Neutrophils are phagocytic cells that help the body fight infections. Their values can drop and, in these cases, we speak of neutropenia, especially if you have a tumor or are undergoing anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. The reduction in the number of circulating neutrophils could also be due to a poor diet, a blood disease or a bone marrow infection. To increase the counts of these white blood cells, try changing your diet and resorting to medical treatments to fix the problem. Also, since neutropenia predisposes you to infection or disease, you should try to keep yourself healthy and avoid exposure to germs and bacteria.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change the Power
Step 1. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C
This vitamin allows you to improve your immune defenses and ensures that the number of neutrophils does not drop excessively. So consume fresh fruit, including oranges, bananas, apples, and pears. When it comes to vegetables, opt for broccoli, carrots, peppers, kale, and spinach. Add some of these foods to each meal to keep neutrophil values high.
Step 2. Add foods rich in vitamin E and zinc
Vitamin E stimulates the production of white blood cells, while zinc is an essential mineral for increasing neutrophils. You can find these two substances in many foods.
- Almonds, avocado, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, palm and olive oil are rich in vitamin E.
- Excellent sources of zinc are oysters, white meats, beans, nuts and whole grains.
Step 3. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Salmon, mackerel, and linseed oil are all foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. These micronutrients increase the number of phagocytes, or white blood cells that eliminate harmful bacteria that attack the body. Add these dishes to your diet and season them with linseed oil or ingest half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of linseed oil once a day.
Step 4. Opt for foods that contain vitamin B12
You can develop neutropenia if you have a B12 deficiency. Rich sources of this vitamin, such as fish, eggs, milk, and green leafy vegetables, can help you raise your neutrophil count.
- Some soy products are enriched with vitamin B12, so they are an excellent option if you are vegan or don't like animal products.
- You can also take vitamin B12 supplements to ensure you are getting adequate intake.
Step 5. Avoid raw meat, fish or eggs
These foods, eaten raw, can expose you to the risk of contracting germs and bacteria. So, make sure you eat them cooked at a safe internal temperature.
Step 6. Take dietary supplements after consulting your doctor
If your diet is low in essential nutrients or you have a poor appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or other supplements to help your body make white blood cells. However, always talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
Make sure your doctor considers all medications you are taking in case of dietary supplementation
Step 7. Wash and prepare any dish properly
Use lukewarm water to wash fresh fruit and vegetables to reduce exposure to germs and bacteria. Prepare the dishes by cooking them at a safe internal temperature and refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours. Do not use wooden cutting boards or sponges, as they can accumulate germs.
By handling and preparing food safely, it is possible to decrease the risk of exposure to germs or bacteria that cause health problems in people with neutropenia
Method 2 of 3: Seek Medical Assistance
Step 1. Ask your doctor if he can prescribe a drug that can stimulate the production of neutrophils
Filgrastim drugs, such as Accofil, help increase the number of neutrophils, especially if you are on anticancer therapy. The doctor can administer this molecule by injection or drip. You will likely need to take it every day if your neutrophil count is very low and you are undergoing chemotherapy.
You may experience side effects during treatment, such as nausea, fever, bone pain and back pain
Step 2. Ask your doctor if other conditions are affecting neutropenia
The reduction in the absolute number of neutrophils can be caused by other conditions, such as bacterial infections or viruses. These health problems can be treated by hospitalizing and taking antibiotics that treat the main infection. Once passed, the neutrophil levels should return to normal.
Step 3. If you have a serious illness, you will need to undergo a bone marrow transplant
If the neutropenia is due to a very serious medical condition, such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, your doctor may suggest a bone marrow transplant. It is performed by removing the diseased bone marrow and replacing it with the healthy one of a donor. General anesthesia will be provided during the surgery.
You will likely need to take some medications before and after the transplant to make sure the infection is gone and the neutrophil count returns to normal
Method 3 of 3: Keep the Neutrophil Count Low
Step 1. Wash your hands regularly with warm water and antibacterial soap
Proper hand cleaning can help prevent exposure to infections and germs, especially if your immune system isn't functioning perfectly and your neutrophil count is low. Scrub your hands with soap and water for 15-30 seconds. Then rinse them thoroughly under hot water and dry them well with a paper towel.
- Make sure you wash them before you eat, drink, or take medicine, and after you go to the bathroom. Clean them before touching food or any part of the body, especially eyes, nose and mouth.
- Always wash them after you have touched an animal.
Step 2. Wear a face mask to prevent exposure to germs and bacteria
Protect your mouth and nose by wearing a mask when going out or in public places, especially if crowded. You can also take it indoors if you live with other people or if the rooms are full of dust, mold or dirt.
You can buy it at a health care center or on the Internet
Step 3. Stay away from people with the flu or cold
Avoid being in contact with sick people, otherwise you expose yourself to germs and pathogens. Until the neutrophil values return to normal, ask people with the flu or cold to keep some distance.
Also try to avoid crowded areas and spaces, such as shopping malls, where there is a risk of meeting people with ailments and ailments
Step 4. Pay particular attention to oral hygiene to prevent infections
Brush your teeth and floss 2-3 times a day and after each meal. Try rinsing with water and baking soda to remove germs and bacteria. Regularly pass the toothbrush under lukewarm water to keep it clean.
