What are White Blood Cell Counts?

The number and types of white blood cells in your blood, also known as your white blood cell count, is a biomarker that measures the number of immune cells in your blood.‍The main immune cells in your body are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils.

What does it assess?

Your white blood cell count provides insights into your body’s immune function and overall health.‍Abnormal counts have been linked to various health conditions.

How do I optimize my White Blood Cell Count?

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, as well as probiotics, can help boost overall immune function.‍Foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains support the immune system. Moderate physical activity, like walking or swimming, can improve immune function and help maintain a balanced WBC count. Chronic stress can impact immune function, so engaging in stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, yoga, and adequate sleep can help optimize immune system health.

What do high and low White Blood Cell Counts mean?

Elevated WBC count is often associated with infections, where the body produces more white blood cells to fight pathogens.‍It can also indicate inflammatory conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis), allergic reactions, certain cancers (like leukemia), or stress. In some cases, a high WBC count may result from medications such as corticosteroids or from tissue damage due to surgery or trauma.‍A low WBC count suggests that the immune system may be compromised.‍A low WBC count can make it more difficult for the body to fight infections, leaving individuals more vulnerable to illness.‍

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https://mitohealth.com/symptom-levels/symptoms-of-low-white-blood-cell-count
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https://mitohealth.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-high-white-blood-cell-count
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