Understanding why your WBC count is low will help you and your doctor come up with specific solutions.
Ask your doctor, “Are there prescription medications that would be beneficial for my situation? What are my options with the lowest associated risks? Should I try dietary changes or natural remedies before taking medication?” Risks and side effects of medications that stimulate WBC production can include allergic reactions, low fever, bone pain, discomfort at the injection site, weakness, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms.
Your personalized meal plan might include modifications to your daily recommended nutrients, like adding more protein than normally recommended to your diet. Your dietitian can also help you with recipes, safe food handling, and consult about adding supplements. Tell your dietitian about your eating habits and any difficulty you have maintaining proper nutrition, such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. They can recommend foods and supplements that can help you get the nutrients your body needs to produce blood cells.
Talk to your doctor before trying natural remedies, especially if you’re receiving chemotherapy or other treatment for a chronic medical condition.
Eat leafy greens, like kale and spinach, as well as orange vegetables, like carrots. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any dietary restrictions due to medications like blood thinners.
Consume between 0. 8 and 1 gram of protein per kilogram of your body weight daily. If you weigh 130 pounds (about 59 kg), you should consume a minimum of 47 grams (about 1. 7 ounces). [8] X Research source Avoid processed or deli meats. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you’ll likely need more protein than recommended. Ask your registered dietitian how much daily protein you should eat. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful during cancer therapy or interfere with chemotherapy or radiation. Selenium and zinc can help your body produce more white blood cells. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Consult your doctor before taking any vitamins or supplements.
You may need to drink extra water if you’re vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or not eating much. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment, talk to your dietitian about goals for water intake.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Don’t say yes to things that aren’t important to you. Spend your limited energy on your priorities. When asked to do something you don’t want to, say, “I’m sorry, I have another commitment,” or “That sounds wonderful. I wish I could participate, but it’s just not a good time for me right now. "
Set a bedtime and discuss it with those who live with you. Follow a calming sleep routine. For example, get ready for bed earlier, take a warm bath, lower the temperature of your home, lower the lights, and do a calming activity such as reading or knitting.
Avoid touching or cleaning things like litter boxes, bird cages, and fish tanks. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
After your bath or shower, put on clean clothes. You may want to wear your favorite pair of pajamas or sweats all of the time, but these can become soiled.
Say, “I know it’s unpleasant, but could you please clean the cat’s litter box? I can’t risk an infection. "
Don’t do any gardening or activities that involve you coming in contact with dirt or soil.
Take special care when brushing teeth to avoid bleeding gums. Ask someone to cut vegetables or meat for you when preparing food. Use an electric shaver instead of a razor to avoid cutting or nicking yourself while shaving.
Oranges, bananas, and melons are examples of fruits that are peeled before eating. Use a clean veggie scrubber and cool running water to wash your produce. Even if a salad package is marked pre-washed, use a colander to rinse its contents under running water.
Always thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator.
Cook red meat to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) and poultry to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). Cook eggs until both yolks and whites are solid and not runny at all. Consider using pasteurized egg whites, and make sure egg-containing products, like mayonnaise or eggnog, are pasteurized.
