What to Drink to Raise WBC for Better Immunity

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, increasing dietary fatty acids can raise white blood cell levels. This guide will explore what to drink to raise WBC counts and strengthen your body's immune defenses naturally through nutrient-rich beverages.

Quick Summary

Immune function can be supported by consuming nutrient-dense drinks. Certain juices, herbal teas, and fortified milks contain key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that aid in white blood cell production and function.

Key Points

Hydration is Primary: Drinking plenty of water is essential for circulating WBCs and supporting overall immune function.
Leverage Vitamin C: Citrus juices (orange, grapefruit) and smoothies with berries or kiwi are excellent sources of Vitamin C to boost WBC production.
Tap into Antioxidants: Green tea, ginger-turmeric tea, and juices from fruits like berries and vegetables like carrots provide antioxidants that enhance immune cell activity.
Support Gut Health: Probiotic-rich drinks such as kefir and yogurt smoothies can improve gut flora, where a large part of the immune system resides, thereby aiding WBC production.
Include Quality Protein: Protein shakes provide the amino acids necessary for the body to synthesize new white blood cells.
Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Herbal teas featuring echinacea, astragalus, ginger, or turmeric offer additional immune-modulating properties.

The Role of Fluids in Boosting White Blood Cells

Staying adequately hydrated is fundamental for overall health, including the proper functioning of your immune system. Water is essential for transporting nutrients to the bone marrow where white blood cells (WBCs) are produced and for flushing out toxins that can compromise immune function. When focusing on how to increase WBC count, specific beverages can offer a concentrated dose of immune-supportive nutrients.

Juice Blends to Increase Your WBC Count

Homemade juice blends are an excellent way to get a potent mix of vitamins and minerals. Here are some options rich in WBC-supporting nutrients:

ABC (Apple, Beetroot, Carrot) Juice: This blend is rich in vitamins A and C, which are crucial for lymphocyte production. Carrots and beets provide beta-carotene and other antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
Orange and Grapefruit Juice: Citrus fruits are famously high in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps stimulate the production of WBCs. Drinking freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice can deliver a high dose of this vital nutrient.
Kale, Tomato, and Celery Juice: This savory juice is packed with folate and vitamin C from kale and antioxidants from tomatoes and celery. Folate is particularly important for the production of both red and white blood cells.
Strawberry-Kiwi Mint Juice: Strawberries and kiwis are both powerhouses of Vitamin C. Kiwis also contain folate, which promotes the activity of T- and B-cells, types of white blood cells that fight infection.

Teas and Infusions for Immune Support

Warm teas and herbal infusions can also provide therapeutic benefits for your immune system, often without added sugars.

Green Tea: Packed with potent antioxidants, green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and L-theanine. These compounds have been shown to enhance immune function by boosting T-cell activity, a key player in fighting off pathogens.
Ginger-Turmeric Tea: Both ginger and turmeric have long been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which can boost the immune response. To make, steep grated ginger and a pinch of turmeric in hot water, adding honey and lemon to taste.
Echinacea and Astragalus Root Tea: Used for centuries to enhance immune health, these herbs can increase the production of WBCs and improve overall immune function.

Probiotic and Protein Drinks

For boosting immunity, the gut-immune connection is crucial, as a significant portion of immune cells reside in the digestive tract.

Yogurt or Kefir Smoothies: Probiotic-rich drinks like yogurt and kefir contain beneficial bacteria that improve gut health and can help increase WBC production. Blending them with berries adds a significant antioxidant boost.
Lean Protein Shakes: Our bodies use amino acids from protein to produce new WBCs. A protein shake made with high-quality protein powder can support this process. Combining it with spinach or berries adds additional immune-supporting nutrients.

Comparison Table: Immune-Boosting Drinks


Drink Type	Key Nutrients	Primary Benefit	Ease of Preparation
Citrus Juice	Vitamin C	Stimulates WBC production	Very Easy
ABC Juice	Vitamins A, C, Beta-carotene	Boosts specific WBCs (lymphocytes)	Easy (requires juicer)
Green Tea	EGCG, Antioxidants	Enhances T-cell activity	Very Easy
Ginger-Turmeric Tea	Curcumin, Antioxidants	Anti-inflammatory, boosts immune response	Easy
Probiotic Smoothies	Probiotics, Vitamin D	Supports gut health, aids WBC production	Easy
Lean Protein Shakes	Protein, Zinc	Provides building blocks for WBCs	Very Easy

Hydration Is Key

While consuming specific nutrient-rich drinks is beneficial, simply staying hydrated with plain water is arguably the most critical step for immune health. Water helps circulate lymph, which carries WBCs and other immune cells throughout the body. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses daily to support overall bodily functions and detoxification.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Immune Health

To effectively raise your WBC count through beverages, the most successful approach is a balanced one. Combining nutrient-rich drinks like citrus juices and green tea with proper hydration and a healthy lifestyle is key. Remember that while specific drinks can provide a boost, they are most effective as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes regular exercise, adequate sleep, and managing stress. Consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have an underlying health condition. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, combined with smart beverage choices, can give your immune system the natural support it needs.

For more information on the vitamins crucial for WBC production, please refer to the fact sheets available from the National Institutes of Health(https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamins C, A, B9 (folate), and E are crucial for supporting white blood cell production and function. You can find them in citrus juices, carrot juice, spinach smoothies, and nut-based milks.

While drinking plenty of water is essential for immune function and helps circulate WBCs, it does not directly increase their production. Combining good hydration with nutrient-rich drinks is the most effective approach.

Probiotic drinks support a healthy gut microbiome, and since a large portion of immune cells are in the gut, this helps to strengthen the immune system and can aid in the production of white blood cells.

Green tea contains potent antioxidants like EGCG and the amino acid L-theanine, which are known to enhance immune function by stimulating T-cells. While other teas offer benefits, green tea is particularly noted for its direct immune-modulating effects.

You should moderate or avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, as these can suppress bone marrow function and weaken your immune response. Overly processed sugary drinks should also be limited as they can contribute to inflammation.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can take time to affect your WBC count. Results depend on the underlying cause of a low count and overall health. If your count is low due to a simple infection, it may normalize in 1-3 weeks with proper nutrition and rest. Consistent intake is key.

For most people, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can provide sufficient nutrients to support healthy WBC production. Supplements should only be considered after consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you have a known nutritional deficiency.