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 [...]
The question of chemical sensitivity is no less controversial than that of food intolerance – if anything it is more hotly debated. But whereas there is good evidence to support the idea of food intolerance there is almost no scientific data about chemical sensitivity. Belief that the phenomenon exists is simply based on seeing individual [...]
If you feel a cramp suddenly occur in your calf, you can try to stretch it out manually or by walking. If it’s too painful to manage, try massaging your leg and the cramped area. If your leg cramps frequently wake you in the middle of the night, you can try raising the foot of [...]
Before prescribing estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of the two, your doctor or gynecologist will give you a complete medical and gynecological exam. This will include a blood test to check your cholesterol level, a breast exam, which may include a mammography, and a Pap smear. If you’ve had a hysterectomy and you opt for [...]
The only time in a woman’s life when her breasts produce milk is obviously immediately after giving birth. However, a very small percentage of women will sometimes have a milky discharge from their breasts that is not associated with pregnancy oê childbirth. Even less often a man will have a discharge from his nipples. Anytime [...]
Description and Possible Medical Problems If you have a history of hypertension and you suddenly feel a tearing sensation in your chest that then spreads to the back, you should see your doctor immediately. You may have what is called an aortic dissection, in which the aorta—the main body artery leading to the heart— has [...]
Description and Possible Medical Problems Often, one of the first physical signs that appear when a person is highly emotional is the sensation of a lump in the throat. Is there or is there not a lump? Or does your throat tighten up as a result of the hormones that naturally flow when your body [...]