An infection involves the colonization of tissues in the body by bacteria, viruses or fungi. During the infection process, the infectious agent enters the body, identifies cells containing specific factors that facilitate infection, and then...
The proteins in your blood plasma are composed of a mixture that is primarily albumin, and to a lesser extent, globulins. Globulin proteins are divided into four main classes: alpha-1 and alpha-2, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulins are...
Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules that serve as building blocks for proteins, which are the basis for a vast array of enzymes, hormones, antibodies and structural elements in your body. Amino acids also function as substrates or...
Protein supplements are a regular part of bodybuilders' routines, are useful additions to low-carbohydrate diets, and are handy meal substitutes for busy people who don't have time to sit down for a regular meal. When combined with fruit and milk...
Antibodies are proteins designed to selectively bind specific proteins, called antigens. Each antibody consists of two large protein chains--called heavy chains--which bind to smaller protein chains called light chains. The light chains on each...
Antibodies are protein molecules that attach themselves to invading pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, marking those pathogens for destruction by other components of the immune system. The immune system is complex, and proper function...
The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It is responsible for producing hormones, mainly tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a role in regulating metabolism and body temperature. The activity of the thyroid...
There are two different types of diabetes, and children can get either one. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type among adults, and can often be controlled by diet and exercise. Type 1 diabetes, however, used to be called "juvenile diabetes"...
Lysine is an amino acid used in the formation of important structures in your body, including protein. Protein is not only used for large tissues such as muscle, but is also a crucial part of small structures like DNA and chromosomes. Deformities...
Arthritis is a chronic condition marked by painful swelling of the joints, tendons and ligaments, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of this condition, results in degradation of cartilage...
Bloating and fatty stool -- stools that are foul-smelling, greasy and usually rather large in volume -- are common digestive symptoms that usually indicate some type of malabsorption. The Merck Manual defines malabsorption as the inadequate...
Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules that serve a variety of purposes in your body. Their most familiar function is in the construction of proteins, which are long chains of amino acids that become the enzymes, antibodies, hormones and...
Proteins are an important part of your diet. Not only do they serve as an energy source, but they supply amino acids for the manufacture of enzymes, hormones, structural proteins, neurotransmitters and other vital molecules in your body. Because...
Lichen sclerosus is a disease found mainly in the genital and anal areas. It is more common in postmenopausal women, though it can also be found in men and children. Lichen sclerosus causes itching, though a third of patients do not have symptoms....
Research and patient case studies have shown that nutritional changes can help those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis to live healthier, fitter, more functional lives. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society defines MS as "a chronic,...
Protein deficiency, also known as kwashiorkor, is a condition that stems from a lack of high-quality protein in the diet. Commonly associated with poverty, food insecurity or insufficient knowledge of how to construct well-balanced meals, protein...
Normally, your urine does not contain detectable amounts of protein. If you have protein in your urine, you have a condition called proteinuria, which is sometimes referred to as albuminuria. Typically, reduction of protein in your urine requires...
The parietal cells in your stomach produce a protein called intrinsic factor. In order for you to properly absorb vitamin B-12, intrinsic factor must bind to the vitamin in the stomach and carry it to the small intestine. The villi in the small...
Protein is essential for proper health; you should consume it daily to avoid deficiency-related issues. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, protein is made up of essential amino acids, some of which your body cannot produce on...
An allergic reaction to clothes is quite common and is typically caused by the textile dyes, glues, formaldehyde finishing resins and chemical additives present in the fabric. The allergic reaction typically results in a type of allergic skin...
Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules used by your cells to build proteins and other important compounds. Only 20 amino acids are required to manufacture the hundreds of thousands of enzymes, structural proteins, antibodies and hormones in...
Eating the right amount of dietary protein is always a hot nutrition topic. Whether your goal is to increase muscle mass, lose unwanted weight or maintain a general sense of well-being, protein is a key nutrient to consider. Determining individual...
Protein is a nutrient your body needs to maintain the structure of tissues and to make antibodies. Some proteins function as transporters, hormones and as enzymes in a large array of biochemical reactions. Most people get enough protein from their...
It may come as a surprise, but cactus honey powder is not a bee product. This white powder sweetener comes from the agave plant, a cactus plant native to Mexico. The agave juice is extracted from the plant, filtered and finally heated to remove...
Group A streptococcus – sometimes called “group A strep” – is a bacterium that often lives in your throat and on your skin. Although simply carrying the bacterium won’t always cause symptoms of an illness, group A...
With a crusty exterior and tender interior, French bread seems like a culinary miracle. The familiar long, narrow baguettes are made from nothing more than flour, water, salt and yeast. The signature crust comes from raising the humidity in the...
L-arginine and L-lysine are amino acids that coexist in many protein-rich foods, such as tuna, watercress, nuts and soy. Your body uses amino acids to manufacture structural proteins, hormones, enzymes, antibodies and other important molecules....
High protein diets have gone in and out of style as a way to lose weight and build more muscle. Women most often are concerned with weight loss, but when it comes to muscle building, most believe more protein is the way to go. All nutrients,...
Amino acids are nitrogen-containing molecules that serve as building blocks for proteins and other important molecules in your cells. Structural proteins, hormones, antibodies, enzymes and neurotransmitters are all examples of compounds that can...
