How to Protect White Blood Cells

Protecting your white blood cell count is a preventative measure that maintains your immune system. Your white blood cells contain proteins called antibodies that help keep the body free of disease as long as it's not overwhelmed by inflammation or infection. White blood cells must be able to respond to an infection faster than it can grow. This is vital to defending your white blood cell count.

Things You'll Need

• Multivitamin
• Acidophilus supplement
• Green tea
• Fruits
• Vegetables

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Instructions

• 1

  When you are sick or have a cold, stay home. Illness is an indication that your system is fighting off disease or trying to rid the body of toxins. Get bed rest and allow your body to heal properly and quickly. Eat vegetable soups and drink six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water to flush toxins from the body. Slowing down when you're ill promotes wellness and stops the release of such stress hormones as cortisol.

• 2

  Eat a variety of healthy foods starting with breakfast and continuing throughout the day. Examples: For a healthy breakfast, eat oatmeal with cinnamon sprinkled on top and a few raw sunflower seeds. Drink a cup of green tea for the antioxidants. For lunch, have a raw vegetable salad with a few almonds and a glass of tomato juice. For dinner, try a piece of baked salmon or turkey with a side dish of vegetables and a sweet potato. Eat your dinner two or three hours before bedtime.

• 3

  Take an acidophilus supplement to promote friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract and build up the immune system. Since 60 to 70 percent of the immune system is actually in the lining of the intestine, it makes perfect sense to build this area and protect it. Doing so protects white blood cells and guards the immune system against invading pathogens or germs.

• 4

  Get some form of aerobic exercise daily. If you don't enjoy working out alone, enlist a friend or enroll in a gym. If you opt for a gym, work out with a trainer to learn how to use exercise equipment, as well as how to breathe and use proper exercise techniques. A strong body fights disease and protects the immune system against infections.

• 5

  Sign up for a meditation class to reduce anxiety or stress left over from work or your personal life. Remain as calm as possible and reduce stress levels to support your wellness regimen, especially within the first few hours after leaving class. Your white blood cells are protected when you keep worry to a minimum.

• 6

  Spend time laughing with family and friends. Laughing reduces stress levels and releases hormones called endorphins, which promote joy. This is a bonus for your immune system. Don't just work and ignore your need for fun; schedule regular outings with those close to you.