How to Raise WBC and Immune Function

Our immune systems are comprised of white blood cells that protect our bodies from infections. If you white blood cell count is low, this could mean you are more prone to infection because the immune system is weak. It can occur as a result of an illness, chemotherapy treatments, or autoimmune deficiencies due to lupus or AIDS. There are several ways to increase your white blood cell count and keep your immune system strong.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• Medication (if needed)
• Healthy Diet

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Instructions

• 1

  Consult with your physician when you feel like your white blood cell count might be low. A low wbc count often presents itself in the form of bacterial or viral infections. Often, these recur in succession like every month or two. Your doctor can perform laboratory tests to determine if this is the cause. If you do have a low wbc count, your doctor may prescribe medication to help stimulate the production of white blood cells. A couple of the more common medicines are injections of recombinant G-CSF (Filgrastim) or recombinant GM-CSF (Molgramostim) if low wbc is due to cancer treatment.

• 2

  Consume foods and dietary supplements that are rich in zinc. This mineral plays an important role in strengthening a weakened immune system. It is also an antioxidant which combats free radicals in the body that cause it to be susceptible to infection and disease. Meat and dairy products have a particularly high zinc content. Yogurt, milk, cheese, beef, pork, salmon, and chicken are some examples. You may also take a daily multivitamin that provides zinc.

• 3

  Eat plenty of plant based foods like fruits and vegetables to support your immune system. Foods like berries, oranges, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes do not increase white blood cell count but they do prevent infections while your body is producing new white blood cells.

• 4

  Get plenty of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends at least half an hour of moderate activity everyday for an enhanced immune system. Activities such as swimming, walking, jogging, and bicycling help improve circulation, maintain healthy body weight, increase resistance to infectious diseases, and promote the growth of white blood cells. Even simple activities like working in a garden or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are beneficial.