According to the Mayo Clinic, a low white blood cell count can be caused by anything from a congenital disorder to cancer. As a low white blood cell count can leave a person dangerously susceptible to illness, it is important to take precautions to lower exposures to infection, as well as incorporate changes to your diet to help boost immune system and blood count. Certain types of foods can be eaten to help restore a low white blood cell count, making proper diet an important part of the recovery process.
Fish
Fish oil is an essential nutrient for a healthy immune system, reports iVillage.com. Consume as much cooked fish as possible, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and albacore tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be consumed through use of omega-3 fish oil nutritional supplements. Talk to your doctor about supplementation if you feel your diet isn't rich enough in fish oil.
Green Tea
Replace your normal cup of coffee or tea with a cup of green tea. I Love India's Lifestyle section recommends green tea as it contains catechin, a type of antioxidant that is known to boost the immune system and can help boost white blood cell count by boosting the production of these cells.
Garlic
Stop Getting Sick recommends garlic for immunity and to help boost white blood cell count in the body. They also report that garlic can help protect against disease as it is a powerful antioxidant. Not only can garlic boost the immune system by raising the white blood cell count, but it can attack and destroy the free radicals that can contribute to disease, as well.
Cooked Vegetables
Consume more vegetables to boost white blood cell count, but avoid uncooked vegetables. Natural News recommends leafy greens, carrots and broccoli as they contain beta carotene and other carotenoids that can boost the production of white blood cells.
References
- iVillage: Low White Blood Cell Count Diet
- I Love India Lifestyle: How to Increase White Blood Cells
- Virginia Health System: White Blood Cell Count
- Mayo Clinic: Low White Blood Cell Count
- Natural News: Boost Low White Blood Cell Count and Immune System Naturally
- Stop Getting Sick: Feed Your Immune System
