The white blood cell (WBC) count is a stable, well-standardized measure of systemic inflammation.\u00a0 It is commonly found on blood tests and relatively inexpensive to test.\u00a0 Most Americans have a WBC count of 4.5 to 10 but keep in mind many people are unhealthy so does that mean a range of 4.5 to 10 is \u2018normal\u2019?\u00a0 Studies show it is not.\u00a0 The ideal range is 3.11 to 8.83.\u00a0 Experts say a WBC count greater than 6.7 may identify high-risk individuals.<\/p>\n
According to Michael Greger, MD., the WBC count is both a marker and a causal factor.\u00a0 It is an indicator of inflammation, a predictor for longevity, and also a causal factor leading to health issues.\u00a0 For example, WBCs can clog a small capillary in the heart which can damage the lining of a blood vessel.<\/p>\n
But what is really interesting is that heart disease, cancer and overall mortality are related to your WBC count.\u00a0 In a Japanese study, half the women at age 85 that started out with a WBC count of 5.6 or less were still alive.\u00a0 80% of those who started with over 7.0 WBC count were no longer alive.\u00a0\u00a0 Another study showed a significant 17.4% increase in coronary artery disease incidence observed for every single<\/u> point higher in the WBC count.\u00a0 The higher your WBC count the worse your arterial function and the stiffer your arteries.<\/p>\n
Studies show the WBC count is a useful predictor of coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, carotid atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.<\/p>\n
How do you reduce inflammation and your WBC count?\u00a0 Stay away from smoking and secondhand smoke.\u00a0 Exercise.\u00a0 Third, eat a low inflammatory diet.\u00a0 A whole food plant based diet will reduce inflammation.\u00a0 The average WBC count for a plant based diet population is approximately 5.0.\u00a0 One study showed removing meat, eggs, dairy, and alcohol for 21 days resulted in a significant drop in WBC count.<\/p>\n