In today’s modern world, we are products of a highly technological era, surrounded by machines designed to serve every imaginable purpose. The list of mechanical wonders is endless: dishwashers, refrigerators, telephones, computers, automobiles - all have become commonplace in our everyday lives. In fact, it’s difficult to imagine going without these modern conveniences. Unfortunately, when a machine breaks down, it does not have the capacity to repair itself, no matter how advance or well-designed it may be. We must either replace the item, or seek out the help of someone with specialized knowledge to fix the faulty machine. But one machine does exist that comes with its own built-in and highly specialized repair mechanism: The Human Body.

Through an organic rather than technological wonder, the human body is nevertheless an intricate and sophisticated machine, made all the more remarkable because every human is different and unique. When the body “breaks down”, falling victim to illness and disease, it is not possible to simply go out and replace it with a new one. Luckily, the body comes equipped with its own mechanism of defense and repair in the form of an elaborate immune system.

The immune system is a complex network of cells and organs, not confined to any one area of the body. It is programmed to fight off any foreign substance that threatens the health of the body. In addition, the immune system clears away dead cells and destroys mutant or altered cells that could become cancerous. It is only within the past 30 years that scientists have really begun to gain even a rudimentary understanding of this valuable and intricate system.

Two main components of the immune system include the bone marrow (which produces white blood cells or leukocytes, that circulate throughout the body to detect and destroy harmful substances) and the thymus (a small organ located above the heart that serves as a sort of training center for immune cells). Specialized cells of the immune system include B cells (which produce antibodies against infectious agents), T cells (which are specially trained by the thymus to recognize the specific invaders), natural killer cells (which wonder through the body and attack cancerous cells) and phagocytes such as the monocyte and macrophage ; also known as “eating cells” (which engulf and destroy microorganisms and debris). Together, these various cells create a strong defense against any substance that threatens the health of the body.

In 1979, immunologist Edwin Blalock discovered that immune cells manufacture several hormones which enable the immune system to coordinate its activities with the bodys’ other systems. All of these systems work in tandem to keep us healthy and protect us from threat of foreign substances. The human body is a marvelous but irreplaceable machine and the task of the immune system is to provide the body with superior protection, helping this machine to last a long, long time.

The Human Body consist of:

* Respiratory System
* Circulatory System
* Digestive System
* Nervous System
* Musculoskeletal System
* Integumentary System
* Human Eye
* Endocrine System
* Reproductive System

Author Name : Chau Chee Fui, Website : nutrition-guide.cashhosters.com, Description : Articles on Nutritional Immunology, Profession : Member of E.Excel International

Bookmark to:

The nutrition facts at restaurants can be hard to come by if you don’t know where to look.

Most restaurants, especially fast food places, won’t just hand you a nutrition guide as you decide to order. You almost always have to request it specifically, and it will often take them a few minutes to track one down.

You can do a little research before heading out to some restaurants by visiting their website and looking over the nutritional information for their foods. Some even have information laid out in the same format as a nutrition facts label.

If you can’t find nutrition information, or you’re visiting a local restaurant that may not have that information readily available, you can keep the following points in mind:

==>Choose grilled or baked foods instead of fried

Instead of chicken nuggets, get a grilled chicken sandwich and cut it up. Choose a baked potato instead of french fries.

==>Go with fresh fruits or vegetables if possible

More and more restaurants are offering fresh fruit cups in place of fries. Take advantage of this!

==>Choose non-caffeinated, sugar-free drinks

Sugared drinks are one of the biggest sources of unnecessary calories. Restaurants are getting better at offering healthier choices of drinks, but sometimes you have to ask.

Michael P. Scaccia, MD, FAAP is a physician, child health expert, and author of “The Ultimate Parent Guide to Fitness and Nutrition”. From nutrition to fitness and beyond, this powerful, step-by-step guide is a must-have for concerned parents of overweight children. For more information, visit ==> http://www.UltimateParentGuide.com

Bookmark to:

You realize that nutrition for kids is important, but you’re not sure how to teach your child to make better food choices.

Now what?

Here are a few suggestions to help educate your child about nutrition and how it relates to their overall health:

Learn more about nutrition yourself.

You can’t teach what you don’t know yourself. Find a quality resource from a qualified and experienced professional that can show you in easy-to-understand language how to use nutrition and fitness to help your family live happier and healthier.

==>Start with a preferred foods list.

Write down a list of all of the foods that your child likes. Then take that list and divide it into foods that are better for them, and foods that are not so good. Post the list on the refrigerator as a reminder to you and your child to choose more of the foods that are better, and less of the foods that are not as healthy.

==>Talk about the consequences of poor nutrition in age-appropriate terms.

Explain the benefits in terms that they can relate to and understand. You can tell kids that obesity will lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer, but that probably won’t mean much to them today. Tell them that they can feel better about themselves, climb stairs without getting out of breath, and play longer, harder, and better.

==>Start to read labels together.

They don’t have to understand all of the information on a label, but getting them in the habit of looking at every label they see, and simply comparing calories will help get them thinking about nutrition.

Michael P. Scaccia, MD, FAAP is a physician, child health expert, and author of “The Ultimate Parent Guide to Fitness and Nutrition”. From nutrition to fitness and beyond, this powerful, step-by-step guide is a must-have for concerned parents of overweight children. For more information, visit ==> http://www.UltimateParentGuide.com

Bookmark to: