The white blood cells after chemotherapy
The concentration of leukocytes after chemotherapy
Ideally, the leukocytes increase to their normal value after chemotherapy. It is 4,300 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood.
Ten days to two weeks after chemotherapy, the number of white blood cells falls to its lowest point. Therefore, the patient must present himself to the doctor during this period.
After this time, the leukocyte count usually increases rapidly. Thus, a new chemotherapy begins without any health problems. What concentration the white blood cells reach to start a new treatment depends on the medication. A clear limit does not exist.
Normal values of the leukocytes
| Explanation of the table | Percentage of total leukocytes (%) | number per µl |
| leukocytes in adults | 100 | 4.000–11.000 |
| rod neutrophil granulocytes | 3-5 | 150–400 |
| segmented neutrophilic granulocytes | 54–65 | 3000–6000 |
| Eosinophilic granulocytes | 1–3 | 50–250 |
| Basophilic granulocytes | 0–1 | 15–50 |
| lymphocytes | 25–35 | 1500–3000 |
| monocytes | 3–8 | 300–700 |
How does the number of leukocytes in the blood increase?
If the white blood cells remain permanently low after chemotherapy, there are various tools available. These are injections that doctors put under the skin of those affected.
Medications used include Neupogen and Neulasta. These drugs prove effective when an infection occurs. There are options to increase white blood cells through food choices and a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, avoiding stress and alternative healing methods have positive effects.
The increase in white blood cell count through diet
There is a belief that leukocyte counts can be increased by eating certain foods such as cherry juice and beetroot. Doctors doubt the effectiveness of this method. To increase the number of white blood cells, those affected drink at least two liters of fluids a day.
Tea or mineral water are particularly suitable as drinks. Leukocytes increase after chemo due to a balanced diet. Patients consume fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. They also get enough dietary fiber. Those affected eat foods with a lot of carbohydrates only in small amounts. Patients avoid foods with few nutrients, such as wheat bread.
Vitamins C and A help the body form white blood cells. Therefore, the patients consume the vegetable in its raw state. Ideally, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals. Both strengthen the human immune system. In order not to hinder leukocyte formation, patients avoid too much sugar and fatty meat. Those affected eat several servings every day. Dark meat, such as beef, increases the iron value.
Alternative healing methods use the peculiarities of various plants to increase the number of leukocytes. Patients consume these products only under medical supervision. Suitable plants include:
- white ginseng,
- olive leaves,
- green tea
- and piperine.
The increase in white blood cells from exercise
The concentration of leukocytes in the blood increases due to the general strengthening of the immune system. Regular exercise and sport have a positive effect on the immune system. According to a study, exercising once or twice a week strengthens the immune system. If this activity is missing, the blood slags off. The number of white blood cells decreases rapidly. The risk of contracting an infection increases
Steady exercise helps the body flush out toxins. The organism sends the leukocytes faster through the bloodstream. Useful sports after chemotherapy include swimming, tennis, badminton, and cycling. In addition, patients often go for walks. This also helps increase the concentration of immune cells.
After the completion of chemotherapy, the value of white blood cells drops to an extremely low level within two weeks. The leukocytes increase after chemotherapy with various aids. To avoid the risk of infection, people eat healthy food and get enough exercise.
Sources and literature on the topic:
- Leukocytes – patient information on chemotherapy
- Overview of the main functions on blutwert.net
- Reinhard Andreesen, Hermann Heimpel: Clinical hematology. Munich 2009: Urban & Fischer/Elsevier-Verlag. ISBN-10: 343731498X.
- Willibald Pschyrembel: Clinical Dictionary. 266th edition. Berlin 2014: Walter de Gruyter-Verlag. ISBN-10: 3110339978
