The phrase immune boosting has done a lot of damage in autoimmune spaces.
ITP warriors donโt need:
- โ Immune activation
- โ Immune boosting
- โ More inflammatory signaling
They do need:
- โ Immune modulation
- โ Immune tolerance
- โ Nervous system calming
- โ Reduced inflammatory load
Think less gas pedal and more steering wheel and brakes.
Supporting the Immune System Without Fueling Autoimmunity
This shift โ from fear to understanding โ changed everything for me. My platelet recovery wasnโt about suppressing my body into silence. It was about reducing confusion, calming inflammation, and giving my immune system the right environment to relearn balance.
In my own healing journey and in my work with ITP warriors, the focus is always on restoring regulation โ not suppression and not reckless stimulation.
๐ฟ Gentle, Regulatory Supports
- Supporting gut integrity (where immune education begins)
- Supporting liver detox pathways (to reduce immune confusion)
- Ensuring mineral sufficiency (magnesium, zinc, etc โ when appropriate)
- Reducing toxin exposure
๐ง Calming the Nervous System (This Is Huge)
Chronic stress directly pushes inflammatory immune pathways.
Prayer, breathwork, slow walks, essential oils, and stillness arenโt โextra.โ
They are foundational to immune healing.
They are foundational to immune healing.
Where Essential Oils Fit In
Essential oils became one of my favorite tools along the way โ not because they were a magic fix, but because they supported something I was missing for a long time: a calm, regulated nervous system.
When the body is constantly stressed, inflamed, or in survival mode, the immune system follows suit.
One reason I love essential oils for autoimmune warriors is that many of them:
- Support nervous system balance
- Encourage parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) signaling
- Gently support immune communication without forcing stimulation
Oils such as Frankincense, Lavender, Copaiba, Blue Tansy, and Citrus oils can support calm, inflammation balance, and emotional resilience โ all of which influence immune behavior.
Used appropriately, essential oils donโt shout at the immune system.
They whisper safety.
They whisper safety.
And when the body feels safe, healing becomes possible.
A Reframe for Every ITP Warrior
One of the most healing mindset shifts I made was realizing this:
My immune system was never my enemy.
It was trying to protect me โ it was just receiving bad information and living in a constant state of alarm.
Your immune system is not your enemy.
It is:
- Overworked
- Misinformed
- Stuck in survival mode
Healing isnโt about silencing it into submission.
Itโs about restoring leadership, communication, and trust.
Want Support on This Journey?
If youโre an ITP warrior who feels confused by conflicting advice, fearful of doing the โwrongโ thing, or overwhelmed by all the noise around immune health โ I understand. Iโve lived it.
Today, I help other ITP warriors explore gentle, faith-rooted, and science-informed ways to support immune regulation, reduce inflammation, and rebuild trust with their bodies.
โจ If youโd like to learn more, Iโve also created an ITP Guide for warriors who want clear, compassionate education on traditional and natural approaches to healing โ without fear or overwhelm.
Whether youโre just diagnosed or years into your journey, the guide walks through immune balance, nutrition, toxins, stress, and supportive tools I wish Iโd understood sooner.
You can explore the guide, learn about essential oil support, or reach out if youโd like to work together to help your immune system find its way back to balance. Iโd love to connect.
Healing is possible โ and it doesnโt require fear
In the 1950s, researchers at Harvard conducted a fascinating study with rats that revealed something far deeper than endurance—it uncovered the power of hope.
In the experiment, rats were placed in a container of water to see how long they could swim before giving up. On average, they lasted only about 15 minutes. But when researchers rescued them just before drowning, dried them off, let them rest, and then placed them back in the water, something incredible happened. The same rats swam for more than 60 hours.
What changed?
Not their muscles. Not their ability.
It was their belief that rescue was possible.
They had learned that help could come—and that hope changed everything.
How This Connects to Our Health and Faith
Like those rats, our health struggles can make us wonder: How long can I endure what I’m going through?
When I was facing ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia), there were moments I felt like I was barely treading water. With no experience and no hope, I didn’t know if I had the strength to keep going. But through each trial—and each rescue—I learned something powerful.
It wasn’t about my own strength or ability to “swim.”
It was about the knowledge that rescue was possible.
Once we’ve been pulled from the water a few times, our hearts begin to draw a new conclusion: I can be saved. God can meet me here again.
Just as those rats swam longer after experiencing rescue, we too can endure longer when we know that God has delivered us before—and He will do it again.
As we see someone survive, that can build hope and resilience in us.
That’s why sharing our testimonies matters so much. When you see someone rise out of a health battle—when you see someone walk through ITP and find healing naturally and spiritually—it plants hope in your heart that you can rise too.
What We Feed Ourselves Determines Our Strength
In the Harvard study, the rats eventually did die after 60 hours. But it makes me wonder: did they really die of exhaustion… or of starvation?
We, too, can only endure for so long if we are not feeding ourselves properly—physically and spiritually.
- We need nourishment.
- We need truth.
- We need the Word of God to sustain us through long nights of waiting.
“But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength;
they will mount up with wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31
they will mount up with wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31
When we feed on God’s promises, our endurance increases. We find that we can tread the waters of uncertainty a little longer—because we’re not relying on our own strength. We’re trusting the One who rescues.
From Struggle to Strength
Seeing how God brought me through ITP reminds me that He is always near and that no trial is wasted. Every time I’ve been “pulled from the water,” it prepared me to swim stronger the next time.
If you are struggling with low platelets, chronic illness, or any season of uncertainty—please remember: you are not forgotten.
God is near, even in the deep water. And because He is your rescuer, you can endure with hope.
God is near, even in the deep water. And because He is your rescuer, you can endure with hope.
Keep looking up.
Keep believing.
And keep treading—because your rescue is coming.
Keep believing.
And keep treading—because your rescue is coming.
๐ฟ For ITP Warriors Waiting on the Lord
If you’re walking through ITP or another autoimmune condition and you’re searching for strength—both naturally and spiritually—I’d love to walk with you.
In my community, Platelets, Plants, and Prayers, I share encouragement, natural wellness tips, and faith-filled hope for healing.
You don’t have to face the water alone.
Hope and healing are possible.
Hope and healing are possible.
๐ Want to be reminded that hope still wins?
My devotional, "Battles & Breakthroughs: Victory in Christ for Chronic Illness and Life's Toughest Battles", was written straight from my own seasons of deep water. Each daily entry and reflection is designed to lift your spirit, renew your faith, and remind you that God never wastes a battle.
My devotional, "Battles & Breakthroughs: Victory in Christ for Chronic Illness and Life's Toughest Battles", was written straight from my own seasons of deep water. Each daily entry and reflection is designed to lift your spirit, renew your faith, and remind you that God never wastes a battle.
Let these pages encourage your heart while you wait on the Lord.
