White blood cells are responsible for identifying and destroying bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxic substances in your body. They help prevent infections that cause illnesses and diseases such as salmonella, influenza, genital herpes and the common cold. Leukopenia, or low white blood cell count, increases your risk of infection and disease. Certain foods and herbs may help stimulate white blood cell count. Check with your doctor before using any herb or food to address leukopenia.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is found in foods such as spinach, strawberries, kiwi, papayas, oranges, pomegranates, broccoli and grapefruit. Some herbs, such as cayenne, alfalfa, paprika, burdock root and parsley also contain vitamin C. This vitamin may stimulate immune system function by encouraging the production of white blood cells in your body, according to Gale Maleskey, author of "Nature's Medicines." It may also aid in the production of interferon, a natural antibody. Talk to your physician before taking any herb or food containing vitamin C to increase white blood cell count.
Garlic
Garlic is primarily known as a culinary herb used to flavor Italian, Asian, Indian, Caribbean and Mexican dishes. However, garlic's use as a medicinal herb dates back more than 5,000 years, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Ancient Egyptians used garlic to enhance strength and promote longevity. Allicin, the primary chemical compound in garlic, may also enhance your body's ability to produce white blood cells and ward off infection. Consult your physician if you plan to use garlic to boost immune system function --- it may contribute to excessive bleeding from wounds and ulcers.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb native to the northwestern United States. The Native Americans of this region used goldenseal root to treat wounds, digestive distress and sore throat. Goldenseal contains a chemical compound called berberine, which may stimulate production of white blood cells, according to Castleman. Berberine may also offer antibacterial benefits and may be particularly effective for destroying bacteria that cause diarrhea. Talk to your physician before taking goldenseal --- this herb may cause blood pressure fluctuations and an occasional upset stomach.
Vitamin A-Rich Foods
Foods containing vitamin A include asparagus, carrots, broccoli, kale, spinach, papaya, squash, fish liver oil and dandelion greens. Herbs such as nettle, lemongrass, rose hips, sage and uva ursi also contain this vitamin. Like vitamin C, vitamin A may boost white blood cell production to enhance immune system function, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Check with your doctor before using herbs or foods containing vitamin A for immune system enhancement, particularly if you take supplements containing vitamin A. Daily doses of 10,000 IU or more may cause liver toxicity.
References
- "Nature's Medicines"; Gale Maleskey; 1999
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. et al.; 2010
