Foods That Contribute to a High White Blood Cell Count

Foods That Contribute to a High White Blood Cell Count
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White blood cells, also called leukocytes, help your body fight infection. You require white blood cells in order to help fight infection and disease and maintain a strong immune system. Maintaining a healthy, vitamin-rich diet is important in order to maintain healthy white blood cells levels in your body. Certain foods may contribute to raising your body's white blood cell count.

Foods Rich In Selenium

Selenium is an essential mineral that acts as an antioxidant in your body. Antioxidants help your body fight against infection and illness caused by foreign agents. In addition, this mineral can help support proper thyroid function. Selenium, along with other minerals can help raise your white blood cell levels. This improves your immunity and your body's ability to combat infection and diseases. You can obtain selenium as as a supplement or in many foods. Good dietary choices include brewer's yeast, liver, fish, butter, garlic, whole grains, and sunflower seeds.

Foods Rich In Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin that produces red blood cells, platelets, and genetic material in your body. In addition, this vitamin is important for normal growth and development and for the synthesis of white blood cells. You can obtain this vitamin in a supplement or in many dietary foods. Good food choices include liver, dark leafy, green vegetables, whole grains, beans, milk, yeast, and fortified foods.

Foods Rich In Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help your body with proper growth, development, and brain function. These fats also elevate the activity of phagocytes, white blood cells in your body that protect you from foreign bacteria. Good dietary sources of omega-3 fats include fatty fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Other good choices include flaxseed, flaxseed oil, hemp seeds, and walnuts.

References

Article reviewed by David Fisher Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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