How to Increase White Blood Cell Count

White blood cells (WBC) are essential to ward off diseases as they provide immunity to the body. White blood cells are of five different types. They are eisonophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils. Normally the WBC count in body ranges from 4500-10000 cells/mcl. This cell count has to be maintained. If the cell count falls below this level, the immunity becomes weak and reduces the disease fighting capability of the body. There are several methods to increase the white blood cell count in the body.

The condition due to low white blood cell count in the body is known as leukopenia. It brings down the WBC count to 3500 or less per micro liter of blood. The symptoms of low WBC count are fever, diarrhea, cramps, headache etc.

Causes

Some of the causes of low WBC count are

· Auto immune disorders

· Allergic reactions

· Deficiency of minerals and vitamins

· Chemotherapy

· Hyperthyroidism

· Radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer

· Rheumatoid arthritis

There are several methods to increase the WBC count.

Healthy Diet

Fresh fruits and vegetables are parts of a healthy diet. The rich colors in the fruits and vegetables are phytochemicals and they increase the white blood cell count in the body. It is advisable that a major portion of the food we consume should be made up of fruits and vegetables. It is also necessary that whole grains and fortified cereals are included in the diet. The consumption of sugar and saturated fats has to be reduced.

Foods to Increase White Blood Cell Count

Green tea contains an anti-oxidant catechin, which increases the production of white blood cells. It is necessary to replace coffee, tea and soft drinks with green tea. Zinc, vitamin C and beta carotenes are also known to increase WBC count. Cooked turkey meat is a very good source of zinc. Ginseng, garlic, pumpkin and squash seeds also give a boost to the immune system. Yogurt which contains probiotic bacteria is also known to increase immunity.

Salmon is an excellent food to increase white blood cells. It contains omega 3 fatty acids which boost the immune system. Salmon has to be cooked before it is consumed as uncooked salmon can cause illness.

Unhealthy fats should be avoided. Polyunsaturated fats weaken the immune system.

Exercise

Exercise is absolutely essential for good health. Regular exercise helps to keep blood sugar levels in check and burn fat. Regular jogging, walking, swimming, cycling and outdoor games will help to increase the white blood cells