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White Blood Cell count in those with CRON diets


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#1 Dmitri

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 07:53 PM


I'm aware that CR produces lower White Blood Cell count, but I'm quite concerned with my levels. 6 months ago I had a WBC of 6.0 X10E3/uL, at that point I intensified my CR regimen and recently had another blood test which showed a 4.3 X10E3/uL, according to the results I'm still within normal limits (normal limits range from 4.0-10.5). However, is it healthy to have almost borderline numbers? Should I increase my calories or is there any supplements that could help increase the levels? Excluding the WBC, I'm happy with the results CR has given me. My glucose is 78 ng/ml (range 65-99) despite being on a 50-55% carb diet, my HDL is 65 and Total cholesterol is 139 (range 100-199), Triglycerides 56 (range 0-149). I achieved those results without any exercise in the last 3 months (busy with school); I'm going to start workout this week now that I'm on vacation though.

Edited by Dmitri, 18 May 2009 - 07:55 PM.


#2 Matt

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 09:32 PM

All your results are consistent with the disease preventing effect of calorie restriction, including the lower white blood count. If you're not aware, a low blood count is a positive indicator rather than something negative. Even in ad lib populations there is evidence that lower white blood count results in lower all cause mortality. Just do a search on google or pub med! ;)

And remember, your number is still within normal range. You worry over nothing ;)
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#3 FunkOdyssey

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 10:17 PM

All your results are consistent with the disease preventing effect of calorie restriction, including the lower white blood count. If you're not aware, a low blood count is a positive indicator rather than something negative.


This statement cannot be made so generally -- it requires qualification.

A low white blood count is a positive indicator if and when it is not caused by infection or a pathological condition. In other words, it can be a positive indicator when the person is generally in excellent health.

In the case of a 100% healthy person that adopts a CR diet (like the OP I assume), that's likely a positive indicator.

#4 Dmitri

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 10:27 PM

All your results are consistent with the disease preventing effect of calorie restriction, including the lower white blood count. If you're not aware, a low blood count is a positive indicator rather than something negative. Even in ad lib populations there is evidence that lower white blood count results in lower all cause mortality. Just do a search on google or pub med! ;)

And remember, your number is still within normal range. You worry over nothing ;)


I know that lower WBC is good for your health, what concerned me was that it was almost borderline. Thank you for the reply though; I suppose all I can do now is continue to monitor the levels and make sure they don't continue to decrease.

#5 Matt

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Posted 18 May 2009 - 11:09 PM

Theres quite a number of CRers out there that have even lower levels than you or I. In the region of 3.0 - 4.0. My lowest has been 4.0

#6 Dmitri

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Posted 19 May 2009 - 08:51 PM

Theres quite a number of CRers out there that have even lower levels than you or I. In the region of 3.0 - 4.0. My lowest has been 4.0


That low and they've had no problems with infections? I thought once your WBC decreased below normal levels you would be more susceptible to infections; like chemo and AIDS patients. However, if those people are still healthy I suppose there is nothing wrong with having such low levels.

#7 Matt

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Posted 19 May 2009 - 10:02 PM

Maybe the 'normal' reference range is higher that it should be because of unhealthy lifestyles leading to inflammation and high WBC's. CRers do not report increased risk for infection, most say they rarely ever get sick anymore.

#8 Voyager

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Posted 21 May 2009 - 02:48 PM

I thought that white cells increase as a result of, to fight, the infection.

#9 gregandbeaker

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Posted 21 May 2009 - 04:03 PM

Can one then infer that a lower number within that range is an indication that a CR diet is having the desired affect? I am not completely on a CR diet yet as I only began transitioning to it a month ago. I'm averaging about 2500 cals a day, mostly from a paleo diet.

Here are my latest numbers from a CBC test in march before I started my diet modification. I was on the tail end of a cold when this test was taken. I actually have no idea what any of these mean :-) But the doctor said "looks good."

Desc, my score, accepted range
WHITE BLOOD COUNT 7.8 4.5 - 11.0 thou/cu mm
RED BLOOD COUNT 5.32 4.30 - 5.90 mil/cu mm
HEMOGLOBIN 16.1 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL
HEMATOCRIT 46.8 37.0 - 53.0 %
MCV 88 80 - 100 fL
MCH 30.3 26.0 - 34.0 pg
MCHC 34.4 32.0 - 36.0 g/dL
RDW 12.1 11.5 - 15.5 %
PLATELET COUNT 258 140 - 440 thou/cu mm
MPV 8.8 6.5 - 11.0 fL
NEUTROPHILS 67.1 42.0 - 72.0 %
LYMPHOCYTES 21.5 20.0 - 44.0 %
MONOCYTES 7.0 < 11.1 - %
EOSINOPHILS 3.7 < 7.1 - %
BASOPHILS 0.7 < 3.0 - %
ABSOLUTE NEUTROPHILS 5.2 1.7 - 7.0 thou/cu mm
ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTES 1.7 0.9 - 2.9 thou/cu mm
ABSOLUTE MONOCYTES 0.5 < 0.9 - thou/cu mm
ABSOLUTE EOSINOPHILS 0.3 < 0.5 - thou/cu mm
ABSOLUTE BASOPHILS 0.1 < 0.3 - thou/cu mm

#10 wuchunlong

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Posted 25 June 2012 - 08:51 AM

I am having same issue now as my recent check showed a rating of WBC count at 3.4, lower than the range of 4.0-10 by standard of my lab. My test result one year ago at the same lab is 5.3, and I started CR right after the previous test one year ago. I now feel very healthy and energetic, and do not suffer frequent cold and other inflamations.

I got a bit scared and searched internet, leading me to this discussion. Also there is an article on the low WBC for thin people. The message is that healthy eaters may have WBC counts below the normal range.

http://www.diseasepr...-wbc-count.html

Consistent with these data, Dr. Fuhrman has noted that nutritarians often have lower than average white blood cell counts, reflecting appropriate levels of systemic inflammation and immune system activation. Lower WBC counts are reflective of excellent health and associated with longer lifespan.5 As such, those whose healthful eating habits cause WBC counts drop below the normal range should not be alarmed.
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#11 wuchunlong

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Posted 25 June 2012 - 08:54 AM

Weight loss benefits the immune system

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Deana Ferreri, Ph.D.

We are all aware that excess weight is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and currently the links between overweight and cancer are beginning to become more widely known. But did you know that carrying excess weight can also prevent your immune system from working properly?
Posted ImageObesity is known to be associated with a state of chronic systemic inflammation. Fat is an endocrine organ, secreting many factors that immune cells respond to – excess fat is thought to stimulate white blood cells (WBC) that produce inflammatory molecules as a part of the normal immune response upon injury or infection. Fat cells may also produce these inflammatory molecules. Obesity’s effects on the immune system likely underlie some of its connections to chronic diseases.1
Obesity is associated with elevated numbers of circulating immune cells and total WBC,2 as well as elevated activation levels of certain WBC and suppressed immune cell function.3 In short, excess weight seems to promote a state of overstimulation of the immune system, which impairs normal immune function. Calorie restriction, on the other hand improves immune function and reduces production of inflammatory molecules.1
The current study evaluated immune cell number and activation in response to a significant amount of weight loss (average 13.5% of body weight) in type 2 diabetics and prediabetics over a 24-week period. The researchers found an 80% decrease in circulating T-helper cells (a type of immune cell); decreased activation of circulating immune cells and other WBC, and also reduced activation of adipose tissue immune cells.4
This study suggests that weight loss can reverse the damage to the immune system that occurs due to obesity. Weight loss, therefore, in addition to reducing systemic inflammation and risk of chronic disease, may also improve resistance to bacterial and viral infections by restoring balance to the immune system.
Consistent with these data, Dr. Fuhrman has noted that nutritarians often have lower than average white blood cell counts, reflecting appropriate levels of systemic inflammation and immune system activation. Lower WBC counts are reflective of excellent health and associated with longer lifespan.5 As such, those whose healthful eating habits cause WBC counts drop below the normal range should not be alarmed.

References:
1. Dixit VD. Adipose-immune interactions during obesity and caloric restriction: reciprocal mechanisms regulating immunity and health span. J Leukoc Biol. 2008 Oct;84(4):882-92.


2. Womack J, Tien PC, Feldman J, et al. Obesity and immune cell counts in women. Metabolism. 2007 Jul;56(7):998-1004.

3. Nieman DC, Henson DA, Nehlsen-Cannarella SL,et al. Influence of obesity on immune function. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999 Mar;99(3):294-9.

4. Viardot A, Lord RV, Samaras K. The effects of weight loss and gastric banding on the innate and adaptive immune system in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. JClin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Jun;95(6):2845-50.

5. Candore G, Colonna-Romano G, Balistreri CR, et al. Biology of longevity: role of the innate immune system. Rejuvenation Res. 2006 Spring;9(1):143-8.

#12 kisekis

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Posted 04 December 2013 - 12:05 PM

is this true?
my wbc was reduce now is 3.55 usually it was high or higher though i havent checked for months and dont keep a record but found my result from january 2013 which is 6.5
im pretty concern since reduced wbc could mean serious disease. (also vulnerable to virus, bacteria)
ive made an appointment with hematologist but im worried now.

lately around a month i do lack of sleeping, eating and lose weight pretty much in a month (not because i want to lose weight but because i do have food and chemical intolerance i usually cook by myself but i couldnt cook more lately so i had to eat less) and mostly eat carb some veggies 1-2 eggs only per day. fish, soy twice a week. but im worried if its because of that only or other cause.

ps: i already have a weak condition and health problematic since a child. i also take beta blocker cause i have heart tachycardia palpitation for years. thats why this concerns me more.

Edited by kisekis, 04 December 2013 - 12:07 PM.


#13 InquilineKea

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Posted 21 April 2014 - 10:18 PM

What is the average WBC of most people, anyways?

 

Mine's 4.2, on the lower end of normal. I often wonder if I could be restricting calories more than I am now.



#14 Matt

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Posted 24 April 2014 - 01:59 PM

You want to keep an eye on your lymphocyte count. Neutrophils can go up or down due to many factors, and change more rapidly.



#15 tunt01

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Posted 24 April 2014 - 04:08 PM

My last 3 WBC were 4.0, 3.8 and 3.7.  Blood is taken approx. every 6 months.


Edited by prophets, 24 April 2014 - 04:08 PM.


#16 erzebet

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Posted 08 July 2014 - 05:34 PM

I am doing CRON consistently since about 3 years - although I have always been thin and eaten few calories albeit with fewer nutrients too. Your blood counts are very similar to mine - low WBC 4.54 ESR 2mm/h blood sugar 74 triglycerides 37(!) Hb 12.25g/dl (albeit with 121 blood iron) - and I have so much energy compared to people around me.

To answer your question regarding your low WBC count - what is your risk of infection? I work in a hospital and I never skipped a day from work - even on CRON, even with this WBC count.

Quality protein is the first thing to include to prevent most malnutrition infections - e.g. I get it from fish and seafood.

Secondly, get your vaccines, wash your hands, don't sleep around and you'll do fine, especially in a developed country.

If you work in an office, what else could you get besides the common cold?






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