WBC
White blood cells (leukocytes) are the cells of the immune system that travel in the blood.
White blood cells (leukocytes) are the cells of the immune system that travel in the blood. The test counts all of them together; the main types are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The count goes up and down with what the immune system is doing at the moment. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
A recent cold or infection, hard training, stress, short sleep, smoking and pregnancy tend to raise the count for a while. Some medicines, such as cortisone, raise it, and others lower it.
Foods that help
A varied diet with vegetables, fruit, berries, legumes, whole grains, fish and enough protein. Sleep, recovery and regular movement.
Foods to limit
Smoking, large amounts of alcohol, and lots of sugar and highly processed food.
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 →