How Do I Get My Low White Count Up?

A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. Leukopenia is a decrease in the amount of leukocytes that are circulating in blood. These cells fight off diseases, and having a low count can make you vulnerable to infections and viruses. Raising your low white blood cell count is essential for good health.

Increasing Leukocytes

• If your physician has determined that you have a low count of leukocytes, general white blood cells, he may prescribe a medication that is designed to prevent white blood cells from depleting any further and increase overall white blood cell levels. filgrastim, pegfilgrastim and sargramostim are the three most common ones available, and they are effective in helping cancer patients maintain white blood cell levels during and after chemotherapy.

  Having a decreased amount of white blood cells in your blood stream leaves you vulnerable to infections, so your physician may also recommend taking a medication that prevents certain types of infections from overpowering your immune system. Additionally, he will also recommend that you avoid contact with sick individuals, hold off on any dental work and wash your hands frequently.

  If you have been taking a white blood cell booster medication, but are still experiencing leukopenia, check to see if any other medications you are currently taking could be an underlying cause. According to RnCeus, certain barbiturates, antibiotics, anti-convulsants, cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics can inhibit the production of white blood cells. Have your physician go over your medical records to make sure that a drug isn't causing your white blood cell levels to be too low.

  You should also take a look at your diet, and make necessary changes to ensure that you're getting the essential nutrients that you need. According to Bloodindex, vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, and vitamin B12 enables the maturity and multiplication of those white blood cells. Zinc is a mineral that also aids in white blood cell production, as well as how effective white blood cells are in fighting off infections. Eat foods that are high in these and other vitamins and minerals, and consider taking a daily multivitamin to ensure that you're getting the nutrition that you need.