The human body is amazing, it is capable of healing itself and recognizing danger. Our bodies even protect us by initiating a flight-or-fight response when faced with danger. One of the most important components within your body are your white blood cells. White blood cells help protect the body as part of our immune system. In this article, we cover some common methods to increase your white blood cell count.
Purpose of White Blood Cells
According to the
University of Rochester Medical Center
, white cells make up only a small percentage of our blood. While they may not have a major presence, the white cells that you do have, have an effect your body in a major way. White cells are your body’s defense mechanism against illness.
White cells drive your immunity by transporting themselves within your bloodstream. While blood cells then combat bacteria, viruses, and any other foreign intruders. In a nutshell, white cells can detect a threat and attack it. Another capability to note is that white cells cultivate inside of your marrow.
Each white blood cell has a short duration. But, the marrow in your bones is always working to produce white blood cells. Sometimes, though, the body tends to malfunction. Below are some of the reasons people tend to experience a low white cell count.
Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count
When your body has a low white cell count, it becomes more prone to falling prey to illnesses. The Mayo Clinic points out that there are a few causes of low white cell count, one of which may be affecting you:
- Autoimmune disorders such as Type I Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Celiac Disease, and more
- Viral infections that diminish the bone marrow’s ability to function
- Cancer
- Infectious Disease
- Vitamin Deficiency
While this list is not exhaustive, these are the most frequent reasons people encounter a low white cell count. When your body suffers from a low white cell count, you have less immunity to common illnesses. In fact, if your immune system becomes compromised a compound effect may occur.
For example, a low white cell count means you are more prone to illness. As you get sick, your body is then compromised further. The resulting illness reduces your immune system further this making you even more susceptible.
There are a few ways that you can increase your white cell count in a healthy and productive manner. Taking advantage of the following recommendations can help you protect your health.
How to Increase White Blood Cells
Increasing your white blood cell total isn’t a complicated process. The most common natural methods include limiting your sugar intake and drinking water. It is also smart to cut unhealthy fats from your diet. Med-Health indicates, increasing your white blood cell count depends on changing your lifestyle. At first, altering your lifestyle may be a challenge, but it has its advantages.
Types of Foods to Increase White Cells
One of the easiest ways to increase your white cell count is to consume particular foods. The following foods aren’t only helpful in increasing your white cell count; they also lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Below are a few foods that work to increase your body’s white cell count:
- Carotenoids (found in Spirulina )
- Flax Oil
- Poultry
- Beans
- Seafood
- Dried Fruit (Sugar-free)
- Iron-fortified Meals
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Squash
- Sweet Red Peppers
- Mango
The reason the above foods help increase your white cell count is that they are rich in minerals. Minerals such as Iron and Vitamin C and E and Omega-3 fatty acids can help increase white blood cell count.
Supplements that can help
Besides particular foods, you could also turn to supplements. Below are a few supplements that are conducive to your body’s bone marrow production, and thus your white cell count:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
- Vitamin E
Improving white blood cell counts for cancer patients
Cancer harms the body because it depreciates the body’s ability to produce white cells. As a result, the body is unable to combat the disease. Chemotherapy also lowers the production of white cells.
According to Choosing Wisely, many cancer patients respond well to CSFs. CSFs are shots such as Epogen (Filgrastim), Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), Leukine, and Proline (sargramostim). These drugs are most effective after chemotherapy treatment. They can help the body increase its white cell count.
Summary
A low white blood cell count is problematic because it reduces our ability to see off the threat of illness. The tips above will help anyone looking to increase their white blood cell count. It is also helpful to eat well and exercise, good advice for anyone regardless of the condition.