A reduced white blood cell count, also known as leukopenia, indicates that your immune system may be weak. A white blood cell, or leukocyte, count under 3,500 per microliter of blood is considered low. Without a sufficient amount of white blood cells, your immune system may not be able to mount a proper defense against pathogens. Ask your family physician about the advantages and disadvantages of using diet to help boost your leukocyte count.
About Leukopenia
Leukopenia may be caused by several factors, including bone marrow dysfunction associated with viral infections or congenital conditions, liver or spleen conditions, exposure to radiation and disorders such as lupus that affect your blood vessels and connective tissues. Other possible causes of a low white blood cell count include cancer, autoimmune conditions that destroy your bone marrow cells, infections and certain types of prescription drugs. Chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS are also common causes of leukopenia.
Dietary Strategies
One of the most effective dietary strategies in boosting your white blood cell count and improving the strength of your immune system, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," involves increasing your consumption of foods containing vitamin C. Vitamin C-rich foods include oranges, strawberries, grapefruits, tomatoes, sweet red peppers and broccoli. Other beneficial foods for this health purpose may include garlic, pearl barley and kelp. Consider reducing your intake of refined and processed foods, as these foods may suppress your immune function.
A Useful Food
Strawberries may be one of the most useful foods in boosting your white blood cell count and improving your immunity. According to George Mateljan, a nutritionist, biologist and author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," strawberries have also been used as antioxidant protection against free radical damage and as an adjunct therapy in improving both joint and brain health. Strawberries are rich in numerous nutrients, including vitamins C and K, folate, potassium and manganese. Strawberries are also an important source of dietary fiber.
Disclaimer
A low white blood cell count may be indicative of a serious underlying health problem that requires timely intervention from a licensed healthcare practitioner. In most cases, a mix of allopathic treatment methods and alternative healing approaches -- including diet and nutrition -- may be optimal in treating your low white blood cell count. The use of nutritional therapy in treating your leukopenia does not guarantee a beneficial health result. Some foods used in treating this health problem may require further scientific evaluation.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Low White Blood Cell Count
- MedlinePlus: Low White Blood Cell Count
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
