How to Increase Your Immunity Naturally (By Enhancing Your White Blood Cells and Neutrophil Count)
- Dr. Christine Adamo
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Introduction
White blood cells and neutrophils are the powerhouse of our immunity. Unfortunately, most forms of conventional cancer treatment (i.e. chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies) can damage the bone marrow, causing an inadequate production of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and neutrophils.
White Blood Cells and Neutrophils
White blood cells are the central part of our immune system that help our body fight against infection and disease. I like to think of them as our “family of defense.” Just like different members of a family, our white blood cells have different members with specific roles and functions. Neutrophils are one of the family members that is intimately tied to immunity. They provide the first line of defense when we come into contact with a virus, bacteria, fungus, or a parasite. Their primary task is to engulf and neutralize pathogens (that which are harmful and cause disease) through a process called phagocytosis. This rapid response helps contain the spread of infection and initiates an inflammatory cascade, recruiting other immune cells to the area. Neutrophils also release antimicrobial proteins and reactive oxygen molecules to enhance their killing capacity. Together with other types of white blood cells, they are able to create a defense network crucial for fighting disease and maintaining good health.
Lifestyle Factors that Affect Immunity
Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to boost immune function and support overall health. Engage in regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming, as tolerated based on your individual ability and fitness level.
Stress Management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and negatively impact white blood cell production. It’s important to incorporate stress-reducing activities into your daily routine. Consider incorporating these into your DAILY activities: prayer, mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, acupuncture, or spending time in nature.
Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for immune function and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Here is a previous blog I wrote that might provide some helpful tips, 7 Habits for Healthy Sleep.
Foods that Can Enhance Immunity
A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for supporting immune function. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Some specific foods that can help boost white blood cells and neutrophils include:
Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and grapefruit are high in vitamin C, which supports the production of white blood cells. *Please note that grapefruit interacts with a number of medications so it’s important to talk to your doctor about this in relation to your specific medications.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that play a role in white blood cell production.
Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that have been shown to enhance immune function and increase white blood cell activity.
Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and acai berries are rich in antioxidants that help support overall immune health.
Mushrooms: Mushrooms have strong immune-boosting properties due to their rich content of beta-glucans, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and antioxidants like selenium and vitamin C. For thousands of years, mushrooms have been used medicinally. Extensive research has shown that mushrooms are a powerhouse food and supplement for immunity.
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help decrease inflammation in the body, thereby supporting the immune system.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune function.
Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to enhance immune function and protect against certain diseases.
Zinc-Rich Foods: Zinc is an essential mineral in the body that helps increase white blood cells. Foods rich in zinc include turkey meat, beef, crab, oysters, fortified cereals, and beans.
Supplements that Can Enhance Immunity
There are many vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements that can enhance the immune system. As it relates to cancer, here are my top picks based on their ability to enhance the immune system and stimulate the production of white blood cells and neutrophils. Also, I’ve included links to research studies you might be interested in reading.
Vitamin D - Our Vitamin D level is intimately linked to our immunity and bone density. More importantly, low levels of vitamin D increase our risk for various cancers.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant that helps protect our cells from free radical damage. It also aids in the production of cellular energy, promotes wound healing, and helps increase immunity.
Intravenous High-Dose Vitamin C in Cancer Therapy Vitamin C in Selected Malignant Neoplasms in Women
Zinc - As mentioned above, zinc is an essential mineral that helps stimulate white blood cell production. Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for the development and function of our immune system. It activates killer T-cells, a component of our white blood cells that is responsible for killing foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus. Research shows that the antioxidant properties of zinc help mitigate oxidative stress.
Medicinal Mushrooms - Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to enhance immunity. Mushrooms are high in beta-glucans, which help protect against infection. Beta-glucans have been shown to prevent cancer progression and have synergistic anti-tumor effects when combined with monoclonal antibodies and certain chemotherapies.
Colostrum - Colostrum is a mother's milk produced in the mammary glands directly after giving birth. It contains high levels of protein, immunoglobulins, antimicrobial peptides, and growth factors that strongly enhance the immunity of a newborn. Research has shown that bovine colostrum, taken in supplement form, has similar effects on the immune system and can increase neutrophil count, promote immunity, and help fight infections.
EGCg - EGCg (Epigallocatechin gallate) is a polyphenol antioxidant found in tea leaves, most notably in green tea. Polyphenols, like EGCg, have free radical-scavenging abilities that protect cells and tissues from damage and prevent the development of certain cancers. EGCg is also known to strongly enhance the immune system.
Here are the brands of professional-grade supplements I use in my practice and highly recommend:
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Medicinal Mushrooms
Colostrum
EgCG
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, stress management, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet, plays a crucial role in enhancing our immune system. Certain dietary supplements can also provide additional support. During treatment for cancer, it is essential to take proactive steps to support your immune system. This helps to minimize the risk of infection and reduces the likelihood of developing secondary diseases.
