BLOOD CELLS

Why Do People Age?
Ageing is a result of the gradual failure of the body’s cell and organs to replace and repair themselves. This is because there is a limit to the number of times that each cell can divide. As the body’s cells begin this limit, the rate at which they divide slow down. Sometimes the new cells that produced have defects or do not carry out their usual task effectively. Organs can begin to fail, tissues change in structure, and the chemical reactions that power the body become less efficient. Sometimes the blood supply to the brain is not effective. The brain cells become starved of nutrients, leading to forgetfulness. For most old people memories bring great pleasure. Strangely, even though recent events may be forgotten, old people often clearly remember events that took place in their childhood.The Immune System plays a big role in this aging process with its operation located in the thymus gland. When this gland fail, the immune system of the body fails and organs are at the mercy of virus, bacteria, etc.Nutrients that help keep the thymus healthy are Vitamin A, C and E along with the minerals zinc and selenium.Causes of Aging : Smoking and polluted air produce molecular crossing in cells and this are responsible for skin and tissue hardening which causes brittle and wrinkled skin.This effect of molecular crossing is also produced by free radicals which tend to destroy and disintegrate cell, proteins and tissues, as well as the heart of cell, the DNA, by oxidation.Free radicals are produced by ultra violet rays from the sun, by the normal metabolism of certain fats and polluted air.Free radicals affect cerebral cells causing old age such as the loss of memory, depression, insommia, sexual impotency, arteriosclerosis, etc.Suggestion for Healthier Body and Mind :1. Consume Grains - Grains are rich in protiens, minerals(calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium) and starches.Types of Grains:Cereal : rice, corn, wheat and oatsLegumes : (Rich in proteins) all types of beans - kidney, lentil, lima, garbanzos, soybeans and peas.2. Consume Vegetables - Leafy green vegetables, seed pod, flower, stalk and root.Leafy : All types of tomatoes, squash, hot peppers, eggplant, green beans, cucumber.Flower : Cauliflower, broccoli, squash blossom, artichokes, palm flowers.Stalks : Celery, asparagus, mushrooms, corn smut.Roots : Beets, all types of onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, turnips.The intake of these vegetables should varied in order to acquire the wide variety of vitamins and minerals that the body needs.3. Consume Fruits - Fruits contain monosaccharide sugars which are easily assimilated by the body.Fruits are classified into three categories :Juice : Orange, grapefruit, lime, grape, mandarin, lemon.Pulp : Banana, mango, papaya, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, tamarind.Endosperm : Apple, pear, peach, apricot, plum, quince, prickly pear, fig, grape, guava, kiwi, date, coconut, pomegranate, jicama.Avocado has the most calories than any other fruits. Papaya has the most protein.4. Consume Tubers - Potatoes and yams are the most common. These products are rich in polysaccharide carbohydrates(starches). The sugars in fruits and tubers provide the most important source of energy for the body.5. Fiber - Soluble fiber is found in oats, fruits, vegetables. It helps to lower cholesterol and concentrated sugars in the blood. Insoluble fiber that is found in cereals and legumes is good for the digestive system and protects gainst cancer of the colon. It is suggested to consume from 20 to 30 grams per day.6. Fat - In a good diet, fat should be removed, as long as it is not more than 30% of the daily calorie intake.Daily supplements for adult (150lbs) use :Supplement Suggested Daily Use Comments1. A Beta Carotene with 2 capsules daily Powerful antioxidantVit. E and Selenium 1 capsule before each Helps resist infections;meal repair tissues2. Chinese lycium 2 to 3 capsules per day Powerful anti+ Vit. C 1 capsule before each oxidant. Preventsmeal oxidation of cells in the body Strengthens the immune system3. Ginseng and/or 3 tablets daily. Use for energy, impotence,Royal Jelly 1 tablet, 20 minutes enchancing immune systembefore each meal 4. Multi- minerals 6 tablets daily Zinc and Selenium are impt.(Zinc, Selenium) 2 tablets each meal for the immune system5. Aloe Vera Juice 3 ounces daily Aloe Vera is helpful inor nectar 1 ounce before each infections, skin cancer,meal arthritis, allergies6. Bee Pollen 3 tablets daily of 5gr Energy, vitamins, minerals1 tablet each meal amino acids, nutrients7. Omega-3 3 to 6 caps daily Fish oil contains EPA1 to 2 caps before high in polyunsaturatedeach meal fatty acids.

Blood :White cells:
There are five main types of white blood cell and each has a specific function. They are divided into two groups by the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules, and by the structure of the nucleus.GranulocytesNeutrophils are the most numerous of the white cells. They are characterized by their multilobed nucleus and by the presence of cytoplasmic granules that stain with neither basic nor acidophilic dyes. The cytoplasm of these cells suggests that there is little synthesis by the mature cell, implying that once the cell is activated it has a short lifespan. The granules contain molecules active in killing bacteria, such as myeloperoxidase. One unique feature of neutrophils is their ability to function in areas of low oxygen tension. They are therefore well suited to operate in areas of infection and tissue damage. Neutrophils are increased in bacterial infection and inflammation.Eosiniphils are much less numerous than neutrophils, and can be recognized by their eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules. The secretions of eosinophils tend to inhibit mast cell degranulation and limit the destructive effects of mast cells. Their major acivity is with respect to parasitic diseases and allergic disorders.Basophils are even less common than eosinophils. They have basophilic cytoplasmic granules and a bilobed nucleus. The cytoplasmic granules contain heparin, histamine and chondroitin sulphate. The surface of basophils is coated with IgE produced by plasma cells. Antigen binding results in rapid degranulation.Agranular white cellsLymphocytes are found circulating in the blood as small cells with a round dense nucleus and very little cytoplasm. Small lymphocytes increase in size upon stimulation by antigen. Large lymphocytes represent activated B cells. They travel to the tissues where they are transformed into plasma cells.Monocytes are the largest of the white cells being about 20um in diameter. The have a large kidney-shaped nucleus and pale cytoplasm. Monocyte travel from the blood into the tissues where they transform into macrophages.Connective TissueConnective tissue is found in the body as a covering around organs, as layers of fascia , as the substrate for sheets of epithelium lining the surfaces of the body, and as major components involved in force transmission in the musculoskeletal system Connective tissue is derived from mesoderm.OrganizationAll of the forms of connective tissue show variations on a basic plan. The connective tissues are composed of a matrix in which are embedded cells. The proportions of matrix/cells vary as do the composition of the matrix and the types and numbers of cells present. According to composition the connective tissues are divided into general and special supporting tissues. The general forms appear either as loose (areolar) or dense. The dense forms may be regular or irregular.General Connective TissueThe CellsThe cells may be grouped into three types according to their function. They are either involved in synthesis and maintenance of the matrix, store fat, or are involved in defence and immune functions.FibroblastsFibroblasts are elongated cells found embedded in a matrix which they have produced. Since the fibroblast is responsible for synthesis and release of the components of the matrix the cytoplasm of the cell is filled with extensive RER and Golgi. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen, reticular and elastic fibres and the glycosaminoglycans of the ground substance. Quiescent cells are termed fibrocytes. Active fibroblasts are found in wound healing where they synthesize the matrix. At sites of scar formation myofibroblasts may also be found. Myofibroblasts contain contractile filaments and are able to cause shrinkage of scar tissue.MacrophagesMonocytes circulating in the blood migrate into the tissues where they transform into macrophages. Macrophages can divide in the tissues. As monocytes transform to macrophages the cell enlarges and organelles multiply. There is an increase in Golgi complex, RER, lysosomes, microtubules and microfilaments. The cell outline becomes irregular with many pseudopodia. The major functions of macrophages are the injestion and digestion of particles, and the secretion of molecules active in defence mechanisms.Mast CellsMast cells are found in loose and irregular connective tissue. Their prevalence below the skin, GI epithelium, below the peritoneum and around blood vessels reflects their importance in defence. Mast cells are round or oval cells up to 30um in diameter. The cytoplasm is packed with basophilic granules. Mast cells release heparin, chondroitin sulphate, histamine and leukotrienes. The surface of mast cells contains receptors for IgE. IgE is produced by plasma cells in response to antigenic stimulation. The antibody then binds strongly to the surface of mast cells. Anaphylactic shock may result from massive stimulation of mast cells through binding of a specific antigen with the IgE on the mast cell surface. Histamine causes contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles, dilates cpillaries and increases permeability.Plasma cellsPlasma cells are formed from large lymphocytes in the tissues. Plasma cells are not normally found circulating in the blood. Plasma cell cytoplasm is packed with RER, reflecting their role in antibody production. Plasma cells are short-lived in the tissuesThe MatrixThe matrix is formed of a ground substance in which fibres are embedded. Both the substrate and the fibres show a wide range of variability, producing connective tissue able to meet a wide range of requirements.The ground substance is formed of a hydrated gel of glycosaminoglycans. There are four main groups of molecules in the glycosaminoglycans family: hyaluronic acid; chondroitin sulphate and dermatan sulphate; heparan sulphate and heparin; keratan sulphate. Glycosaminoglycan molecules are large and complex with a strong negative charge. Because they are unable to be sharply bent, and they are strongly hydrophilic, glycosaminoglycan complexes tend to take the form of coils filled with water molecules. Each of the molecules of the glycosaminoglycans family has specific characteristics which allow the construction of gels with a range of pore sizes important at filtration sites such as the renal glomerulus, and a range of tensile strength resistance to compression as in cartilage. The type of gel present in each form of connective tissue varies but in each case its normal structure and function is essential to the integrity of the connective tissue.The fibres of the matrix are of four types: collagen, elastin, fibrillin, and fibronectin. Collagen fibres are the most common in all forms of connective tissue, and there are many types of collagen Collagen fibres resist tensile stresses and so are ideal in tissues such as tendons and ligaments. However collagen is also found as sheets of basement membrane separating the primary tissues of the body. Elastin fibres are formed by an arrangement between elastin and fibrillin. These fibres allow connective tissue to stretch and recoil, important features of blood vessels and the lung. Fibronectin is found in a range of forms, with an ability to bind to collagen, heparin and cell adhesion molecules, the integrins. Fibronectin is thus of great importance in the adhesion of cells to the substrate. Other non fibrillar proteins, such as laminin, entactin and Tenascin, also participate in cell adhes.