Low leukocytes: causes, symptoms and how to raise them

The leukocytes (or white blood cells) They are a type of cells that play a crucial role in our immune system, since help our body’s defenses fight infections, foreign substances and abnormal cells

They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, and it is not very strange that their levels go up or down under certain circumstances, although prolonged levels that are too low can have consequences.

Low leukocytes: causes

The decrease in leukocytes can be something specific and momentary or there may be a prolonged deficit (what is known as leukopenia). In other words, it is not the same for the deficit to occur only in one analysis or to appear in a series of them, which would have greater significance.

The causes of leukopenia can be diverse, among the main ones are:

A drug excess (for example, cancer chemotherapy).Infectious diseases such as HIV or hepatitis can suppress the production of white blood cells.A vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the production of white blood cells.Problems or diseases in the bone marrow, which is where leukocytes are produced. Examples of this are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or some types of cancer.autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack and destroy white blood cells.

However, transient leukopenias may be due to periods of excessive physical or mental work.

Low leukocytes: symptoms

Regarding the symptoms, it must be taken into account that a specific drop in leukocytes does not have to cause any alteration or significant discomfort and is very likely to go unnoticed. However, a longer leukopenia can lead to a increased infections (such as respiratory, urinary tract or skin infections), with a worse evolution, and other symptoms such as a general feeling of tiredness and weaknessa slower wound healing or the appearance of thrush or sores in the mouth.

If you have anemia, sweating, swollen glands in English or armpits, weight loss or rashes, see your doctor.

What level of leukocytes is worrisome?

The normal range for the total white blood cell count in adults is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 white blood cells per microliter (µL) of blood. A recount below 4000 white blood cells/µl is generally considered low.

However, The importance of these figures depends on several factors.including the general health of the person, the presence of symptoms and the cause that has caused the drop in leukocyte levels.

low leukocytes: how to raise them

A persistent leukopenia requires a medical study and treatment is usually aimed at address the underlying cause and to force the body to produce more white blood cells.

He Dr. Josep Lluís Berdoncesa naturopathic doctor, also highlights some natural solutions that can help.

First of all, it is important avoiding foods and attitudes that impair the immune system. “Avoid immunosuppressive foods (refined fats, prepared foods, artificial additives…), and eat immunostimulating dietwith antioxidant juices, citrus fruits, nuts, fruit and vegetables…”, says the expert.Some plants with immunostimulating and antioxidant action They can help too.”such as lime blossom and/or rose hips in infusion, or the echinacea, which increases the number of white blood cells”, he assures. Ginger or ginseng are also useful. It is also essential to ensure sufficient levels of vitamin D, essential for optimal immune function. You can get them by exposing yourself to sunlight for a few minutes a day (without sunscreen and avoiding the central hours of the day in summer).