White blood cells are produced by your bone marrow to help your body fight infection. If you have fewer than normal white blood cells, you have a higher risk of getting an infection. When you have a low white blood cell count, your immune system isn’t working as well as it should.

What problems can low white blood cells cause?

A poorly controlled or untreated low WBC count can be serious and even life threatening due to increased vulnerability to potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, such as: Bloodstream infection (sepsis) Fungal infection.

How can I raise my white blood cell count?

While no specific foods or diet changes are proven to increase production of white blood cells, if you have low WBC (leukopenia), it is very important to practice good hygiene, hand-washing, and food safety practices. Neutrophils are the cells that fight bacterial infection.

How do I increase my white blood cell count?

Most people turn straight to vitamin C after they’ve caught a cold. That’s because it helps build up your immune system. Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.

What foods build white blood cells?

Foods high in protein, such as lean meats and poultry, are high in zinc — a mineral that increases the production of white blood cells and T-cells, which fight infection. Other great sources of zinc are oysters, nuts, fortified cereal, and beans.

How can I raise my white blood cells fast?

Citrus fruits Vitamin C is thought to increase the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections. Almost all citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. With such a variety to choose from, it’s easy to add a squeeze of this vitamin to any meal. Popular citrus fruits include: grapefruit.

How do I raise my white blood cell count?

Answer: There are no supplements or specific foods known to increase white blood cell counts. People often confuse iron supplementation with low white blood cell count. Iron supplementation is only appropriate with low RED blood cells.

How does low white blood cells affect the human body?

With a low white blood cell count and, in particular, a low level of neutrophils, you’re at higher risk of developing an infection. And if you develop an infection when you have a low white blood cell count, your body can’t protect itself. Infection can lead to death in severe cases.

What are the different causes of a low white blood cell count?

Bone marrow problems: The spongy center of your bones,which is called the bone marrow,makes blood cells.

What foods can lower white blood cell count?

Individuals with a low count are advised to eat foods that help boost the immune system. These include live yogurt, fruit, garlic, spinach and other vegetables, and foods rich in zinc such as shiitake mushrooms.

What are the most common reasons for a low white blood cell count?

Underlying causes for a low white blood cell count can range from benign disorders, such as vitamin deficiencies, to more serious blood diseases, such as leukemia or lymphoma. A truly low white blood cell count also puts you at higher risk for infections — typically bacterial infections. But viral infections also may be a concern.