11. Maybe Eat: Dairy Products
While some people with ITP choose to avoid dairy entirely, dairy products offer a variety of nutritional benefits, according to Hultin. Dairy is “a good source of calories and protein, it’s a natural source of B12, and it’s a bone builder — there’s phosphorus and calcium,” she says.
But if you’re eating dairy products that are high in saturated fat or sodium, “you might need to look at the way you’re eating dairy,” says Hultin, who generally recommends low-fat dairy products.
12. Maybe Avoid: Coffee
Coffee “can be a mild anticoagulant, because it has really potent antioxidants,” says Hultin. “With coffee, I would suggest that each individual work with their doctor and say, ‘How much can I have, if any?’”
The caffeine in coffee may be helpful, Hultin admits, to combat occasional bouts of fatigue. But if you find yourself needing caffeine often to stay energized, “go back a little bit and make sure that you’re hitting the basics: getting enough calories, protein, and fat; getting enough water; and eating on a regular schedule,” she recommends.