When you have a low white blood cell count, it generally means that the number of white blood cells has dipped to less than 3,500 per microliter of blood, which is one-millionth of a liter. This decline in white blood cells can be a result of many different factors, such as allergies, infections, medications, diet, autoimmune disorders, leukemia, anemia and standard cancer treatments. To combat this decline in white blood cells, treatment options are readily available, although they're often based on the underlying cause.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. Before trying to boost your white blood cell count, discuss the options with your primary physician. Medical professionals can often suggest appropriate measures that best match your health and condition. Doing so on your own could decrease the efficacy of medications and treatment plans used for another condition.
Step 2
Improve your diet. Healthy, well-balanced diets ensure that you're getting the proper vitamins and nutrients for your immune system. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish are all rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, so make sure to get at least your daily allowance of each. Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, nuts, spinach (and other green, leafy vegetables), avocado, tomatoes, carrots, apricots and cold-water fish are some of the most beneficial to your immune system.
Step 3
Increase your intake of zinc. While a well-balanced diet can go a long way toward boosting the health of your white blood cells, zinc actually stimulates their production. Try to get anywhere between 15 and 25 mg each day. Many cereals are fortified with this mineral, but you can also find it naturally in beef, legumes, turkey and crab.
Step 4
Get regular exercise. Though this may not actually increase the number of white blood cells in your body, daily exercise can help to move them more effectively throughout your system, thereby boosting your immune response. All you need is between 20 and 30 minutes each day, be it walking, biking or swimming.
Step 5
Make sure you're getting enough rest. Since you're dealing with a lowered number of white blood cells, get enough rest each day. By resting, you're allowing your weakened immune system to work more effectively, and you're giving your body time to heal.
Step 6
Start taking a white blood cell booster. There are two medications on the market that help to boost the number of white blood cells. Pegfilgrastim and filgrastim are prescription drugs given during treatment for cancer to boost your immune system.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're currently dealing with a lowered white blood cell count, make sure to avoid people with illnesses, such as the cold, flu or pneumonia. Your immune response is weakened and your body can't as effectively fight off pathogens.
