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MoreWhite blood cells or leukocytes are the main reason you’re alive and kicking. These cells protect your body against infections, viruses, and other unwanted invaders. They are the front line of defense when it comes to facing foreign bodies. Although it is not so impressive at first glance, the white blood cell defense system is highly sophisticated and refined. It is truly a marvel of nature and a wonder of the human body. What influences white blood cell efficiency the most is their count. The number of white blood cells affects the speed of reaching the infected body part.
The average count
A healthy adult usually has about 7000 white blood cells per microliter of blood. That is impressive on its own. Those cells patrol the bloodstream and patiently wait for any type of alarm from the brain. When alerted, it takes milliseconds for them to organize themselves. It mercilessly assaults any possible attacker. The interesting is that when an infection strikes the body, it goes into overdrive. It produces more and more leukocytes. When germs are being fought off, there are 25000 white blood cells in every microliter of blood.
An increased leukocyte count
At first glance, one might think that more is merrier. This isn’t the case when it comes to white blood cells. It’s important for the body to regulate a normal level of leukocytes. Doctors check for a normal level of white blood cells to ensure that the body is ok. When there is too many of them, it means the body is most likely fighting off some kind of infection. Very high levels of white blood cells can indicate more dangerous conditions such as Leukemia.
They’re split into teams
If you thought all white blood cells are the same, you were wrong. Though they serve the same purpose, there are different kinds to deal with different threats. This way, the body is completely secure and can stave off any attack. All these leukocytes work together to assault the infection in so many ways. For example, some fight infection, some fight mutated cells, and some suppress allergic reactions.
How to know if your white blood cell count is okay?
If you are feeling under the weather, you might want to go get your white blood cell count checked. You can find out your leukocyte count simply by getting a blood test. The sample will be sent to the lab where the specialists will run the necessary test.
Another reason to quit
When you smoke, the dangerous substances within the tobacco block airflow to your lungs. It damages the connection between the lungs and the rest of the body. Nicotine blocks blood flow too, which leads to less efficient transport of leukocytes when an infection is at hand. The less efficient the transport is, the higher the chances of infection advancement. Smoking-related diseases like chronic bronchitis, emphysema or COPD causes high white blood cells levels.
Ease it with the stress
Being stressed out creates much more than a general sense of unease. It alters the chemical balance in your body. When you are tense, your body gets a signal that something is wrong. When this happens it dispatches more and more white blood cells into your bloodstream. Having such a high count is never good and overly stressful situations should be avoided. This is why you should work on calming yourself down and realizing that stress leads nowhere. It’s better to relax and focus on thinking about how to solve the problem. That way, you’ll be happier both in the long and the short run.
Add workouts to the mix
When your body is physically engaged and does a challenging job of physical nature. It goes into overdrive. If you are motivated to run that extra mile or to do that extra set, your body also goes into full speed and works harder. It cleans up its insides and locates potential infections or hazards to your health. By working out, you increase your white blood cell count. Also, your body eradicates the possible threat. It lurks within your body. Jogging is especially beneficial for it. As it promotes both weight loss and regulates the white blood cell count.
Your diet is a big factor
Having a not-so-good diet can damage you in more ways than poor nutrition. If you don’t pay attention to the amounts of fat and sugar you intake, your white blood cell count will drop. This is because fatty and sweet foods contain almost no micro or macro nutrients. It doesn’t provide the body with enough resources to battle diseases. That’s why foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, healthy mono-saturated fats and calcium provide enough tools to the body. Due to this, you can eradicate any infection or threat. You influence everything!
Vitamin C is your best friend
Vitamin C rich foods are good for white blood cell production. It influences your immune system in many ways. Not only are the leukocytes more prevalent, but they also live longer. It can withstand more damage and are replaced faster. This is all a result of eating a few oranges every week and adding a bit of broccoli to your work meals You don’t need large quantities of oranges or other Vitamin C rich foods. You only need a little bit from time to time, and your immune system will be formidable.
Obesity hinders white blood cells
If you find that you are prone to being overweight, you might have issues with your white blood cells. More weight means less white blood cells per microliter of blood. It will also take more time for the cells to reach their destination and eradicate the enemy. Speak with your doctor or nutritionist to find out what a healthy weight looks like for you. Remember, everyone’s is different!
