How to Increase White Blood Cells

Have you been wondering how to increase white blood cells naturally?

Perhaps you were told your white blood count is low and you’re at a loss for what to do.

Is there even a natural remedy that could help?

And is there something you could do right now to improve your white count?

What causes it to get low anyway?

In this article, we’ll discuss what white blood cells are, why they get low, and how you can help them recover.

Keep reading to find out how to increase white blood cells!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Are White Blood Cells?

White Blood Cells or WBCs are found alongside red blood cells in the blood.

WBCs are part of your immune defenses and help protect your body.

They fight infections and diseases, identify foreign substances, and clean up damaged cells.

WBCs are made in the bone marrow but can be found circulating in the blood and lymph.

Their main job is to identify problem areas.

Once they locate a site, they sound the alarm which attracts more WBCs to join the fight.

And as a result, your WBC count can become elevated beyond normal levels.

However, this is an essential way for the body to stay healthy and function at its best.

Types of White Blood Cells

The five types of WBCs include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

They all have different functions in the body.

Some fight infection from harmful bacteria or viruses or destroy cells.

Others produce antibodies so the body can launch a quick response if a known intruder returns.

The table below describes the different types and functions of WBCs.

Types of WBCs	Functions
Neutrophils	Fights bacteria and fungi*, and engulfs foreign materials
Lymphocytes	Protects against viruses and produces antibodies**
Monocytes	Cleans up damaged cells
Eosinophils	Destroys parasites and cancer cells
Basophils	Forms an allergic response, such as a runny stuffy nose

^{*Yeasts and molds. **Blueprints for defense of known invaders}^.

Why Are White Blood Cell Counts Important in Cancer?

White blood cell counts are very important in cancer.

Cancer is by definition a condition where cells continue to divide out of control when they should self-destruct.

This can happen because a virus or foreign compound causes damage to the genetic code of a cell.

Either way, if left alone, tumors eventually form and spread.

However, since WBCs fight pathogens and clean up damaged cells, these blood cells protect against cancer.

Furthermore, WBCs are closely monitored during cancer treatment.

Low blood counts can diagnose a reaction to certain chemotherapy treatments.

And thus, determine the effectiveness of said treatment.

Furthermore, chemotherapy is particularly damaging to neutrophils.

As a result, low neutrophils, or neutropenia is a common complication at times throughout chemotherapy.

If neutrophil numbers dwindle, and you develop neutropenia, you’re at risk for serious infections.

As a result, cancer treatments are usually put on hold to allow WBCs to recover faster.

How Are WBCs Measured?

WBCs are measured using blood tests.

The numbers can then be used to diagnose different diseases or conditions.

Typically, a health care provider will order a CBC, or a Complete Blood Count, with or without a differential, or diff.

The CBC measures total WBCs and is sometimes called the WBC count or white count.

A normal white count is typically between 4,000-11,000 cells per microliter.

If the WBC count gets below 500, it’s considered a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

The differential, on the other hand, tells you how many of each of the types of WBCs are in your blood.

Of the types of WBCs, neutrophils are normally the most common, and basophils the least common.

Types of WBCs in order of most to least common:

Neutrophils
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils

What Can Cause WBCs to Drop?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a low WBC count can be caused by many things.

Those include:

Severe infections
Bone marrow damage
Autoimmune diseases
Blood cancers
Chemotherapy and radiation treatment

Symptoms of Low WBCs

A low WBC count can cause you to have flu-like symptoms such as body aches, fever, chills, and headaches.

It will usually prompt a health care provider to order a CBC to assess the levels.

What Foods to Avoid If You Have Low White Blood Cells

If you are neutropenic, you are at a much higher risk of infection than normal.

Because of that, your health care provider may tell you to avoid some foods and drinks.

Those include:

Fresh unwashed fruits, vegetables, and juices
Raw fresh uncooked or unpasteurized foods and drinks
Moldy or expired foods and drinks
Deli foods and foods served at buffets

You also need to be vigilant about food safety.

Food Safety Practices for Low WBCs

Food safety is always important, but in the context of a low WBC count, it’s essential.

Thus, the American Cancer Society suggests that you follow these tips:

Wash your hands before handling food or eating
Prepare meals in a clean kitchen
Use hot water and soap or a dishwasher to clean your dishes
Don’t share food, drinks, utensils, or cups
Keep refrigerated foods at or below 40°F and frozen foods at or below 0°F
Do not thaw food at room temperature
Cook food to the proper temperature
Wash fruits and vegetables, even the outside of oranges, bananas, and avocados
Separate raw meats and fresh produce
Cook tofu before eating

More Tips to Prevent Infections

There are also a number of other things you can do to prevent infections.

These include:

Using a paper towel to open doors in public spaces
Wiping ATM and credit card keypads with a cleaning wipe before using
Avoiding large crowds and staying away from sick people
Getting vaccinated
Showering daily and brushing your teeth twice daily
Not sharing towels, razors, or toothbrushes
Avoiding nail salons, hot tubs, ponds, lakes, and water parks

Can You Increase White Blood Cell Count with Food?

Yes and no.

Foods can’t improve WBCs if it’s caused by an underlying factor

That is, besides cancer itself, treatments such as chemo and radiation, age, and other diseases can affect the WBC count.

In those instances, the WBC count is largely driven by underlying factors.

As such, how to increase white blood cells becomes trickier and it may not improve much with diet changes.

However, if your diet is deficient in nutrients needed for a healthy immune system, the WBC count could be affected.

So, let’s find out how to increase white blood cells with food.

But before you make any changes to your diet it’s important to seek professional medical advice.

In a nutshell, the body needs a steady supply of certain nutrients for the immune system to function properly.

Those include protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Specifically, vitamins ADEK, B6, B12, and folic acid, and minerals iron, zinc, copper, and selenium are beneficial.

By and large, these nutrients are found in fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, olive oil, and fish.

In other words, foods rich in these nutrients can be found in the Mediterranean diet.

This diet originates around the Mediterranean Sea and may help improve immunity by reducing inflammation and boosting WBCs.

How Long Does It Take for White Blood Cells to Increase?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s normal to produce close to 100 billion white blood cells daily.

However, white blood cell production and recovery time is individual and depends on many things.

For instance, if you have cancer, it can take much longer.

How to Increase White Blood Cells Quickly

As stated above, it may not be possible to recover your WBC count quickly or at all.

It’s going to vary from person to person.

But rest assured, your medical team follows this closely if you’re receiving cancer treatment.

What Foods Increase White Blood Cells?

Examples of the most powerful immune boosting foods include:

FRUITS: apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, citrus fruits, kiwi, mango, nectarines, papaya, peaches, pears, pomegranate, strawberries
VEGETABLES: red bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger root, eggplant, microgreens, mushrooms, onions, purple cabbage
STARCHES: sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole grain pasta
WHOLE GRAINS: barley, buckwheat, oats, quinoa
BEANS: beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas
NUTS & SEEDS: walnuts, flax, chia seeds, sunflower seeds
HERBS & SPICES: basil, cardamom, cayenne pepper, chili, cinnamon, ginger, dill, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron, star anise, turmeric, vanilla
EGGS & YOGURT
FISH & SEAFOOD: anchovies, arctic char, barramundi, herring, mackerel, oysters, salmon, sardines, seabass, shrimp, trout, tuna
HEALTHY FATS: avocado, extra virgin olive oil, olives
OTHER: tea, green tea, dark chocolate

Does Milk Increase White Blood Cells?

Milk isn’t typically included in foods that raise WBCs because it doesn’t contain the same immune-stimulating elements as yogurt.

However, it does provide protein along with vitamins B6 and B12, which help the immune system.

Just remember to be careful with raw and unpasteurized milk if your WBC count is low.

Are There Supplements to Increase White Blood Cells?

No, in a traditional sense, there aren’t any supplements that can increase the WBC count.

Furthermore, it’s better to get your nutrients from food than supplements.

Nonetheless, the body needs a non-stop supply of nutrients for the immune system to work at its best.

And if you’re unable to get enough from food taking supplements may be a good idea.

For instance, for extra protein, you can use a high-quality plant-based protein shake such as:

HIGH CALORIE: Kate Farms
LOW CALORIE: OWYN or Vega Protein

The low-calorie options are better choices if you also need to control your blood sugar levels.

For vitamins and minerals, a regular multivitamin is your best option.

Does Zinc Increase White Blood Cells?

Yes, zinc is involved in many reactions and components of the immune system.

For instance, it directly influences the function of lymphocytes, one of the white blood cells.

But zinc isn’t stored in the body, thus, it’s important to get enough via diet or supplemental sources.

However, too much zinc can cause nausea and lower the effectiveness of the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health.

And taking it for too long can interfere with the copper, iron, and magnesium absorption.

Thus, unless monitored by a health care provider, it’s not recommended to self-medicate with zinc supplements.

Does Vitamin B12 Increase White Blood Cells?

Yes, your body continuously needs vitamin B12 to make white blood cells and mount a proper immune response.

This is because immune cells have a pretty high rate because of metabolic activity and use quite a bit of B12 on a daily basis.

Vitamin B12 is abundant in animal foods but can get low in vegans and vegetarians.

To avoid a deficiency, it’s recommended to monitor your B12 level and choose fortified foods or take a supplement.

How to Increase White Blood Cells Home Remedy

To recap, the immune system needs enough nutrients from food or supplements to function properly.

And although food is better, supplementation can be a good alternative to keep your immune system strong.

Thus, a prescription for how to increase white blood cells may include the following:

Mediterranean diet
Protein shakes daily or weekly such as Kate Farms, OWYN, or Vega Protein.
A regular multivitamin daily
Vitamin B12:
- 250 mcg/day of vitamin B12 for vegans
- 250 mcg twice/week for vegetarians
Zinc only as prescribed by a health care professional

To try a simple Mediterranean diet recipe, try one of our immune-boosting favorites:

Golden Ginger Immune-Boosting Tea

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp cleaned ginger root, finely chopped
A pinch of turmeric
10 black peppercorns
2-3 whole star anise
10 whole cloves
2-3 cinnamon sticks

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add all ingredients to a simmering pot of water (about 64 oz).

Continue to simmer for 15 minutes, then run it through a tea strainer to get rid of larger pieces and let it cool before drinking.

This makes a beautiful golden immune-boosting tea that keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

White blood cells are part of your defenses and help protect your body.

The body needs a steady supply of nutrients for a healthy immune system to function.

Those include protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Vitamins ADEK, B6, B12, and folic acid, as well as iron, zinc, copper, and selenium in particular are beneficial.

These nutrients are found in large amounts in the Mediterranean diet.

It has been shown to help lower inflammation, boost WBCs, and improve immunity.

However, if your body doesn’t get enough nutrition via food, you may need a supplement.

Those may include protein shakes or powders, a multivitamin, and additional vitamin B12 for vegans and vegetarians.

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