Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils within the body. Neutrophils are considered to be one of the most important types of white blood cells as they are responsible for the primary immune response of fighting infections and destroying bacteria within the body. It is considered that Neutropenia is both an acute and a chronic condition and can have varying causes.
When Neutropenia is present there are considerations that must be made. Eating when there is severe neutropenia present such as in cancer or leukaemia requires that the diet be a low risk diet. A low risk diet ensures that the consumption of foods does not introduce any possibly harmful bacteria or toxins which would normally require the immune system to respond. The decrease in Neutrophils means that the body can’t respond and leaves the individual at risk of infection and illness. This diet generally involves foods that are cooked well and in a sanitary manner. The diet avoids all fresh fruit and vegetables and animal products that could introduce bacteria.
Neutropenia must be investigated by your Doctor to identify and establish any associated conditions or causes. The following dietary recommendations are based on the assumption that this process has taken place and that no serious contributing factors are present. The recommendations given are general and may aid in optimal immune function:
Vitamin B12 and Folate: are often implicated in the occurrence of Neutropenia as they are both responsible for the formation of blood cells within the body. Diets that are low in animal-based products or high in processed foods are often lacking in these two nutrients. Folate deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in the world. Folate can be obtained from eating a wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and grains. Frozen vegetables often have lost their folate reserves. The contraceptive pill may also increase the requirements for folate within the body. Specific foods high in folate include: Chicken liver, cooked lentils, spinach, Turnip greens, Avocado, papaya, walnuts and broccoli. B12 is often considered to require folate for its action within the body. B12 deficiency is more common among long term vegetarians and vegans who do not take extra measures to ensure they obtain it from their diet. There may also exist a deficiency in stomach compound called the intrinsic factor which is essential for B12 absorption, this deficiency of intrinsic factor is more common in people who have malabsorption digestive diseases such as crohn's disease and coeliac disease. The most abundant sources of B12 include animal products and meats.
Zinc: Zinc is considered one of the most important nutrients for the immune system and is necessary for healthy antibody, white blood cell, thymus gland and hormone function. It is therefore vital in maintaining resistance to infection. Zinc is found in foods such as liver, shellfish, hard cheese, eggs and beef as well as many nuts and seeds which include pumpkin seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds and oats. Zinc is lost in the processing and refining of many of our foods and grains. Zinc supplementation is sometimes necessary in cases of deficiency and disease. I generally recommend the use of Ethical Nutrients Zinc Fix which is a high dose Zinc and Vitamin C powder with other essential co factors. This formula is used for the fast replenishment of Zinc in the body.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is critical to immune function as it is involved in antibody production and white blood cell formation and activation. Vitamin C requirements are raised when the immune system is under stress. Vitamin C is found abundantly in berries and darkly pigmented fruits and vegetables like capsicum, grapes, raspberries and black currants. Vitamin C is lost through the cooking and storage of fruit and vegetables. It is better to buy fresh fruit and vegetables regularly and eat a significant amount raw and whole to optimise Vitamin C intake. Supplementation may prove to be beneficial in times of stress and immune under-function. Choose a supplement that contains Vitamin C and bioflavonoids and avoid those that contain artificial sweeteners. The product Zinc Fix mentioned above is a great way to combine your Vitamin C and Zinc supplementation one.
Vitamin A and D: Vitamin A plays an essential role in protecting the body against infection. It keeps body surfaces healthy so that they can act as barriers to stop invading micro-organisms. This vitamin is of particular importance when the white blood cells neutrophils, which act against micro organisms, are depleted. Vitamin A can be obtained within the diet by eating organ meats such as liver and kidney. The vegetable alternative is called betacarotene which is converted into Vitamin A within the body. Because liver and organ meats are not for everyone I will usually supplement Vitamin A in the form of cod liver oil or capsules. The cod liver oil provides Vitamin A and D both of which are vital for healthy immune function. Vitamin A dosage should not exceed 8000-10000 IU a day unless under the supervision of a practitioner. Women who are pregnant should consult their practitioner.
Digestive Health: An important consideration in any immune disorder. The human digestive system plays a vital role in healthy immune function. Underlying digestive dysfunction such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Constipation, diarrhoea and bloating can all be an indicator that the immune system and digestive system are not working together harmoniously. Treating the digestion with beneficial fibres, beneficial bacteria and removing foods that are unhealthy and hard for the body to process may aid in overall digestive health.
A general shift towards a diet that is high in fresh fruit and vegetables, moderate amounts of animal products and grains will see an improvement in overall health. The removal of processed and synthetic foods and additives will often relieve the stress placed on the immune system from foreign compounds. I would also encourage you to investigate the chemical surroundings of your daughter e.g. beauty products, cleaning products, environmental exposures. Exposure to these chemicals will often lead to an immune system that becomes disordered and dysfunctional.