Diet for Low White Blood Count

A low white blood cell count can lead to a weakened immune system and a variety of physical ailments. It is therefore important to understand the signs and symptoms of a low white blood count, and to learn about the foods that can help control the levels of white blood cells in the body.

Causes of a Low White Blood Count

• Although the reason for a low white blood count may not always be known, there are a number of underlying conditions that can produce a low white blood count, including: aplastic anemia; cancer (as a result of chemotherapy drugs); autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and liver and spleen diseases; and leukemia.

Signs and Symptoms of a Low White Blood Count

• Many individuals with a low white blood count may experience a multitude of gastrointestinal, lung, throat and bladder infections. It is therefore common for individuals with a low blood count to experience a lack of energy, fever, sinus infections, headaches, lung infections, mouth sores, diarrhea, stomach cramping and urination problems.

Treating a Low White Blood Count

• Once your physician has ruled out an underlying cause of your low white blood count, he will likely encourage a diet rich in zinc and copper to help boost and control your white blood count levels. The doctor may also prescribe a white blood cell booster, such as filgrastim or pegfilgrastim.

Foods for Controlling Your Low White Blood Count

• Some of the foods suggested for treating a low white blood count include oysters, dark meat, pumpkin seeds, shitake mushrooms, fish oil, spinach, carrots, melons and oranges.

Vitamins for a Low White Blood Count

• Most physicians will recommend treating a low white blood count with a multivitamin with zinc.

Considerations

• Continue to seek treatment with your physician following your low white blood count diagnosis so that he can continue to monitor your white blood levels to prevent illness.