White blood cells play a critical role in the health and functioning of the immune system. A low white blood cell count can be either a response to, or risk factor for, infection. It is common among people fighting cancer. Nutritional guidelines for people with a low white blood cell count mostly focus on avoiding eating spoiled or contaminated food. Medical scientists have also found an association between a deficiency in the mineral copper and a low white blood cell count. If you have an infection, or suspect you might, have it checked out immediately by a doctor and discuss your nutritional options as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells fight infection, whether viral, bacterial or from some other microorganism. A low white blood cell count, also known as leukopenia, may be an indication of an infection, a weakened immune system or toxicity from exposure to certain medicines or chemicals. A low white blood cell count may also increase risk of infection where none is present. As author Tony Isaacs points out on NaturalNews.com, when an infection, another medical condition or toxicity isn't to blame, general malnutrition often is. He advises remedying that with more fruits and vegetables to supply the body with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, and recommends avoiding refined sugars and grains.
Neutropenia
There are several different types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphoctyes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, each with a slightly different responsibility. More than half of the white blood cells in the body are neutrophils, making neutropenia, an abnormally low neutrophil count, one of the more common types of low white blood cells count. The term "neutropenia" is also used synonymously with granulocytopenia, which is a low count of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. The National Cancer Institute points out that neutropenia is common in cancer patients, as a consequence of either the treatment or the disease itself.
Copper
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the negative impact on the immune system of a copper deficiency is most pronounced among infants. Copper is abundant in many foods but most prevalent in nuts, seeds, shellfish and organ meats. Dark, leafy greens, beans, mushrooms and dried fruit are high in copper as well.
Low Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are the second most prevalent white blood cells in the body. Nutritional support for a low lymphocyte count, says the Linus Pauling Institute, includes vitamin B-6, found in meats and poultry, potatoes, spinach and fortified cereal, and the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, most prevalent in fruits and vegetables.
Prevent Spoilage
The National Cancer Institute makes several dietary recommendations to help people with a low white blood cell count to prevent infection. They include avoiding food that is past its expiration date or sold in a package that appears damaged, dented or swollen, and to avoid damaged, moldy or old fruits and vegetables. They also include thawing frozen foods in the microwave or refrigerator, never at room temperature, and cooking foods immediately following thawing, being sure to cook all meats thoroughly. They advise refrigerating leftovers within two hours of preparation and eating them within 24 hours. All of these measures are geared toward preventing food spoilage and contamination.
References
- NaturalNews.com; "Boost Low White Blood Cell Count and Immune Function Naturally"; Tony Isaacs; Mar 2010
- National Cancer Institute; "Nutrition in Cancer Care"; Jul 2011
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; Anemia and Neutropenia Due to Copper Deficiency in Enteral Nutrition; H. Tamura, et al.; Mar-Apr 1994
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; "Copper"; Jane Higdon, et al.; Jul 2007
- Medscape Reference; "Neutropenia"; John E. Godwin, et al.; May 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute At Oregon State University; "Vitamin B6"; Victoria J. Drake; Nov 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute At Oregon State University; "Nutrition And Immunity"; Victoria J. Drake; Aug 2010
