A low white blood cell count manifests in one of two conditions: leukopenia or neutropenia. In leukopenia, the total overall number of white blood cells decreases, while neutropenia involves a low count of the most abundant type of white blood cells, the neutrophils. With either condition, your ability to fight off infection seriously diminishes. Your doctor will instruct you to take special precautions, including altering your diet, until your counts are normal again to avoid infection and hospitalization.
Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count
A low white blood count, or WBC, does not happen by chance. Viral infections, leukemia and other cancers, HIV/AIDS, lupus, stem-cell transplants, and autoimmune disorders can all result in decreased numbers. In addition, certain drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy, can lower your count. If you are in treatment for any of these conditions, your doctor will order a complete blood count to determine your levels of white and red blood cells. A low WBC necessitates some lifestyle changes; a dangerously low count requires hospitalization.
Definition of Low WBC
According to the Mayo Clinic, a count of fewer than 3,500 white blood cells per milliliter constitutes leukopenia, while a neutrophil count of 1,700 cells per milliliter or less indicates neutropenia. If your complete blood count shows either, your doctor will advise you to take certain precautionary measures, such as frequently washing your hands with antibacterial soap, cleaning all cooking surfaces and implements thoroughly, avoiding gardening, and forgoing contact with family members and co-workers with contagious illnesses, even a cold. She will also instruct you to follow a special diet until your blood counts return to normal.
Diet for Low WBC
When you have a compromised immune system, bacteria and microbes on food that your system could normally handle could lead to infection. Cooking foods thoroughly destroys bacteria that could cause illness; refrigerate leftovers promptly. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, or UPMC, advises patients with low counts to avoid fresh fruit and vegetables, unless well cooked; otherwise, stick to frozen or canned. Do not eat raw nuts, either on their own or in cereals or baked goods. Cook meat until well done, and eggs until the yolks are no longer runny; hard-boiled is best. Steer clear of salad and sushi bars and avoid fresh garnishes such as parsley, sprouts or lemon juice. Eat only pasteurized dairy foods, and nix yogurt and other products with live cultures. Stay away from soft cheeses like Brie and those with mold, such as bleu cheese. Drink filtered water, tea, coffee or canned and bottled beverages only.
Emergency Measures
If you have a low WBC and experience chills, shaking, diarrhea, a temperature greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, a sore throat, a white coating on your tongue, frequent urination or blood in your urine, call your doctor immediately. You may have developed an infection that is best treated in the hospital.
