Causes of High Neutrophils and How to Reduce Them Naturally
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and play a major role in defending the body against infections. When neutrophil levels rise above normal, the condition is known as neutrophilia. High neutrophils usually mean your body is reacting to stress, inflammation, infection, or another underlying trigger.
Most of the time, elevated neutrophils are temporary and return to normal once the underlying cause is treated. But consistently high levels may indicate deeper health conditions that require medical attention.
This article explains the causes of high neutrophils, symptoms, and natural ways to reduce neutrophils safely at home.
Short Overview: What Are Neutrophils?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that:
- Fight infections
- Kill harmful bacteria
- Support immunity
- Control inflammation
- Help repair tissue damage
Neutrophils are measured in two ways:
- NEUT % (percentage of WBCs)
- ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)
Normal values:
- NEUT%: 40% – 70%
- ANC: 1,500 – 8,000 cells/µL
High neutrophils (neutrophilia):
- NEUT% above 70%
- ANC above 8,000 cells/µL
Causes of High Neutrophils
High neutrophils occur when the body tries to protect itself from stress, injury, infection, or inflammation.
1. Infections (Most Common Cause)
Bacterial infections especially cause a strong neutrophil response.
Examples:
- Throat infection
- Skin infection
- Pneumonia
- Appendicitis
- Urinary tract infection
The body produces more neutrophils to attack harmful bacteria.
2. Physical or Emotional Stress
Stress triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones push neutrophils from the bone marrow and spleen into the bloodstream.
Stress-related triggers:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Emotional trauma
- Work pressure
- Excess exercise / physical strain
Even short-term stress can temporarily increase neutrophils.
3. Inflammation in the Body
Chronic inflammatory conditions can significantly raise neutrophil levels.
Examples:
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Skin inflammation
The immune system stays activated, leading to high neutrophil production.
4. Smoking
Smoking causes inflammation and tissue damage, forcing the body to release more neutrophils for repair.
Smokers commonly have chronically high NEUT%.
5. Medications
Certain medicines can increase neutrophils:
- Steroids (prednisolone)
- Lithium
- Beta agonists (asthma inhalers)
- Epinephrine
Steroids are the most common cause of medically-induced neutrophilia.
6. Injury, Burns, or Surgery
Any physical trauma activates the immune system and increases neutrophils.
7. Dehydration
When dehydrated:
- Blood becomes concentrated
- WBC and neutrophil count falsely appear high
Hydration often corrects this.
8. High Blood Sugar / Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes increases inflammation and leads to high neutrophils.
9. Obesity
Excess fat tissue releases inflammatory chemicals, raising neutrophil levels over time.
10. Rare Causes
Some serious conditions can also elevate neutrophils:
- Bone marrow disorders
- Leukemia
- Myeloproliferative diseases
These are less common but require medical evaluation if levels are very high.
Symptoms of High Neutrophils
High neutrophils themselves may not cause symptoms.
Symptoms usually come from the underlying cause.
Common signs:
- Fever
- Body pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling or redness
- Sore throat
- Frequent infections
- Breathing difficulty (if inflammation is high)
- Increased thirst (if dehydrated)
- Headache
- High blood sugar symptoms
Very high neutrophils can indicate severe infections.
How to Reduce High Neutrophils Naturally
If high neutrophils are due to temporary reasons like stress, dehydration, or mild inflammation, natural methods can help bring levels back to normal.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink 2.5–3.5 liters/day (depending on climate and activity).
Hydration helps:
- Reduce blood concentration
- Normalize WBC levels
- Support immunity
Add:
- Coconut water
- Lemon water
- ORS (if feeling weak)
2. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
These help reduce inflammation and neutrophil overactivity.
Best foods:
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Fatty fish (omega-3)
Omega-3 in particular reduces excess immune activity.
3. Reduce Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of high neutrophils.
Try:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Brisk walking
- Yoga
- 7–8 hours sleep
- Digital detox (short breaks from phone)
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking keeps neutrophils high due to constant inflammation.
Quitting reduces levels within weeks.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight loss reduces inflammation and gradually lowers neutrophil levels.
Even a 5–7% weight reduction helps.
6. Improve Blood Sugar Control
If you have diabetes:
- Reduce sugar
- Walk after meals
- Take medications regularly
- Follow a balanced diet
Better sugar control = lower inflammation = lower neutrophils.
7. Avoid Processed & Fried Foods
These foods trigger inflammation and increase immune activity.
Avoid:
- Packaged snacks
- Fried items
- Sugary drinks
- Refined carbs (white bread/pasta)
Supplements (Safe Note)
Only take supplements after doctor advice, especially if neutrophils are very high.
Possible supplements:
- Omega-3
- Vitamin C
- Turmeric/curcumin
- Probiotics
Avoid self-medication or high doses.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if:
- NEUT% is above 75% repeatedly
- ANC is above 9,000–10,000
- You have fever for more than 2–3 days
- You feel extremely weak
- You have shortness of breath
- You have unexplained weight loss
- You recently had surgery or injury
- Your neutrophils remain high even after rest and hydration
Very high neutrophils may indicate infection or inflammation that needs treatment.
Test Preparation (Neutrophils / CBC Test)
- No fasting needed
- Drink water normally
- Avoid heavy exercise before test
- Don’t smoke before testing
- Inform doctor if on steroids/medications
Important Word Explanations
- Neutrophilia: High neutrophil count
- NEUT%: Percentage of neutrophils in WBC
- ANC: Absolute Neutrophil Count
- Inflammation: Body’s response to injury or infection
- Immune response: How your body fights germs
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