How to Increase White Blood Cell Count

White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, are vital to your immune system as they are responsible for protecting your body. A low white blood cell count means less than the normal range (4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood, on average). A low white blood cell count can affect your body's ability to fight disease. Low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia and can be caused by health problems or by something in our lifestyle. This article will provide an overview of white blood cells, their importance, possible causes of low occurrence, and ways to increase white blood cell count, naturally and medically.

Types of White Blood Cells

White blood cells can be classified into five types. Each of the five types plays different roles in the immune defense in your body: 

• Neutrophils - The most common type of cell, these cells are responsible for protecting your body against bacterial and fungal infections. 
• Lymphocytes - This type of white blood cell consists of T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, all of which are responsible for attacking viruses and producing antibodies. 
• Monocytes - Monocytes break down bacteria and infected cells. 
• Eosinophils - Eosinophils protect against parasites and are found in allergic reactions. 
• Basophils - Basophils are responsible for the release of histamine to the body in allergic or inflammatory reactions.

Significance of White Blood Cells

White blood cells are a key part of your immune system. Without white blood cells, your body would always be under attack by infections caused by microorganisms (for example, bacteria, viruses, and fungi). Each type of white blood cell has its own unique job to identify, attack, and destroy these threats. In general terms, an appropriate white blood cell count supports an optimal immune response by protecting your body from illness and supporting healing with faster recovery times once infected. White blood cells are important for:

• Protection against infection
• Healing/Recovery from illness
• Scouting for foreign invaders and neutralizing them
• Balanced immune system

When your body has a low WBC count, your risk of infections increases, and your body's ability to recover from illness can be compromised.

Causes of Low White Blood Cells

There are several possible underlying causes for a low white blood cell count, including:

• Viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Bone marrow disorders (e.g., leukemia, aplastic anemia)
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., folate, vitamin B12)
• Severe infections that suppress white blood cells
• Medications (e.g., antibiotics, antipsychotics)

Symptoms of Low White Blood Cells

In many cases the low white blood cell count may not have noticeable symptoms, but possible symptoms to be aware of include:

• Frequent infections
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever and chills
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Slow healing of wounds

Risks and Complications

If low white blood cells go untreated there could be the following problems:

• Repeated or serious infections
• Sepsis (a serious response to an infection)
• Immunocompromised
• Delays in cancer treatment or recovery

For those receiving chemotherapy or those with other chronic illness, the problems would be heightened for those individuals.

6 Ways to increase White Blood Cell Counts

If you have been told your white blood cell count is low, it is wise to take initiatives to help your immune system. Luckily, there are a lot of ways—both medically and naturally—to increase the white blood cell titer. The following methods focus on boosting overall health, decreasing immune stressors, and stimulating white blood cell synthesis. Here are six methods to increase white blood cell counts and enhance your overall immune system.

1. Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise can help your immune system and make more white blood cells.
2. Get Enough Sleep: For your immune system and health to work well, you need to sleep 7 to 9 hours per night.
3. Meditate: Chronic stress makes the immune system less effective. To relax, try meditating, doing yoga, or doing something you enjoy.
4. Don't smoke and drink less: These habits make the bone marrow not work right and make less white blood cells.
5. Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated increases blood flow and moves nutrients and immunological cells around.
6. Take the medicines or supplements your doctor tells you to: Your doctor may give you drugs like filgrastim (a colony-stimulating factor) or vitamins and minerals like B12, folate, or zinc.

Dietary Modifications Needed

Eating a healthy diet is vital for raising your white blood cell count. You should eat:

• Protein-focused foods: Foods that are high in protein, such eggs, lean meat, lentils, and tofu, are important for making and repairing cells.
• Vitamin C: Foods like oranges, bell peppers, and strawberries help white blood cells work better.
• Vitamin B12 plus folate: These B vitamins are found in eggs and dairy, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, and are needed for the production of white blood cells.
• Foods high in zinc & iron: Foods like pumpkin seeds, shellfish, and nuts can help those immune system cells function.
• Probiotics: Eating yogurt, kefir, and various fermented foods can help improve your gut health and aid in good immune function.
• Antioxidants: Fresh berries, spinach, and green tea are all foods showing the reduction of oxidative stress on immune system cells.

Avoid excessive sugar, processed foods, and trans fats. These can all undervalue immune function.

When To Seek Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical help if you encounter the following symptoms:

• Experience a continous fever or repeated infections.
• If you notice unexplained inflammation, fatigue, or weight loss. 
• Have repeat mouth health conditions such as mouth ulcers or a sore throat.
• Your blood test shows abnormal white blood cell counts.

Your medical provider will provide tests to further determine cause and help treat with treatment, medications, supplements, etc. for underlying conditions.

Conclusion

Being aware of the signs and reasons for low WBC levels,  making positive nutrition and lifestyle choices, and obtaining medical input are excellent strategies for maintaining, restoring, or optimizing immune function to support a healthy lymphocyte count.  Regular attention to your self-care and monitoring decisions will improve your chances for long-term outcomes and improved overall health.

FAQs 

1. What is a normal WBC count?

Typically, a normal count ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter of blood, and can vary slightly based on the lab. 

2. Can supplements increase WBC counts?

Yes, supplements that include vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and vitamin C can be useful, but should always be taken under the supervision of a provider. 

3. How long will it take to raise WBC count?

This question depends on the cause. If you seek appropriate treatment and nutrition, you may see improvements in days or weeks. 

4. Are there any natural ways to address low WBCs?

Eating balanced foods, exercise to increase physical activity, stress relief, and adequate sleep comprise the most direct and effective natural strategies.