Useful Information

Immune System

The Immune System has a very important role in protecting our body against infections of external agents such as toxins and other potentially harmful substances, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and tumor cells.

It consists of different organs, tissues, cells and molecules which together with the Nervous and the Endocrine Systems have the properly function of maintaining physiological parameters and body health.

The Thymus is the master gland of the Immune System, and in order to perform its function produces some molecules known as thymic factors that stimulate the production of T cells which regulate the immune response. The Thymus reaches its maximum development in adolescence and then begins to atrophy. The production of thymic factors and T lymphocytes decreases as we age affecting the ability of immune response regulation. For this reason as we age, increases incidence of infectious diseases, immunodeficiency, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

One of the function of the Immune System is to defend against germs. It helps the body recognize these "foreign" invaders and maintain them away, or to destroy them if they ever get inside the body.

If the Immune System cannot respond and act properly, the consequences can be serious.

Disorders of the immune system include:
- Allergy and asthma - immune responses to substances that are usually not harmful.
- Immunodeficiency diseases - disorders in which the immune system is missing one or more of its parts.
- Autoimmune diseases - diseases that cause your immune system to attack the cells and tissues of your own body by mistake.

Maintain a healthy immune system is vital to have energy, good health, general well being and quality of life.

Free Radicals and Antioxidants

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are produced by oxidation reactions when the body breaks down food or by environmental exposures to toxic substances and radiation. The free radicals can react with molecules that comprise the genetic material and other, causing damage to the cell structures and favoring the onset of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and aging accelerating.

Antioxidants are substances that can stop or limit the damage caused by free radicals, protecting the structure and function of cells.

The body produces some antioxidants and other can be obtained from a healthy diet and nutritional supplements in order to fight against free radicals to protect cells and promote good health.

Stress and Health

Stress means nervous tension. Life constantly subjected us to pressure. In humans, stress can be psychological, such as feeling of fear, also emotional or physical due to illness.

We all have stress during different stages of our lives, most of the time repeatedly. What is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. Sometimes, minimun stress, is helpful because it encourages you to meet certain goals. However, the sustained and long-term stress, can increase the risk of some diseases.

Some stress-related illnesses include: anxiety, depression, headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, back pain, digestive problems, shortness of breath, tightness in the muscles of the face and neck, gain or lose weight, heart disease, immune system weakness, loss of sex drive, and other problems.

For this reason, stress management is extremely important to ensure good emotional and physical health, in order to achieve an optimal quality of life.

Oxygen and Energy

Oxygen is the most abundant chemical element on Earth. The body cells need oxygen to produce energy and to perform all of its functions; therefore, it need a steady supply of this vital gas.

The red blood cells originate in the bone marrow. Their function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues and cells. They also return the carbon dioxide to the lungs in order to be exhaled.

Hemoglobin, the iron-containing protein, is a specialized molecule, which is responsible for transporting these gases by red blood cells. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.

Constantly, we are taking oxygen from the air and exhaling carbon dioxide when we breathe. An adequate oxygenation is vital for the normal function and good health of our body.

Metabolism

Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:
• Breathing
• Circulating blood
• Controlling body temperature
• Contracting muscles
• Digesting food and nutrients
• Eliminating waste through urine and feces
• Functioning of the brain and nerves

Metabolism is the process in the body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. Food is made up of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Chemicals in your digestive system break the food parts down into sugars and acids, the body's fuel. The body can use this fuel right away, or it can store the energy in the body tissues, such as the liver, muscles, and body fat.
A metabolic disorder occurs when abnormal chemical reactions in the body disrupt this process. When this happens, you might have too much of some substances or too little of other ones that you need to stay healthy. There are different groups of disorders. Some affect the breakdown of amino acids, carbohydrates, or lipids. Another group, mitochondrial diseases, affects the parts of the cells that produce the energy.
You can develop a metabolic disorder when some organs, such as your liver or pancreas, become diseased or do not function normally. Diabetes is an example.

Musculoskeletal System, Bones, Joints and Muscles

The human musculoskeletal system, also known as the locomotor system, is an organ system that gives humans the ability to move using their muscular and skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal system provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body.

It is made up of the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue that supports and binds tissues and organs together. The musculoskeletal system's primary functions include supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs. The skeletal portion of the system serves as the main storage system for calcium and phosphorus and contains critical components of the hematopoietic system.

This system describes how bones are connected to other bones and muscle fibers via connective tissue such as tendons and ligaments. The bones provide stability to the body. Muscles keep bones in place and also play a role in the movement of bones. To allow motion, different bones are connected by joints. Cartilage prevents the bone ends from rubbing directly onto each other. Muscles contract to move the bone attached at the joint.

There are, however, diseases and disorders that may adversely affect the function and overall effectiveness of the system. Among these diseases are: Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Myopathy, Tendinitis.

Hair, Skin and Nails

The average person has 5 million hairs. Hair grows all over your body except on your lips, palms, and the soles of your feet. It takes about a month for healthy hair to grow half an inch. Most hairs grow for up to six years and then fall out. New hairs grow in their place.
Hair helps keep you warm. It also protects your eyes, ears and nose from small particles in the air. Common problem with the hair and scalp include hair loss, infections, and flaking.

The skin is your body's largest organ. It covers and protects your body. Your skin:
• Holds body fluids in, preventing dehydration
• Keeps harmful microbes out, preventing infections
• Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
• Keeps your body temperature even
• Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it

Anything that irritates, clogs, or inflames your skin can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, burning, and itching. Allergies, irritants, your genetic makeup, and certain diseases and immune system problems can cause rashes, hives, and other skin conditions. Many skin problems, such as acne, also affect your appearance.

Your toenails and fingernails protect the tissues of your toes and fingers. They are made up of layers of a hardened protein called keratin, which is also in your hair and skin. The health of your nails can be a clue to your overall health. Healthy nails are usually smooth and consistent in color. Specific types of nail discoloration and changes in growth rate can be signs of lung, heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anemia. White spots and vertical ridges are harmless.

The combination of specific molecules like Amino Acid and Peptides precursors of Collagen, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Vitamin C and Biotin are very useful to promotes healthy Joints, Bones, Muscles, Hair, Skin and Nails.

Cardiovascular System

The Cardiovascular System also called the Circulatory System or the Vascular System, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells in the body to provide nourishment and help in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain homeostasis.

The Cardiovascular System includes: Arteries, Arterioles, Capillaries, Heart and Veins. The essential components of the human Cardiovascular System are the heart, blood and blood vessels.

The blood pressure is normal when Cardiovascular System is healthy. The increase in blood pressure or hypertension increases the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney disease.

A healthy Cardiovascular System is essential for maintaining normal blood pressure as well as for a good health and general wellness.