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Common cold and treatment

  The common cold is a viral infection of your upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). While it can be bothersome, it is usually harmless and resolves on its own within a week or two.             Most people who suffer from the common cold use medicines for treatment, even though there is no medicine that can cure the common cold. Antibiotics don't work on viruses because they target specific bacterial structures and processes (like cell walls or reproduction machinery) that viruses lack, as viruses are fundamentally different—they aren't cells and need to hijack host cells to multiply, making them immune to drugs designed for bacteria, which are self-sufficient living cells. Using them for viruses is ineffective and contributes to the serious problem of antibiotic resistance.   1. Cause of the Common Cold. The primary cause of the common cold is a viral infection.   There are over 200 different ...

Obesity and Uric acid

  Obesity and Uric acid In obesity, the body becomes a "perfect storm" for high uric acid. It isn't just one factor; it is a combination of the body producing more and the kidneys excreting less. Here is why an obese body generates and holds onto more uric acid than a normal body: 1. Fat Cells Actually "Make" Uric Acid             For a long time, scientists thought uric acid was only produced in the liver. However, research has shown that adipose tissue (fat cells), especially  visceral fat  (the deep belly fat around your organs), contains an enzyme called  Xanthine Oxidoreductase (XOR). In obesity, XOR activity is much higher. This means that your fat cells are actively manufacturing uric acid and dumping it into your bloodstream. 2. The "Insulin Trap" in the Kidneys             Most people with obesity have some level of...

High uric acid, or hyperuricemia

Risk of high uric acid or hyperuricemia  High uric acid, or hyperuricemia, occurs when your body either produces too much of it or cannot filter it out fast enough. While most people have elevated levels without noticing, persistent elevation can act like "silent sandpaper" on your internal organs.                Primarily by forming crystals that cause kidney stones, block tubules, trigger inflammation, and scar kidney tissue, progressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually end stage renal disease (ESRD) if left untreated. It is a significant risk factor, acting both as a marker and a potential cause of kidney problems, often linked with conditions like hypertension and diabetes. 1. Causes of High Uric Acid Uric acid is a byproduct of breaking down purines —substances found naturally in your cells and in foods. Dietary & Lifestyle Factors Purine-Rich Foods: Frequent consumption of red mea...

Role of T cells in immune System

  Role of T cells in immune System      T cells are a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. They’re also called T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play an essential role in our immune system. Our immune system fights infection-causing pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) and harmful cells, like cancer cells.  What are the different types of T cells? There are two main types of T cells:               Cytotoxic T cells: Cytotoxic T cells are also called CD8+ cells because they have a CD8 receptor on their membranes. These cells get their name from “cyto” which means cell, and “toxic,” which means poisonous or harmful. Cytotoxic T cells kill cells infected with viruses and bacteria, and they also destroy tumour               Helper T cells: Helper T cells are also called CD4+ cells because they have a CD4 recept...

Why we should eat flaxseed

       Eating flaxseeds is beneficial because they are packed with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and antioxidants, supporting digestion and excellent for heart health.             Flaxseeds (often spelled flex seed) are nutritional powerhouses, particularly rich in B vitamins and essential minerals. Get the most out of these vitamins, it is best to eat them ground because their tough outer shell resist breakdown by human digestive system, causing them to often pass through the body undigested. Key Vitamins in Flaxseeds             The most prominent vitamin in flaxseed is Thiamine (B1), which is crucial for energy metabolism and nerve function. In 100 grams of flax seeds, you'll find a significant amount of Thiamine (Vitamin B1), with quantities varying slightly by source but generally ranging from about 0.17 mg up to 0.53 mg o...

Digestion of food

        Digestion of food                The journey of food through the human body is a remarkable logistical feat, taking anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to complete. It involves both mechanical (physical) and chemical (enzymatic) processes to turn a meal into energy and cellular building blocks. The journey of food starts from mouth and then it passes through various organs of the digestive system, finally ending with the excretion of waste. During whole process the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K), minerals and water are mainly absorbed by the small intestine and delivered into the body to support energy, growth, repair, and overall health. Here is the step-by-step breakdown of that journey. 1.      The Mouth:    Mechanical. The process begins the moment you take a bite. Our teeth grind food into smaller pieces (chewing food/mastication),...