Low white blood cell count can be reversed by following a diet. Here is detailed information on the diet that should be followed.
When we say that our immune system fights off infectious diseases, we actually refer to the white blood cells or the leukocytes (also known as leucocytes). The white blood cells are cells of the immune system that help in keeping infectious diseases at bay, by fighting off foreign particle invasion. When the level of these blood cells decrease, due to any reason, one suffers from a condition known as leukopenia. This condition leads to a weakened immune system. However, leukopenia can be treated by following a proper diet.
Low Blood Cell Count
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and the number of these cells depend on the age and gender of that person and varies accordingly. Low white blood cell count can be caused due to several conditions like infections and disorders of the bone marrow; autoimmune disorders, or conditions like cancer, severe infections, and use of certain drugs.
Whatever be the cause of leukopenia, it should be treated immediately, as it hampers the body’s ability to keep infections away. As the immunity of people suffering from this condition is very low, they are at a higher risk of suffering from stomach, respiratory, throat infections. Secondly, symptoms like weakness, lethargy, headache, diarrhea, stomach aches are frequently observed. Low white blood cell count can be treated with the help of proper medication. Besides that, on consultation, the doctor will prescribe a diet for the treatment of low white blood cell count.
Foods for Low White Blood Count
The doctor will advise the person suffering from low white blood cell count to have multivitamins, and also follow a diet rich in zinc and copper. There are certain foods that help in increasing the number of white blood cells in the body.
The following are some important tips that you need to follow:
- Certain fruits and vegetables like oranges, melons, carrots, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, help in increasing white blood cell count.
- Secondly, some other foodstuffs like dark meat, mushrooms, oysters, fish oil, crab, chicken, pork roast, can also be consumed.
- Along with these fruits and vegetables, garlic also contains good amounts of zinc and can be used in treating low white blood cell count.
- Yogurt can also be included in the diet for low white blood count as it contains live bacteria which helps enhance the immune system.
- If you are wondering what are the best vitamins for low white blood cell count, then note that multivitamins are helpful for boosting the immunity. Multivitamins should be taken only on the doctor’s prescription, as the dose of the same varies from person to person.
- Some natural products like Astragalus root, green tea, are also believed to aid in increasing white blood cell (or WBC) count. However, these supplements should also be taken only after consulting the doctor.
- Lastly, the doctor will also advise the person to have 6-7 glasses of water every day, as water helps in cleansing the body and getting rid of any toxins.
At the same time, you need to avoid consumption of certain foods as they adversely affect the immunity. For e.g., foods high in fat and sugar should be excluded from the diet completely. Similarly, one should take utmost care to avoid contracting infections of any kind. One should avoid eating raw and unhygienic food. It is preferable to eat home cooked and fresh food, as it can prevent bacterial infection.
Following the diet can help in reversing the condition. Having a low WBC count, or low immunity, can lead to severe health problems. Therefore, it is wise to look for quick treatment. Following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and following proper methods of cleanliness and hygiene can help strengthen the immune system. Lastly, note that the diet should be followed only on consulting the doctor.
