Complements The complement system, as we’ve seen, is a vital part of your immune system, whether working on its own or teaming up with other immune fighters. The different complements (called CI, C2, C3, C4, etc.) line up in just the right order to attack, boring holes in invading organisms, altering their molecular structure and [...]
As a group, the B vitamins are especially important for maintaining a positive outlook on life. Deficits of various B vitamins can lead to anxiety, irritability, nervousness, depression and personality changes. A deficiency of vitamin B3, in fact, leads to pellagra, a disease that used to be common in the southern regions of this country. [...]
INFLUENZA (flu, grippe): viral invasion, usually of the lining of the respiratory tract. May spread to other parts of the body, such as the blood or gastrointestinal tract. Signs and Symptoms: fever of sudden onset, 102-103 degrees; general chills; aches all over, especially in back and legs; headache; weakness; sensitivity to light; often aching behind [...]
Lymphocytes (T- and B-cells) also make substances called lympho-kines. Interferon is one of the lymphokines. When a cell is attacked by a virus, for example, the cell releases interferon. Interferon interacts with other, uninfected cells, stimulating them to make an antiviral protein that protects the second cell from the virus. Interferon can travel through the [...]