Your white blood cells form an integral part of your immune system. Subgroups of these specialized cells secrete antibodies that detect infectious particles, while other white blood cells engulf and destroy the particles before they can spread disease. The quality of your diet can affect the development or activity of your white blood cells, with certain foods potentially increasing your functional white blood cell count.
Fruits
Include several servings of fruit each day. In addition to other health benefits -- such as dietary fiber content -- fruits often contain vitamin C, an essential nutrient. Vitamin C helps promote the formation of new white blood cells, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Adequate vitamin C intake can help promote and maintain an adequate rate of white blood cell growth. Pineapple, strawberries, grapefruits and oranges serve as particularly good vitamin C sources.
Veggies
Include vegetables, because many contain vitamin C as well as other nutrients to benefit your white blood cells. For example, vitamin A signals to blood stem cells found within your bone marrow and promotes the development and maturation of functional white blood cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Consume a range of vegetables for a healthy diet, and include vitamin A-rich vegetables, including carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and spinach to help benefit your white blood cell count.
Nuts
Include nuts to help increase your functional white blood cell count. Many types, including peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts, provide a source of vitamin E. Consuming enough vitamin E proves important to healthy blood cells and alpha-tocopherol -- one form of vitamin E -- regulates white blood cells' response to inflammation, according to Maret G. Traber, a professor of nutrition at the Linus Pauling Institute. As a result, consuming enough vitamin E can help ensure your white blood cells function properly, helping to support your immune system.
Considerations and Other Foods
Your body also requires a range of foods each day to stay healthy. Ultimately, following a well-balanced diet will provide you with all the nutrients you need, to help benefit a number of systems, including your immune system. You should also consume sources of protein, such as fish, poultry, lean meat, beans or tofu, as well as healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains. These foods all provide essential nutrients for your overall health, as may contain vitamins C, A and E to benefit your white blood cell count.
