A normal white blood cell count is an indicator of good he alth. Their number should be in the range from 4000 to 10000 ml. Test results may show an increase or decrease in the number of these white blood cells. Before you figure out why this happens, you should find out what white blood cells are. In human blood there is a group of cells that perform a protective function, protect the body from bacteria, microbes, foreign cells and viruses. This is the leukocytes.
Why are they declining?
These cells are formed in the bone marrow and are involved in immune responses. A decrease in their number (leukopenia) occurs when:
- presence of infectious diseases (rubella, influenza, measles);
- chemical poisoning;
- enlarged spleen;
- exposure;
- using strong drugs;
- endocrine diseases;
- hereditary immune diseases.
Also, a decrease in white blood cells can occur during fasting or depression, the presence of low blood pressure.
How to increase the content of leukocytes in the blood through diet?
In order to increase this figure, it is necessary to make changes in the diet. Only a doctor can prescribe the right diet for a patient. He can make the following changes:
- increase protein intake;
- reduce carbohydrate intake;
- recommend to increase the amount of choline, lysine, ascorbic and folic acid in food.
It is possible to increase the content of leukocytes in the blood with the help of products, but only if you review your diet. It is recommended to eat oats, buckwheat, barley, herbs, raw vegetables, berries and fruits. Don't forget about nuts, eggs and caviar. Fresh juices are very useful (for example, from tomatoes, carrots, currants).
How to increase the level of leukocytes in the blood with folk methods?
To combat leukopenia, the following recipes are used:
- Decoction of bitter wormwood or chamomile flowers. To obtain it, you need to pour 45 g of grass into 750 g of boiled water. The medicine is infused for four hours, then it should be filtered, after which it can be used. Take it in a glass before each meal.
- Oat medicine. To prepare the broth, you need to boil it over low heat for about 25 minutes (in the proportion of 30 g of grains per 2 cups of water). At least 12 hoursoats insist and take after filtering. It is enough to drink half a glass three times a day before meals. The course of treatment with oats is a month.
- Clover remedy. For 10 g of crushed grass, 350 g of water is taken, poured and infused for 4 hours. It is necessary to use no more than 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is at least one month.
- Pollen medicine. It is mixed with honey (2:1), left for 3 days. Then use 1 teaspoon at a time. It is allowed to drink this mixture with milk.
How to increase the white blood cell count if chemotherapy was performed
Cancer patients must take chemotherapy drugs, which have many unwanted side effects. One of them is a decrease in leukocytes. In this case, doctors prescribe special medications that increase the vital activity of leukocytes, accelerate the process of maturation and their release from the bone marrow. These drugs include: Filgrastim, Leukogen, Methyluracil, Leikomax, Lenograstim.
Before you wonder how to increase the content of leukocytes in the blood, consult your doctor about the need for these actions.