8 Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count

8 Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count

A number of health conditions can cause the white blood cell count to plummet. Infections, leukemia, cancer treatments, anemia, medications, autoimmune disorders, and even allergies can all take aim at the immune system, weakening it and leaving the body more vulnerable to infections.

What is White Blood Cell Count?

White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and typically work as part of the immune system to fight off bacterial and viral infections. What’s considered a “normal” white blood cell count is usually between 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells (WBCs) per microliter of blood. Those who have 3,500 or less may be considered to have a low WBC (also called “neutropenia”), but not always—it depends on the patient, the doctor, and the situation. A WBC of less than 1,000 is generally always considered too low and an indication of a serious infection risk.

Natural Ways to Boost WBC

Vitamin A, E, C and folic acid.

Increasing your intake of vitamin A will increase lymphocyte white blood cells that attack cancerous cells and foreign invaders that can cause infections. Vitamin C helps to synthesize white blood cells. Folic acid increases neutrophil white blood cells. If you do not get an adequate supply of folic acid in your diet your white blood cell count will lower.

Selenium

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that selenium can help build up white blood cells. Some studies also indicate that selenium may help prevent some infections. Another study indicated that when the elderly take both zinc and selenium supplements, their immune systems responded better to the flu vaccine than those who took placebo.

Green tea

Green tea is a great source of antioxidants that helps the body fight off infections. Drinking Green tea can help boost the immune system which leads the body to create more WBCs. A study indicates that green tea can replicate some viruses, which means that you may not lose as many the white blood cells to fighting the virus. Read more