Content
Foods that increase leukocytes in the blood activate the body's protective functions. This is especially true after chemotherapy and serious illness. Changing your diet helps to improve your well-being by avoiding unwanted health complications.
What foods raise white blood cells
Leukocytes are white blood cells involved in the body's immune processes. Their number increases when it is necessary to provide full protection.
People with malignant tumors have to go through serious treatment involving exposure to chemicals. It has a lot of side effects, among which are leukopenia. Pathology is a decrease in leukocytes in the blood, which is accompanied by a significant suppression of the body's defenses. With the development of the disease, the temperature rises, fever occurs and the stool is disturbed. A similar effect is characteristic for the recovery period after undergoing various diseases.
To restore the hematopoietic system, it is recommended to adhere to a certain diet. Diet therapy will be effective if the problem is not severe. Otherwise, medication will be required.
Foods that increase the level of leukocytes should contain zinc, potassium, Omega-3, as well as vitamins C, B and E.
B vitamins are involved in cellular metabolism. Ascorbic acid has a thinning effect on the blood, thereby increasing the level of leukocytes.
With leukopenia, it is equally important to eat protein foods. It speeds up the recovery process of the body.
The list of foods that increase leukocytes in the blood include:
- vegetable fats;
- fruits and berries with vitamin C content;
- greens;
- dietary meat;
- seafood and fish;
- liquid;
- cereals and legumes.
Products for raising leukocytes in the blood
Foods that increase white blood cells in urine and blood should be consumed regularly. Too fatty foods, smoked meats and canned foods are prohibited. It must be remembered that with a decrease in leukocytes, the body is in a vulnerable state. The immune system is unable to resist viruses and pathogenic cells. Therefore, you need to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating to avoid parasite infestation. You also need to make sure that the food is easily digestible.
Berries
Of the foods that increase the level of leukocytes in the blood, you must definitely add berries to the diet. It is advisable to pay attention to those that contain ascorbic and folic acids. Berries contain fructose and glucose, which help restore energy reserves.They also contain dietary fiber that improves intestinal peristalsis. In addition, berries contain anthocyanins, which prevent the proliferation of malignant cells. After chemotherapy, these substances help to achieve remission. The most useful berries in this situation include:
- blueberries;
- black currant;
- rosehip;
- Red grapes.
Meat and lard
Foods that increase the number of leukocytes in the blood include meat. Low-fat varieties such as turkey, chicken and goose are preferred. It is also permissible to eat lean pork and veal. The necessary effect on the hematopoietic system is due to the content of iron, copper and amino acids.
Lard has no less useful properties. It is perfectly absorbed, while saturating the body with the necessary substances. The cholesterol present in the fat does not contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Eggs
Chicken eggs are a rich source of protein. They are also referred to as foods that increase leukocytes in the blood. Eggs contain a huge amount of iron, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Nutritionists recommend boiled product.
Nuts
Nuts are distinguished by a rich composition, due to which they often increase leukocytes with their help. They are 70% vegetable fats. In addition, the product perfectly satisfies hunger. To increase white blood cells, doctors recommend eating a handful of nuts daily. The most useful varieties include:
- cashew nuts;
- Brazilian nut;
- almond;
- hazelnut;
- Walnut.
Greens
Greens are also referred to as foods that increase the volume of leukocytes in the blood. Dill is considered the most useful. It is rich in copper, folate and potassium. You can also increase leukocytes with lettuce. It is known for its manganese and phosphorus content. It can be eaten both as part of various dishes and as an addition to meat. To accelerate the absorption of nutrients, salad with herbs is recommended to be seasoned with olive oil.
Fish and seafood
Fish is classified as a food that increases leukocytes in the blood of women. In this case, the pathology can be caused by hormonal disorders or the use of contraceptives. There is an opinion that, due to the instability of the hormonal background, women are more prone to disease than men. Due to the content of unsaturated fatty acids, the fish quickly restores the reproductive system, launching biological processes. For males, foods with Omega-3 content are equally useful. They participate in metabolic processes and strengthen the immune system.
During the rehabilitation period after illness, fish in the diet can increase leukocytes. The complex of vitamins has a beneficial effect on the hematopoietic system. The healthiest seafood includes shrimp, mussels, and oysters. When choosing fish, you should give preference to varieties with red meat.
Fruits and vegetables
A complete diet will not be without fruits and vegetables. They contain a huge amount of vitamins necessary for the body. Of particular importance is ascorbic acid, which affects the viscosity of the blood. Among the fruits that increase the level of leukocytes, there are:
- apples;
- papaya;
- Garnet;
- plums;
- pears;
- grapefruit.
For the speedy restoration of the full functioning of the body, it is equally important to introduce vegetables into the diet. They have a positive effect on the function of the cardiovascular system. The desired effect is achieved due to the presence of copper, potassium and folic acid in the composition. Due to fiber, vegetables contribute to the good digestibility of protein foods and stimulate perilstatism. Vegetables that increase white blood cell count include:
- beets;
- carrot;
- turnips.
Milk and fermented milk products
Fermented milk products must be consumed at least every other day. They increase the level of leukocytes by replenishing the supply of nutrients in the body. The main feature is the content of probiotics and yeast, which ensure the absorption of nutrients. Fermented milk products are necessary for the normalization of intestinal microflora. It is advisable to use them in the first half of the day.
Doctors advise to introduce into the diet:
- cheese;
- yogurt;
- kefir;
- cottage cheese.
Porridge
Porridge belongs to the category of slow carbohydrates that the body needs to function properly. They perfectly saturate and restore the supply of nutrients. It is not worth excluding cereals from the diet, even in order to lose weight. They ensure the proper functioning of the digestive system. But their main advantage is the content of vitamin B and iron. These substances have a positive effect on the functioning of the hematopoietic system. Porridges that increase the level of leukocytes include:
- oatmeal;
- buckwheat;
- pearl barley.
Rules for the use of products to raise leukocytes
Thanks to a balanced diet, the body recovers faster after suffering stress. First of all, the immune system is strengthened. This helps prevent possible health complications. For therapy to be effective enough, you should follow the nutritional rules for leukopenia.
These include the following:
- limited consumption of fatty foods and sweet foods;
- ensuring a regular supply of fluid;
- meals should be taken every 3-4 hours;
- the amount of servings should be small;
- protein sources should be present at every meal;
- it is undesirable to eat just before bedtime;
- it is strictly forbidden to overeat;
- meals should always be at the same time.
Before increasing leukocytes with one or another product, you need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction. In this situation, it poses a serious danger to the patient's health. You also need to exclude foods that reduce the volume of white blood cells. These include liver, confectionery, alcoholic beverages, and fast food.
How to eat foods to increase white blood cells after chemotherapy
Chemotherapy directs its action on malignant tumors, slowing down or stopping their growth. It has a systemic effect on the body, which is harmful to the hematopoietic system. The level of leukocytes after chemotherapy in cancer patients is usually restored by diet. The amount of liquid consumed is also important. The daily rate is 2 liters.
On an empty stomach it is recommended to eat 1-2 tbsp. l. natural honey. In the first half, be sure to eat fruit. Breakfast should be hearty. The ideal option would be porridge with milk. For lunch, you need to eat a dish made of easily digestible protein. Chicken or beef broth with vegetables will also work.
To properly increase leukocytes, you should eat fatty fish at least 2 times a week. Drink a glass of beetroot, pomegranate, or carrot juice between meals. To make the drink moderately concentrated, you should dilute it with water in a 1: 1 ratio. It is also advisable to add berries, nuts and dried fruits to the diet.
The dynamics of diet therapy should be monitored under the supervision of a physician.
Conclusion
Foods that increase blood leukocytes should be consumed in limited quantities. Overloading the digestive system after suffering an illness is highly undesirable.The correct approach to the composition of the diet will ensure rapid recovery and significant strengthening of the immune system.
