Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): managing the disease on a daily basis

Have a well-balanced, healthy diet 

Beyond the need to eat enough and regularly, some nutrients can promote platelet production or clotting, while others should be avoided for certain reasons.  
 
It would be best to base your meals on starchy foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes or bread and accompany them with fish, chicken or eggs to cover protein needs. Beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, as well as soya products are good sources of lean protein. The consumption of red meat should be reduced because, although it provides a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the human body, it is high in saturated fat, which carries a cardiovascular risk that may be increased in patients on long-term treatment with corticosteroids. The same applies to cold cuts, butter, cream, condensed milk, etc.  

Instead, focus on unsaturated fats (omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9) which are essential for the brain, heart and skin and which contribute to the maintenance of the immune system. These essential fatty acids are found in olive oil, avocado, flaxseed, sunflower oil, etc. Eating one portion of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring per week would provide you with a sufficient quantity of omega 3, which has a number of benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and inflammation and improving liver function. Vegetables are also very important, with a preference for legumes and green leafy vegetables. Some superfoods contain high amounts of folic acid (vitamin B9) such as royal jelly, fresh pollen and wakame. You should opt for steaming or wok cooking to preserve the organoleptic and nutritional qualities of the ingredients.

Eat 5 fruits and vegetables per day 

Apart from providing us with energy and nutrients, fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help maintain our immune system in order and resist infections. Why not treat yourself to a mixture of fruit and vegetables for a snack to get a good dose of vitamins?  

Drink plenty of water 

Consuming between 1.5 and 2 litres of water per day in addition to water that comes from other sources is essential, to ensure that our body is well hydrated and that toxins are removed.

Avoid certain foods

Some foods, including red grapes, blueberries, garlic, onions and ginger, can interfere with clotting when eaten in large quantities. But when consumed in small amounts, these foods should not be a problem.

Avoid foods that have too much sugar or salt 

Eating too much salt contributes to water retention. That is why you should avoid processed foods, pickles, cold cuts, etc. Try to spice things up with herbs and lemon instead. Eating too much sugar is also not recommended. This includes cakes, biscuits, alcohol, soft drinks... It is possible to treat yourself to a biscuit or a piece of cake from time to time, but you shouldn't overindulge. 

Limit your consumption of alcohol 

Alcohol has anticoagulant properties and should be consumed with caution if you have TTP. Depending on your platelet count and the progress of your treatment, you might not be able to drink alcohol at all. This should be discussed with your doctor.  

Find the type of exercise that suits you

Some physical activities require endurance while others require strength. You can talk to your doctor about which type of physical activity suits you best, but it is generally recommended to avoid sports that carry a risk of injury. Sports such as swimming, hiking, dancing, cycling, golf are usually suitable for people with TTP. 

Pay attention to your symptoms 

It is important to know your body and be able to recognise the symptoms. Unusual symptoms may indicate that your platelet count, or ADAMT13 activity is falling. It is important to report this to your doctor as soon as possible and not wait for symptoms to worsen, in order to avoid a relapse.

Avoid stress 

Yoga, meditation and other mind-body practices can be particularly beneficial for people with TTP. They help to ensure communication between your brain and your body. Reducing stress helps the immune system to function better. Getting a good night's sleep also helps to limit stress.  
  

Travel if possible, but make sure you follow some important rules! 

Before going on a trip, you should inform your doctor about your intentions to travel. He or she may ask you to undergo some tests (platelet count, ADAMTS13 activity test) to check your health and to avoid any risks. It is essential to ensure that you are up-to-date with all the vaccinations for your destination. If you develop a fever, infection or other symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately. Make sure you have your doctor's contact information and all the documentation that explains your illness, symptoms and treatment plan, on you at any time.  
 
Most patients diagnosed with TTP make changes to their diet and lifestyle. It is important to listen to your body and its needs and to avoid fatigue and infections. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor if you need any advice on your condition, treatment or lifestyle.