A low white blood cell count indicates your immune system may be compromised due to stress, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies or other more serious medical conditions. Regardless of the cause, a suppressed white blood cell count keeps your body from fighting off infections, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungus and free radicals. Some foods can compromise your immune system, such as sugar and saturated fats. Other foods can enhance your immune functioning by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C aids in the productions of white blood cells, the formation of antibodies and the maintenance of blood vessels and skin to boost overall immune functioning. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, kiwi, cranberry juice, strawberries, tomatoes, grapefruit, pineapple, peaches, broccoli and asparagus. For maximum vitamin C value, consume fruits and vegetables as fresh as possible, as produce loses vitamin C with age. According to the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C for adults is 90 mg per day for males and 75 mg per day for females. However, both females and males can consume up to 2000 mg per day without adverse side effects.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A enhances the immune system by warding off infections through generating white blood cells targeted to fight harmful viruses and bacteria. Additionally, preliminary research suggests vitamin A may aid a specific type of white blood cell, lymphocytes, in eliminating infections more efficiently. Good food sources of vitamin A include carrots, milk, eggs, spinach, squash, broccoli, cheese, apricots, cantaloupe and pumpkin. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for adults is 900 µg per day for males and 700 µg per day for females.
Echinacea
The root and leaves of the Echinacea plant is a popular herbal remedy for increasing immune functioning. According to Kaplan University, Echinacea promotes the production of white blood cells, which aids in the elimination of infection. The complex carbohydrates in Echinacea fight viruses, destroy fungus and cleanse the lymphatic system. Boil the leaves of Echinacea to form a tea or buy concentrated Echinacea in a liquid form and add 15 to 30 droplets to your daily beverage. Echinacea functions similarly to an antibiotic, so this herb should not be taken on a daily basis. Begin taking Echinacea if you know you have been exposed to a pathogen and discontinue its use after 10 to 14 days of treatment.
Garlic
Garlic possesses an agent known as allicin that fights infection by stimulating white blood cell production. This potent onion relative increases natural killer cells and antibody production. Additionally, garlic functions as an antioxidant by eliminating free radicals in the blood. According to website advice provided by the State of Georgia for state employees, individuals consuming garlic decrease their risk of catching a cold by 66 percent. Add crushed garlic to your favorite recipes throughout the week and consume two raw garlic cloves daily for maximum health benefit.
References
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Optimizing Your Diet: Best Foods for Specific Vitamins; K. Davis; November 2006
- Georgia Southern University; Vitamin A; A. Barrett and A. Sanchez
- Kaplan University School of Health Sciences; Herbs for Fall and Winter Wellness; Kristin Hennigsen; 2011
- Georgia.gov: Food that Boost Immunity
- AskDrSears.com: Eight Foods that Boost Immunity
