Friday, July 24, 2009

How to keep the immune system strong

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Our body's main defence against incoming infections is the immune system. The structure of the immune system consists of a network of cells, tissues and organs that are entrusted with the task of preventing foreign micro-organisms from proliferating and wreaking havoc in the body.

The immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade the body and cause disease. When we fall sick, this indicates that our immune system has failed.


Certain vitamins and minerals can help to optimise the immune system functionality.
  • Vitamin C - Helps in produce infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies.
  • Vitamin E - Enhance production of B-cells that destroy bacteria. Also, it stimulates the production of cells that search and destroy harmful cells. It slowdown or reverse the effects associated with ageing on the immune system.
  • Beta carotene - Helps in stimulating growth of infection-fighting cells and natural killer cells as well as supporating T cells.
  • Manganese - possesses antioxidant properties and is the main component of an immune related enzyme.
  • Selenium - A trace mineral for the proper function of the immune system
  • Zinc and copper - important in the development and maintenance of immune function.

The balance of nutrients is important in sustaining the body's immune defences. Nutrients work best in combination with each other.

In addition, consumption of antioxidants, either through foods or nutrient supplements, brings benefit to the immune system.


Other than supplements, these simple tips also can keep your immune system as its best :
  • Exercise - regular exercise five times a week
  • Sleep - Ensure enough sleep so that the body may have sufficient rest
  • Don't smoke - Smoking suppresses immune cells
  • Limit alcohol consumption - it should be no more than one drink per day

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Our Immune System

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Our
first defence against viral infection is our immune system. When our immune system is weakened, the virus that are present in our nose and throat will start to attack us. That explained why we have runny nose, blocked nose, sore throat and cough.

Unfortunately, even though our immune system is at a normal state, the much stronger flu virus still attacking us.

Flu causes more damage to children and the elderly because their immune systems are weaker. Other than that, diabetics and smokers tend to have weaker immune systems as well.

Those people who have frequent running nose in the morning or at night, suffer from frequent sore throat or cold sores, or easily catch the cold or flu are having weaker immune system.

Since our immune system is the first defence, it's important that we choose a correct immune booster to help us overcome this flu season and make sure our immune system is at its best.

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Sunday, July 19, 2009

Removing Toxic Waste for Healthier Body

It's true that first impressions are very telling. If you have a trim waistline and a flat tummy, it's means you have a good health and good lifesyle.

On the other hand, if you have a large waistline and a bulging tummy, it reflected that you have a not-so-attractive personality. It also depicted a negative image of you.

Excess fat also could be a warning sign for ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems.

It is not surprise that thin people may also have a "spare tyre" in their mid-section. These bulging tummies are actually the accumulated solid waste in the colon.

Irregular intestinal function will reduce the ability of our body to absorb nutrients from food. That is the reason why cleansing the colon is so important.

A clean colon helps in metabolism while congested colon produces toxic by-products which could lowers metabolism. Removing toxic waste from the bowel is utmost important. This could stops the accumulated waste from being recycled back into our body.

It has been observed that people who detoxify their body tend to loose weight and eliminated bulging tummy.


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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The review of Antioxidant

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Let starts with "oxidants" first. What is the meaning of oxidants? Looking into our body's daily functions, such as breathing and metabolising food and the exposure to such environmental hazards as pollution, produce stray molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can oxidise, or interact with oxygen molecules, and damage cells.

Antioxidants can prevent these free radicals do harm to our body. Different types of antioxidants, such as from the anthocyanins and caretenoids to isoflavones and lutein, playing different roles in protecting against certain kind of cell damage.

For example, Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid, and lycopene, helps in reduce DNA damage. Flavonoids which found in fruits and vegetables are thought to reduce the production of free radicals. While phenolics which found in teas, beans and cabbage, may slow heart disease.

Antioxidants are important in nutrition world. They are valueable for their health-promoting and disease-busting qualities.




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Monday, July 6, 2009

Insomnia

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What is insomnia?
It is referring to the disturbance of a normal sleep pattern.

There are many different types of insomnia :
  • Sleep onset insomnia, which is most common in youngsters. They are difficult getting to sleep
  • Waking up early in the morning, which is least common
  • Not feeling refreshed after sleep. This may leads to tiredness, irritability and lack of concentration
  • Older people may awake in the night
  • Not able to get sleep due to pain or noise

The duration of insomnia maybe :
  • Transient - 2 to 3 days
  • Short term - a few days, less than 3 weeks
  • Chronic - last for 3 weeks or more

Causes of insomnia :
  • Sleep disorders - sleep apnoea and sleep walking
  • Physiological - work long hour till night, light and noise effects, snoring, partner's movement and jet lag
  • Medicines - antidepressants, appetite suppressants, beta-blockers, corticosteroids and decongestants
  • Psychological and psychiatric - worries, stress, problems, anxiety, depression, bereavement and dementia
  • Alcohol

Symptoms :
  • lying awake for long period of time in bed. Hard to get to sleep
  • waking up several times during the night
  • waking up early in the morning and could not get back to sleep
  • feeling tired and not refreshed
  • unable to function properly throughout the day
If the symptom persists, consult a doctor immediately.



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