How To Increase Monocytes & Absolute Monocytes Count

Monocytes are types of white blood cells that play an important role in protecting the body against infection and inflammation. Monocytes are produced in the bone marrow. They later mature into macrophages- they act as scavengers in the human immune system. Together with other types of white blood cells (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Basophils, and Eosinophils), they form an essential part of the immune system.

Monocytes are the largest type of white blood cells and are mainly responsible for defending the body against viruses and bacteria, inflammation, attacking cancer cell as well as fungal and protozoa infections. They also aid in the removal of dead tissues in the body. It’s however very important to make sure that none of the white blood cells counts gets out of hand. If they do, you can be faced with several blood related disorders.

What Causes Low Monocytes?

A low monocyte count can be as a result of a number of factors. Usually, the normal range of monocytes in the white blood cells is between 2- 10%. Even though a low monocyte level doesn’t show any symptoms, an abnormally low level can present signs of leg cramps, fatigue, acute stress, and lightheadedness. Below are several medical conditions that can contribute to a low monocytes count

• Rheumatoid Arthritis- According to the British Journal of Rheumatology a low white blood cell count and monocytopenia can be seen in patients with an inflammatory illness such as rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation can be reduced by the turmeric.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency- Vitamin B12 is very essential in the production of sufficient white blood cells where monocytes are included. Vitamin B12 deficiency without any presence of infection can be associated with a low monocytes count.
• Lupus- Lupus is an autoimmune illness which causes the bone marrow to get suppressed thereby affecting the production of monocytes. Lupus can cause several symptoms such as achy joints, unexplained bruising, mottled skin, and redness on the face.
• Aplastic Anemia- This is a type of anemia where the bone marrow gets damaged. This results in a shutdown of several types of blood cells, including the white blood cells. Also, chemotherapy, radiation, certain medications, viral infection, and exposure to toxic chemicals can trigger aplastic anemia.
• Tuberculosis- It’s a bacterial infection that predominantly affects the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and can as well affect and impair the functioning of the bone marrow which can lead to a low monocyte level.
• HIV/AIDS- Many cases of bone marrow abnormalities have been reported especially in people who have HIV. Also, HIV is known to severely impair the functioning of the immune system which can lead to a low production of monocytes.
• Stress- A lot of psychological or emotional stress can contribute to low monocytes levels. Stress can cause symptoms such as fatigue, high blood pressure, weak immune system, and gastrointestinal problems all of which can contribute to a low monocyte level.Also, According to an experiment done by the International Journal of Neuroscience, it reported that after putting healthy patients under stress for one hour, they noted a drop in the count of white blood cells.
• Acute Viral Infections- According to the Journal of Clinical Infectious disease, it reported that fungal infection, papillomavirus, and certain bacterial infections can lead to a low monocyte count.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Monocyte Level

These are some of the common, symptoms if any of low monocytes levels.

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Frequent infections

Absolute Monocytes Levels (Low, High, Normal)

Absolute Monocytes Normal Range/Count

The average amount of monocytes in the white blood cells is measured in cells/liter. The absolute monocytes normal range is 0.2-1.0 x 109/L. This is according to Dr Hina Naushad on Medscape.

Absolute Monocytes Low Count/Range

Low monocytes count, also known as Monocytopenia, is anything that falls below 2% or 0.2 x 109/L. of the total white blood cell count. This means that your body is not producing sufficient monocytes or they might be getting damaged too early.

Absolute Monocytes High Count/Range

A high monocyte count, also known as Monocytosis, is any measured above 0.8 to 1.0 x 109/L or 8- 10% of the total sum of white blood cells. They are necessary for fighting certain infections, maintaining a healthy body, and in the removal of dead and damaged tissues. Increased monocyte causes chronic myelodysplastic disorder, myelomonocytic leukemia, acute monocytic leukemia, and hodgkin and non hodgkin lymphoma.

How To Increase Monocytes in Blood Naturally

Below are certain foods that have been proven to increase monocytes count

• Mediterranean Foods – Monounsaturated fats are found in certain foods such as olive, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. According to Dr Victoria Drake, these foods are essential in protecting the body against inflammation responses that affect monocytes count.

  

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids– They are found in fish oil and fatty types of fish such as salmon and mackerel. They are important in protecting the body against inflammation and heart diseases.
• Sauna and Cold Exposure – Sauna has been proven to increase the levels of white blood cells as well as the monocytes count since overheating the body leads to an increased monocytes activity. Cold exposure also tends to stimulate the nervous system activation.
• Growth Hormone – The growth hormone is believed to increase the white blood cell levels. This also increases the monocytes levels as well.
• Garlic – an experiment conducted on rats showed a significant increase in the levels of monocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils to those rats that were fed with garlic than those that were never given garlic.

  

• Exercises – other than eating a proper diet, exercises are the key to increased white blood cells. An active lifestyle not only increases the count of monocytes but also it boosts the immune system and strengthens the existing cells in the body. You should engage in a moderate physical activity for about 30 minutes per day. Also, walking is a convenient choice to start as it’s much easier. Other activities can include swimming, biking, sporting, and hiking.The following foods, however, should be avoided both in the low monocytes treatment as well as in the maintenance of an overall healthy body.

  

• Sugar – Diabetes and high blood glucose increase the risks of monocytes inflammation. Reducing the intake of refined sugars in your diet can lessen the likelihood of developing an inflammation as well as a heart disorder.

  

• Alcohol – Even though drinking regulated alcohol can help increase the monocytes level in the white blood cells, heavy intake can be injurious and can even stimulate the monocytes inflammation.

  

It’s important that you restrict the intake of certain foods that do more harm than good to your health. For instance, sugary foods and certain oils contain polyunsaturated fats can hinder the production of monocytes and can also weaken the immune system. Eat only healthy foods that are essential in maintaining a healthy body and also can help increase monocytes level. Also, you should use the above mentioned tips on how to increase monocytes.

Catherine Nderi

Catherine is a dedicated freelance health and science writer committed to excellence and professionalism. She specializes in health topics including diet and nutrition, immune-related diseases, surgery, and cancer.