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
Why I Believe Remission from ITP Is Possible: My Healing Manifesto of Faith and Hope
If you’re living with ITP and wondering if healing is even possible, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—scared, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. But today, I stand on the other side of that valley, in remission, with a message burning in my heart:
Healing is possible.
Not just symptom relief. Not just temporary remission. True, deep, life-changing healing.
Not just symptom relief. Not just temporary remission. True, deep, life-changing healing.
This is my personal healing manifesto—what I believe, what I’ve lived, and what I want you to know as you search for answers and hope.
I Believe the Body Was Made to Heal
Even when lab reports look grim, I believe your body is not broken—it’s communicating. Low platelets don’t mean your immune system has failed. It means it’s asking for help, for restoration, for a chance to reset.
I learned to stop fighting my body and started listening to it.
I Believe in Root-Cause Healing, Not Just Immune Suppression
Most conventional ITP treatment plans focus on suppressing the immune system. And while there may be moments where that’s necessary, I don’t believe that’s the only—or best—way.
I believe in working with the immune system:
- Removing toxic triggers
- Supporting the gut and liver
- Reducing inflammation
- Nourishing the body through anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients
For me, this meant combining natural therapies, nutrition, and lifestyle changes grounded in faith and intention.
I Believe in the Power of Faith
I didn’t walk this healing path alone. God was with me every step, guiding me to the right information, the right support, and the right mindset shift.
Healing from ITP is physical—but it’s also spiritual and emotional.
Fear and hopelessness are heavy burdens. But when we give those to God, we create space for peace, clarity, and healing to begin.
Fear and hopelessness are heavy burdens. But when we give those to God, we create space for peace, clarity, and healing to begin.
I Believe Words Matter
What we say over our bodies matters. For a long time, I repeated what I’d been told—“I’m sick. I have an incurable autoimmune disease.” But eventually, I started speaking life instead.
Now I say:
๐ฃ “I’m healed.”
๐ฃ “My body is resilient.”
๐ฃ “I serve a God who still heals.”
๐ฃ “I’m healed.”
๐ฃ “My body is resilient.”
๐ฃ “I serve a God who still heals.”
I Believe Remission Is Real
Not just for me. For you. For others.
I’m not a doctor, but I’m someone who’s lived this and walked into remission with God’s help and a natural healing plan that supported my body instead of suppressing it.
I’m not a doctor, but I’m someone who’s lived this and walked into remission with God’s help and a natural healing plan that supported my body instead of suppressing it.
My story isn’t the exception—it’s a reminder that there is hope.
You Are Not Alone
If you’ve just been diagnosed, if you’re feeling discouraged, or if you’re searching late into the night for anything that offers real answers—know this:
โจ You are not alone.
โจ You are not broken.
โจ There is hope.
โจ And healing is possible.
โจ You are not broken.
โจ There is hope.
โจ And healing is possible.
Want Support on Your Healing Journey?
I created a guide for those newly diagnosed with ITP (or feeling stuck in fear) that walks through natural and faith-filled approaches to support your platelets, reduce inflammation, and care for your whole body.
๐ [Download the ITP Guide here]
๐ [Download the ITP Guide here]
Or explore more blog posts on:
- [My favorite immune supporting food for ITP]
- [Reducing toxins that affect platelets]
- [Faith, mindset, and autoimmune healing]
You are deeply loved. Your body is capable. And your healing journey matters.
Looking for Natural Ways to Increase Platelets with ITP?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenia), a common question is: “What supplements can I take to increase my platelet count naturally?”
As someone who has personally experienced ITP remission and supported many others on this journey, I want to start with this foundational truth:
Supplements Should Not Be Your First Step.
It’s tempting to try a new pill or powder in hopes of a quick platelet boost. But long-term healing starts with lifestyle. Supplements are most effective when combined with:
- Nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods
- Reducing chronic inflammation
- Supporting gut and liver detox pathways
- Removing hidden toxins in your home
- Managing emotional and physical stress
These are the pillars that helped me achieve long lasting remission—and they can support you, too.
Best Supplements for ITP and Immune System Health
Here are some top supplements that may support people with ITP and low platelet counts. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding anything new to your routine.
โ๏ธ Vitamin D for ITP
- Benefits: Supports immune balance and platelet production.
- Check: Have your vitamin D levels tested. Aim for 50–80 ng/mL.
- Note: It’s fat-soluble, so don’t overdo it without supervision.
๐ช Vitamin C to Strengthen Platelets
- Benefits: Boosts immunity and helps maintain healthy blood vessels.
- Sources: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwi, or 500–1000 mg/day supplements.
- Watch out: Too much may cause digestive upset.
๐ง B12 & Folate (Methylated B Vitamins)
- Benefits: Crucial for DNA repair, red blood cell formation, and immune function.
- Tip: Look for methylcobalamin and methylfolate.
๐งฌ Zinc for Immune Function
- Benefits: Short-term support for the immune system and wound healing.
- Dosage: 15–30 mg/day.
- Caution: Prolonged use may lower copper levels.
๐ฅฌ Iron (Only If Deficient)
- Benefits: Helps with energy if you have low ferritin or anemia.
- Important: Supplement only with confirmed deficiency.
๐งช Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
- Benefits: Lowers inflammation and supports immune health.
- Caution: Can thin the blood at high doses—check with your doctor. Tip - try adding foods that contain Omega-3 if you are concerned about taking a separate supplement.
๐ฟ Chinese Herbal Remedies for ITP
- Why consider them: Under the guidance of a trained practitioner, they can support immune regulation & platelet health.
- Personal note: Chinese herbs were a vital part of my healing path to remission. I've included a link at the end if you'd like more information on this topic.
Goji Berries (Wolfberries)
- Why consider them: Research suggests that the polysaccharides in goji berries (Lycium barbarum), often called LBP, may help support platelet health. In a mouse model of ITP, these polysaccharides were shown to increase platelet counts and reduce oxidative stress — which is meaningful because oxidative damage can worsen platelet destruction in ITP. Beyond platelet support, goji berries also have immunomodulatory benefits: they appear to help balance immune activity by influencing cytokines and boosting certain immune-cell functions.
- Personal note: I've been using goji berries (both dried berries and pureed in juice form) for over ten years. They are a part of my daily wellness routine and have helped me support my immune system, as I don't have a spleen.
To read more about how I use goji berries in my daily wellness routine (and why I include them in my 14 Day Reset), check out my article on wolfberries and platelet health.
Supplements to Avoid with ITP or Use with Caution
Some herbs and natural remedies can interfere with platelet function or increase bleeding risk. Be cautious with the following:
๐ฟ Turmeric / Curcumin
- Why be cautious: Mixed evidence—some studies suggest it supports healthy platelets, others indicate it may impair platelet function. You may want to check out the research and decide for yourself.
๐ฟ Ginkgo Biloba
- Why be cautious: May increase bleeding risk.
๐ฟ White Willow Bark
- Why avoid it: Acts similarly to aspirin; generally not safe for those with ITP.
Final Thoughts: Lifestyle First, Supplements Second
If you're navigating ITP, remember: You don’t have to figure everything out overnight. You are not behind. You are right on time for your healing journey.
Supplements can help, but they aren’t the whole story. Your best chance at remission and lasting health comes from rebuilding the foundations—nutrition, detox, rest, emotional peace, and spiritual strength.
You’ve got this. Healing is possible.
๐ฌ Get More Support on Your ITP Journey
Join my free Facebook group: Platelets, Plants, and Prayers — a supportive community for people with ITP looking for natural healing.
Explore helpful resources created with you in mind:
- โ ITP Guide that outlines my entire healing process: ITP GUIDE
- โ Chinese Herbal Medicine for ITP: Chinese Herbs as a Treatment for ITP
- โ Meal Planning Masterclass: Autoimmune Meal Planning Made Easy
Keep learning. Keep believing. Healing is possible.
