How to Increase White Blood Cells and Supercharge Your Defenses

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are essential components of our immune system as they defend the body from diseases, infections, and foreign substances (antigens). It is vital to understand how to increase white blood cells or at least maintain their levels to help boost the immune system. These cells play a major role in fighting exposure to all environmental antigens, day in and day out. Whether it be a simple cold or a severe infection, when the WBCs fail at their task, you will fall sick (1). It's overwhelming to think how the chaos at such a micro-level could be the reason for your harmonious health at large. 

That's why, it is imperative that you know how to increase white blood cell count through simple measures like nourishing food and healthy habits. Keep reading to find out some of the best foods to increase white blood cells. 

What Are White Blood Cells and Their Function?

White blood cells are the infection fighters that form the first line of defense for your health. They embody what you refer to as immunity. Also known as leukocytes, WBCs come in various types, each with a specific function. These cells form a small percentage of the blood but are essential to being healthy—any minor derangement, whether an increasing WBC or low WBC count, can cause significant health issues (1),(2).

To comprehend the functions of white blood cells, picture a bustling metropolis where white blood cells serve as the security force. 

• Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are like the city's rapid response team. 

They swiftly rush to the scene of the infection to control and kill the invading microbes. While neutrophils fight bacteria and fungi, eosinophils handle parasites, worms, and allergens (mites, pollen, dust, etc.), and basophils secrete histamine (a chemical produced in the body during allergies) to orchestrate the allergic reaction. 

• Monocytes act as the city's janitors and simultaneously clean up the resultant debris and dead microbes. They do this by transforming into macrophages. 

• The lymphocytes are akin to the city's intelligence agents. B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells are the three subtypes. 

B cells make antibodies, which are like miniature soldiers designed to attack specific antigens. On the other hand, T cells can attack infected cells directly, eliminating threats from within.

• The natural killer cells act as watchful defenders, spotting and eliminating cells that are more severely affected and are spreading fast—cancer cells or virus-infected cells. They attack our bodies like superheroes, unleashing a wave of toxins on these cells and ensuring that no harmful substances remain.

Leukocytes are skilled at distinguishing between your own cells and foreign invaders, quickly identifying and neutralizing threats while causing the least amount of harm to healthy tissue (1),(2). The significance of white blood cells cannot be overstated. Hence, learning about how to increase white blood cells in today’s polluted environment is worth it. 

What Causes High White Blood Cell Counts?

White blood cells form your body’s immunity. Increasing WBC is indicative of a state of injury/inflammation in the body that requires the immune system to step up. When your body summons an army of white blood cells beyond the usual numbers, it's a clear sign that trouble is brewing.

The average number of WBCs per microliter of blood ranges from 3,500-10,500. Leukocytosis, or increased WBC count, is suggested when the number shoots beyond 11,000  per microliter of blood. The causes could be anything from physical to emotional to autoimmune (3).

Causes of Increasing WBC

• Neutrophilia

It is the most common type of leukocytosis, characterized by an increase in neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells. This happens as a reaction to stressors (like physical or emotional stress, infection, medications, trauma, and smoking) or autonomously in specific conditions like certain leukemias (chronic myeloid leukemia). 

Chronic inflammation, pregnancy, obesity, and certain diseases can lead to persistent neutrophilia for a prolonged period. 

• Eosinophilia 

A rise in eosinophils is observed in diseases like cancer, inflammation, infection, parasite infection, autoimmune disorders, and allergies. Medications can also contribute to eosinophilia.

• Basophilia

Basophils increase in inflammatory conditions, viral infections, hormonal imbalances, bone-marrow disorders, and allergic (pollen, dust, or mite allergy) or anaphylactic (bee sting) reactions.

• Lymphocytosis

Lymphocyte overproduction can be benign (in children) or deadly (in the form of cancer). It is caused by viral infections, hypersensitivity reactions, leukemia, or lymphomas.

• Monocytosis

This increase in monocytes can be associated with chronic infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart tissues), inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, malignancies, and bone-marrow disorders.

Although a high white blood cell count might indicate a deeper problem, it is essential to avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment. To ascertain the cause and the best course of action, speaking with a doctor is the best practice.