Your white blood cells are an important part of your immune system, as they help ward off infections. Your white blood cell count is a measure of your immune system's health. MedlinePlus states that a normal white blood cell count is between 4,500 and 10,000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. Certain dietary practices and foods may help increase your white blood cell count, but you should always review diet-related issues with your doctor before using this approach for health purposes.
Low White Count
According to the Lab Tests Online website, some of the most common causes of a low white blood cell count, or leukopenia, are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow deficiency or immune system diseases, such as HIV/AIDS. The time of day may also be a factor in your white blood cell count. In most cases, your white blood cell count will be lower in the morning. Certain prescription drugs may also cause a low white blood cell count.
Helpful Diet
Several dietary additions may be helpful in strengthening your weakened immune system and increasing your white blood cell count. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the following dietary inclusions may be beneficial for this health purpose: spirulina, green drinks that contain a variety of plants, garlic, pearl barley, kelp, nuts, seeds, grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other foods that are rich in fiber. Consider reducing or eliminating your consumption of soft drinks, refined and processed foods, and foods containing sugar.
Beneficial Food
Kelp may be one of the most beneficial foods in boosting your white blood cell count and improving your immune system's resiliency. Kelp contains significant amounts of calcium, iron, carotene, magnesium, folate, riboflavin, vitamin C, protein, vitamin K and iodine, notes Balch, many of which are required by your immune system for optimal functional integrity. If you cannot eat whole kelp, Balch recommends consuming between 2,000 and 3,000 mg of supplemental kelp each day to enhance the function of your immune system.
Warning
A weakened immune system and low white blood cell count is always cause for concern. If your doctor finds that your white blood cell count is low, review with her all possible causes of this health finding, as well as possible treatment measures -- both conventional and alternative -- that may be beneficial in resolving your problem. Avoid using diet and nutrition in lieu of other conventional therapies to help treat your leukopenia. Some foods that have historically been used to boost white blood cell count may need to undergo further scientific scrutiny to determine their true effectiveness.
References
- MedlinePlus: WBC Count
- Lab Tests Online: White Blood Cell Count
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
