Ways to Increase Your White Blood Cell Count

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are the natural defenses of the body to fight infections. They eat away unwanted bacteria and other substances that invade the body and are therefore responsible for immunity - the body's ability to fight infections. 

A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells of cells per microliter of blood. Some people may have fewer white blood cells for genetic reasons. Others may have less because of a viral or bacterial infection. In both cases, start with the first step if you want to increase the number of your white blood cells!

1-Consume enough protein.

A balanced diet allows bone marrow, which produces white blood cells, to get the nutrients it needs. Start by making sure you eat enough protein, which is main component of white blood cells. You can stock up on protein with meat, fish, poultry, cheese, eggs and legumes.

2-Choose good lipids.

Do not take saturated fats, but eat unsaturated fats. Saturated fats increase risk of heart attack, but unsaturated fats promote absorption of lipid-soluble vitamins in body. These "good lipids" are found in corn, sesame, safflower oil, bean sprouts and olive oil.

3-Eat carbohydrates.

Consume wheat, corn and cereals, which create body energy needs to produce white blood cells.
Carbohydrates are healthy, but limit sugars and sweets! Sugar can prevent the proper functioning of white blood cells.

4-Take supplements based on copper and zinc.

Copper and zinc are the most important enzyme components in white blood cells. A deficiency of minerals of this type can decrease the number of your white blood cells. In addition to supplements, you can find copper in organ meats, green vegetables and cereals. You can find zinc in meat, fish and milk.