When you have a strong immune system, you are able to fight against various diseases and infections more effectively. Immune system and white bloods work together and fight against bacteria and infections. It is the bone marrow that creates white blood cells. The normal count of white blood cells is 5.000 to 10,000 white blood cells per micro liter of blood. If you have less than 3,500 white cells, then you have a low count. When the number is less than 1,000 then you are at a risk of catching infection as it is dangerously low.
Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count:
Carotenoids:
Beta-carotene is very effective for increasing the number of white blood cells. It also has antioxidant properties, which help your body to fight against the free radicals that are responsible for causing damage to the skin and premature aging. Studies made have shown that including foods rich in beta-carotene can reduce the risk of you suffering from heart attacks.
Citrus fruits:
Citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and therefore help your body fight against infections. They also have the power to increase the production of white blood cells in the body. Some of the popular citrus fruits that you can consume are lemon, grapefruit, oranges, limes, tangerine and so on. Most of the citrus fruits are found to be rich sources of Vitamin C. So, add citrus fruits to your daily diet and increase the white blood cell count in your body.
Eating Broccoli:
Broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, C and A, and lots of antioxidants. So, this food is a must for you on your dinner table. Do not overcook it. Cook it as little as possible. This will help in retaining the nutrients present in it. You can also eat it raw, which is the best thing.
Eating a Kiwi fruit:
Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C, folate, potassium and Vitamin K. Vitamin C helps in increasing the white blood cells in the body, and thus increases the power of the body to fight against diseases. Other nutrients are required for the overall health of the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish. Mackerel and salmon are some of the fish rich in it. You also get it from cod liver oil and flax oil. It increases the phagocytes and thereby helps in increasing your immunity power. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best for increasing the number of white blood cells naturally.
Papaya:
Papaya is also rich in Vitamin C. It also contains a digestive enzyme that has antioxidant properties within the body. Potassium, folate and B vitamins are other constituents found in papaya. Papaya is very beneficial for increasing the number of white blood cells in the body.
Red bell peppers:
The amount of Vitamin C in red bell peppers is almost double the amount found in citrus fruits. It is also rich in beta-carotene. Vitamin C ensures healthy skin and beta-carotene helps in keeping your skin and eyes healthy.
Selenium:
Selenium is also great for increasing the white blood cells. Studies have shown that selenium is effective for fighting against infections. The immune system in elderly people gives a better response when they take selenium and zinc supplements.
Spinach:
Spinach is loaded with antioxidants, Vitamin C and also beta-carotene. This makes it very effective for fighting against infections and diseases. You can have it lightly cooked. This will increase the amount of Vitamin A and reduces the oxalic acid present in it.
Take Enough Vitamin E Supplements:
Vitamin E is essential for making your immune system stronger and has antioxidant properties. It has the power to stimulate the production of killer cells, which seek out and kill cancer cells and germs. The production of B-cells, which come from the immune system, is also increase d by this vitamin. This cell produces antibodies, which help in killing the bacteria. If you do not get the required amount of this vitamin from your diet, you can take Vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is great for increasing the immunity power in your body. This vitamin is found naturally in most of the fruits. Its supplement is also mot very expensive. Vitamin C has the ability to increase the number of white blood cells and the antibodies in the body, thus allowing your body to fight against bacteria and virus.
You need add too much of Vitamin C in your diet to boost your immune system. All you need is about 200 mg daily. You can get it by consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.
Vitamin A:
By increasing the consumption of Vitamin A, you can increase the number of white blood cells in your body. The white blood cells invade and kill the cancer cells and foreign bodies. Your body has the ability to produce vitamin A, but if you take supplements of vitamin A, you will be able to increase the immune fighting abilities of your body.
Yogurt:
The yogurt you choose should be such that it helps in improving your immune system, so that you can fight against diseases. Opt for brands rich in Vitamin D. it helps in regulating your immune system and helps in enhancing your body’s defence against diseases.
Zinc:
Zinc is a mineral that is very effective for increasing the white blood cells in the body and to fight against infections. It is also good for increasing the number of killer cells. Moreover, it enables the white blood cells to produce more antibodies. So, try to add foods rich in zinc in your diet. Zinc supplements can slow down the development of cancer.
Other than these, good sleep, proper exercise, drinking lots of water, practicing good hygiene etc are also essential for increasing the white blood cell count naturally in the body.