How to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count

A number of health conditions can cause the white blood cell count to plummet. Infections, leukemia, cancer treatments, anemia, medications, autoimmune disorders, and even allergies can all take aim at the immune system, weakening it and leaving the body more vulnerable to infections.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to pump up your supply of white blood cells, even if you’ve been through cancer treatments.

What is White Blood Cell Count?

White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and typically work as part of the immune system to fight off bacterial and viral infections. What’s considered a “normal” white blood cell count is usually between 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells (WBCs) per microliter of blood. Those who have 3,500 or less may be considered to have a low WBC (also called “neutropenia”), but not always—it depends on the patient, the doctor, and the situation. A WBC of less than 1,000 is generally always considered too low and an indication of a serious infection risk.

In addition to a blood test showing low levels, other symptoms of a low WBC may include fatigue, recurrent infections that are hard to treat, shortness of breath, and weakness. More serious symptoms indicating a need for immediate medical attention include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and skin lesions.

Astragalus :-

• • Also known as “huang qi” or “huang chi”, astragalus is a Chinese herb derived from the astragalus membranaceus plant. It possesses terrific WBC-promoting properties.
  • A 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research notes that when patients consumed astragalus separately and in combination with other herbs for seven days, the activity of the immune cells was strengthened.

• While astragalus does not eliminate cancer from its roots, it significantly boosts the immune systems of cancer patients by promoting phagocytosis in the existing WBCs.
• A 2006 study published in Cancer Letters notes that the astragalus membranaceus plant exhibits T-cell-boosting properties in cancer patients. T-cells are the body’s vital immunity-boosting WBCs.
• Astragalus is available as tablet or capsule supplements, as a tincture (alcohol extract) and prescribed by some doctors in an injectable form.

Note: Consult your doctor before taking this herb for any possible side effects and drug interactions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids :-

• • Dietary omega-3 fatty acids increase the body’s production of phagocytes, a type of WBCs that engulf harmful foreign entities like bacteria entering our bodies through a process called phagocytosis.
  • A 2001 study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention notes that the levels of WBCs in female volunteers increased when they took dietary fatty acids.

• In addition, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology notes that fish oil consumption promotes the activity of a type of WBCs called B cells.
• Foods with the highest omega-3 fatty acid content include flaxseed oil, fish oil, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, oysters, spinach and soybeans.

Take folic acid :-

• The body needs folic acid to make white blood cells.
• In fact, one of the side effects of excess intake of folic acid is an increase in WBCs.
• A deficiency of folic acid can also lead to anemia, which is a low level of red blood cells.
• So if you’re low on either, increasing intake of folic acid may help.
• Eat more spinach, beans, and citrus fruits.

Take selenium :-

• • The University of Maryland Medical Center states that selenium can help build up white blood cells.
  • Some studies also indicate that selenium may help prevent some infections.

• Another study indicated that when the elderly take both zinc and selenium supplements, their immune systems responded better to the flu vaccine than those who took placebo.

Eat more yogurt :-

• Some studies have shown that people taking probiotics had stronger immune systems than those who didn’t take them.
• The probiotics also seemed to boost the WBC. A study conducted by German researchers and published in the Clinical Nutrition recruited nearly 500 healthy adults aged 18 to 67.
• All were given supplements, but only half received probiotic supplements.
• Over three months, those given the probiotics suffered fewer colds.
• In addition, a subgroup of over 100 participants who had their blood count measured showed higher white blood cell counts, indicating a stronger immune system.

Add in the garlic :-

• A 2002 animal study found that rats fed garlic showed a significant increase in total white blood cell count.
• It also seems to promote the ability of white blood cells to fight off infections, and also stimulates other immune cells.

Copper :-

• Healthy adults have between 50 and 80 milligrams of copper in their blood. A copper deficiency leads to a number of disorders, including leukopenia.
• A 2002 study published in Blood notes that leukopenia and neutropenia is often misdiagnosed as myelodysplastic syndrome and not related to a copper deficiency.
• A later 2012 study published in Current Opinion in Hematology further states the same and suggests that patients diagnosed with leukopenia must be tested for copper deficiency, as it is often a leading cause of the condition.
• Foods rich in copper include seafood like oysters, lobster and crab; kale; mushrooms; seeds like flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds; nuts like brazil nuts, walnuts, pine nutsand pistachios; pulses, dried fruits and avocados. Copper supplements are also an option.

Note: Consult your doctor for the recommended daily doses of these foods/supplements suitable for your health conditions and any prescribed medication.

Regulated Exercise :-

• • Exercise significantly boosts immunity. It promotes blood circulation, including WBCs, to various parts of the body.
  • However, studies have shown that overexerting yourself through exercise (intense gym routines or marathon running) proves counterproductive and decrease the amount of WBCs in the body.

• A 2003 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology notes that young men who underwent rigorous military training for five to seven days saw an initial increase
• and subsequent decrease in the number of neutrophils and monocytes, while other WBCs like lymphocytes and eosinophils reduced throughout.
• The neutrophil count, specifically, improved significantly in the initial days, but it plummeted as the exercises became more intense.
• This goes to prove that while exercise is important for overall health, it should not be overdone.