Archive for the ‘Immune System’ Category

Introduction to AIDS

introduction to AIDSAIDS is a disease of most concern to the global society today. This is mainly because very little is known about methods to control the virus, besides that the evil is spreading throughout the world at an alarming rate.

Every 10 minutes someone is infected by this disease. For this reason it is extremely important to know more about what HIV/AIDS, how it spreads and how they can prevent.

WHAT IS AIDS?

Syndrome = set of signs and symptoms.

Immune Deficiency = significant depletion of the immune system.

Acquired = due to a virus contracted by the patient during his lifetime. The disease is not hereditary.

When HIV enters the bloodstream, it attaches to the cell, and transcribes viral RNA into DNA, which enters the cell nucleus to form part of the cell’s genetic code.

When this happens, the virus is slowly destroying T4 cells, but the immune system is strong and can go even regenerating cells destroyed, at this stage the symptoms are not presented in person. (more…)

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)What is HIV?

Causative agent of AIDS.

HIV belongs to the family of retroviruses. Normally the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sends messages to the RNA (ribonucleic acid), but in the case of a retrovirus, RNA is converted into DNA.

There are two sub-types of HIV: type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2). Type 2 is found mostly in West Africa.
HIV is a lentivirus, which means it stays a long time dormant.

HIV destroys the immune cells (CD4) and various infections and cancers that can enter the human body without defense. These diseases are called opportunistic. (more…)

Vitamin D prevents fractures

Vitamin D prevents fractures

According to a recent study, taking vitamin D supplements orally reduced over 65 years a 20% frequency of non-vertebral fractures. Vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamins group has a key role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, vital for healthy bones and teeth.

The study on Vitamin D and its impact on the decrease of bone fractures was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine of 23 March 2009, by members of the European universities of Zurich, Bern and Basel, and North American Harvard and Tufts University in Boston.

The authors of the study on the effect of vitamin D on fractures, made 12 randomized and controlled clinical trials on non-vertebral fractures and 8 trials for hip fractures comparing the frequency of fractures in participants who are leshuesos -strong-vitamins given vitamin D supplements, with or without calcium, with those who received only calcium or placebo.

The result is clear: With high doses of vitamin D (400 IU / day), we obtain better results in the prevention of invoices. High dose is 400 IU / day which was reduced by 20% the incidence of fractures. (more…)

Is it AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease that destroys the human immune system. AIDS is caused by the entry of the virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in the human body. HIV rapidly paralyze the human immune system. After paralysis of the body’s immune system, people with AIDS in general, in sickness (death) called secondary diseases, which are usually eliminated by the body’s immune system is still standing.

AIDS is the most dreaded disease at that time. HIV, the virus that) the disease of immune injury of the body (immune system for people suffering from this disease, the ability to defend against the attack caused reduces the disease. Someone who is HIV positive, not necessarily AIDS . In many cases in which HIV-positive but not sick in a long time. However, there is HIV in the body of a person who continues to damage the immune system. Accordingly, viruses, fungi and bacteria are generally harmless, very dangerous because the damage to the body’s immune system.

The singing and massage: good for your immunity!

The singing and massage: good for your immunity!

Want to boost your immunity? Do you massage and sing!

The singing and massage: good for your immunity!

Influenza A vaccine and are a major issue of this academic year, but that you be vaccinated or not, one thing is for sure is that everything goes better with a good immunity.

Good nutrition is beneficial to the immune system, the immune system consists of tonsils thymus spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes that produce and store immune cells.

To help work properly, you need a diet sufficient caloric intake, protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk), vitamins (vitamins A, E, C, B6, B9, folic acid) and minerals (selenium, zinc , iron, copper, calcium …), and a sufficient sleep and too much stress.

In short, when one is happy and healthy everything is always better. And precisely on the immune system, can also help with pleasant two methods, drainage and singing … (more…)

Benefits Broccoli Prevent Ulcer Disease

Various studies revealed that broccoli in antioxidant content of so great that it can reduce the risk of cancer. However, recent research and more specifically the ability to provide a picture of broccoli in a variety of pressing risks such as ulcer indigestion, gastric infections, and possibly stomach cancer.

In a study in Japan, the experts found the fact that eating 70 grams of fresh broccoli every day for two months to protect the human body from bacteria-related stomach ulcer disease, gastric infections, and even stomach cancer.

Ingredients sulforaphane in broccoli that may trigger enzymes in the stomach so as to give protection against radical compounds that can damage DNA and cause inflammation.

Sulforaphane in broccoli are also known to increase the production of phase II enzymes in the liver. These enzymes act took carcinogen substances produced from compounds prokarsinogen and out of cells. Keep in mind, the content of sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts fresh higher than the already boiled broccoli overcooked.

Tip: Choose broccoli, dark green. In addition to direct eaten as Lalapan, broccoli can also be mixed with other vegetables and fruits for a salad. Or another option, you can consume in the form of broccoli juice.

Bronchitis Disease

aaaaBronchitis is often an acute infection of the air passages starting in the nose and extending to the bronchioles. Occasionally the first symptom is hoarseness. It may be mistaken for a common cold, which has settled in the chest.

When the bronchial tubes become infected they become swollen and a thick fluid called mucus forms inside them. This makes it hard for the patient to breath and a cough develops along with a wheeze or whistling sound when you breathe.

It occurs more often among city dwellers that rural residents and about 4 times more often in men than women. Older adults, infants and people with chronic respiratory disorder or heart problem are at the greatest risk with bronchitis attacks.

There are three main types of bronchitis, acute, chronic and occupational.

Acute bronchitis develops after a sore throat or cold and can last for one or two weeks and is usually caused by viruses. Antibodies only work against bacteria and not viruses so your physician will not prescribe an antibiotic. The symptoms include a throbbing cough, runny nose, wheezing, sore throat, headaches, chills, slight fever, back pain, and muscle pain. Repeated acute bronchitis attacks can lead to chronic bronchitis.

If exposed to certain lung irritants, such as flax, hemp or cotton dust, chemical fumes then occupational bronchitis can develop. Occupational bronchitis usually clears up when you are no longer exposed to the irritants and the cough associated with occupational bronchitis is usually dry and nonproductive.

Unlike acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis is an ongoing, serious disease that can last the rest of you life. Air pollution, dust, or toxic gasses in the environment or workplace can contribute to bronchitis. In some cases, chronic inflammation of the airways leads to asthma.

Chronic bronchitis develops when an individual has to much phlegm in the air passageway causing a prolific cough. If this cough lasts for several months then the individual will most likely be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis. The symptoms include all of the symptoms of acute bronchitis and shortness of breath due to exertion, repeated infections in the lungs and respiratory tract.

Chronic bronchitis can lead to heart failure, the skin turns bluish color because of not enough oxygen in the blood, and Edema. Edema is a condition where excessive fluid is stored in the human body. The feet and ankles are the most common sites.

People who have chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to airway and lung infections, like the bacterial infection called pneumonia. In some cases of chronic bronchitis the patients’ airways become permanently infected with bacteria.

Physicians will sometimes prescribe a bronchodilator or other medication typically used to treat asthma. These medication are used help to relax and open the bronchial tubes to make breathing easer. Nebulizers and inhalers can loosen the mucus lining the bronchiole tubes, thus allowing the patient to cough up the mucus allowing air to pass more freely through the airways.

Bronchitis sufferers should always be checked for tuberculosis just in case it is masking the symptoms of the more serious disease.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating Bronchitis such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Vitamin A, Antioxidants and Allergy Aid.

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies’ immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against bronchitis symptoms. It is another form of non toxic B vitamins.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from bronchitis symptoms.

A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction . Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb’s to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb’s help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Natural antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.

What Causes Health Problems to the Immune System?

There is no simple answer to this question. There are a number of things that could be what causes health problems to the immune system. Immune system defense mechanisms can be weakened by a host of factors. Here we look at how the immune system functions and some of the issues that can lead to a compromised immune system.

The first immune system defense that bacteria and other invaders encounter is the skin. The skin contains keratin (which inhibits bacterial growth) and the sebaceous glands, from which hairs grow and sebum is secreted. Sebum is composed of fatty acids and inhibits the growth of some types of bacteria and fungi. If the skin is healthy and good health habits are practices, such as washing hands before touching the face, then many invaders can never enter the body proper.

Certain viruses, germs, bacteria and fungi are airborne, but there is an immune system defense built into the lungs and upper respiratory tract to fight them. Cilia (tiny hairs) lining the nose, throat and lungs can trap and help expel foreign bodies through coughing and sneezing. Cigarette smoking can be what causes health problems to the immune system, because the nicotine paralyzes these tiny hairs allowing bacteria or viruses to remain in the respiratory tract longer than they should. Cigarette smoking also inhibits the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Vitamin C plays numerous roles in proper immune system function.

White blood cells are the primary infection fighters in the immune system defense mechanisms. Any disease, condition or chemical which affects the body’s ability to produce adequate white blood cells can be what causes health problems to the immune system. Additionally lack of proper nutrition necessary for the body to produce white blood cells can lead to immune system problems.

Diseases which can lead to a compromised immune system include HIV/AIDS and a number of congenital abnormalities that relate to the lymph nodes and other portions of the immune system defense mechanisms. Treating these diseases may not always lead to the healthy function of the immune system.

In other cases, the treatment of some diseases leads to a compromised immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease and a number of other diseases are theoretically caused by a dysfunction of the immune system, in which white blood cells attack healthy disease-free cells of the body causing inflammation. Treating these diseases with immuno-suppressant drugs is what causes health problems to the immune system in some cases. These drugs limit the body’s natural ability to fight infection.

Anti-cancer drugs, corticosteroids and antibiotics can all lead to a general weakening of immune system defense mechanisms. Alcohol abuse, drug abuse, exposure to radiation and/or environmental toxins can all be what causes health problems to the immune system. If health problems of the immune system is defined as a weakened immune system response, then any of the things mentioned here could be the cause. Additionally, studies have shown that stress, depression, age, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or excessive exercise can all impair the body’s natural ability to defend itself.

There are natural products which have been proven to boost the immune system, even in cases where the immune system defense mechanisms have been compromised by any of the problems listed here. These products may contain beta glucans, andrographis paniculata or a variety of other ingredients.