Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells and the immune system’s first responders.
Neutrophils are the most common white blood cells and the immune system’s first responders. They move quickly to places in the body where germs have entered or tissue is irritated, and they engulf and break down bacteria. They live less than a day, so the bone marrow makes very large numbers of them every day. The test counts how many neutrophils there are in the blood.
A recent bacterial infection often raises neutrophils. Physical and mental stress, hard training, smoking and medicines such as cortisone release more neutrophils into the blood. A recent viral infection and some medicines can lower the count for a while.
Foods that help
A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish and enough protein gives the immune system what it needs. Regular exercise, good sleep and time to recover also matter.
Foods to limit
Large amounts of alcohol, a diet built on ultra-processed food and sugar, smoking and too little sleep put extra strain on the body.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →