Health

Characteristics Of Enzymes

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The word enzyme comes from the Greek ‘ensymo’. Here ‘en’ means ‘at’ or ‘in’ and ‘simo’ means ‘leaven’ or ‘yeast’. The enzymes are biological catalysts. These are by and large proteins. There are also some RNAs that have catalytic activity. These are referred to as RNA enzymes or ribozymes. The enzymes bind temporarily to one or more of the reactants in a reaction and lower the amount of activation energy needed. In this way they speed up the reaction. The enzymes may speed up reactions by a factor of many millions.
If it were not for the enzymes then most of the chemical reactions in biological cells would occur too slowly. The products obtained from such reaction would also have been different. In this respect the enzymes are essential for sustenance of life. Again, a malfunctioning of a single enzyme can lead to a severe disease. Such malfunctioning may stem from mutation, overproduction, underproduction or deletion of the enzyme.
Changes in pH and temperature affect the activity of enzymes to a large extent. Every enzyme works at its optimum level at a certain temperature and pH. At temperature and pH levels above and below that point the activity of the enzyme decreases.
Other molecules can affect the activity of enzymes. There are certain naturally occurring or synthetically prepared molecules that decrease or even completely abolishing enzyme activity. These are called inhibitors. There are also activators, which increase activities of enzymes.
Apart from the use of enzymes for their biological role they are also commercially used for other purposes. There are many cleaners used in the household, which use enzymes to speed up chemical reactions. Breakings down of proteins or removing starch stains in clothes are facilitated by the use of enzymes. There are more than 5,000 known enzymes. The names of the enzymes characteristically include the suffix ‘ase’ added to the name of the substrate.
The enzymes are found in all tissues and fluids of the body. The intracellular enzymes catalyze the reactions of metabolic pathways, the plasma membrane enzymes regulates catalysis within cells in response to extra cellular signals while the enzymes of the circulatory system regulate the clotting of blood.
Barney Garcia writes about many different topics. He is a proud contributing author and invites you to his websites. www.about-enzymes.info and www.excellent-enzymes.info
Article Source: Natural Health Directory | Natural Health Articles

Why High Cholesterol Is Bad for Your Health

By Karen Christel B Gaza

Cholesterol itself is not really all that bad for the heart and body. But, too much of it is very alarming and can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular, or heart disease, is the leading cause of mortality in our society today. There are numerous factors that increase your risk of getting these life-threatening diseases. The number one common risk factor for heart attacks and strokes is an increased level of cholesterol. Other predisposing factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet and cigarette smoking may also contribute to a higher risk of this incidence.

Everybody should be aware that living a healthy lifestyle is wealth. In order to prevent heart ailments, it is imperative for everybody, especially for those people who are in their late 20's and early 30's, to start taking care of their heart and try to be conscious about their diet.

Let's take a closer look at what cholesterol is to give us a better understanding of how it functions on its own and find out why high cholesterol is bad for our health.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty or waxy substance that is found in the bloodstream. It is a lipid that is mainly required for hormone synthesis, cellular repair and building. The two major sources of cholesterol are from your liver and from the foods that you eat.

Basically, cholesterol is merely not as bad as it looks. In fact, it generally helps the body to become fully functional and also aids in building healthy cells. It is essential for hormonal synthesis that enables the distribution of vitamins, minerals and other substantial substances needed for cell growth and normal cell function.

Contrary to popular belief having cholesterol is not necessarily a bad thing. Our bodies need certain amounts of it in order to function properly. But, having elevated cholesterol levels is not the same case. It is known to increase the risk of certain heart diseases such as CAD or coronary artery disease.

Good versus Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a mixture of protein molecules that form the substance called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are classified into two categories - the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high density lipoprotein (HDL).

The low density lipoproteins, also known as the "bad cholesterol", function as the primary transporters of cholesterol into the cell. However, an increased or imbalanced number of it may cause deposition of lipoproteins into the arterial vessels of the body. Thus, it signifies a plaque formation that clogs the arteries which increases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

The high density lipoproteins on the other hand are known as the "good cholesterol". They transport bad lipoproteins away from the cells of the arterial wall to the liver for excretion. Therefore, this type of cholesterol attaches to those bad ones and transports it for elimination.

Having an increased amount of LDL in the bloodstream is not good. That is the essence of why high cholesterol is bad for the heart and body. In order to keep the cholesterol levels balanced, it is a must to follow a healthy lifestyle that is focused on having increased activity, following a recommended dietary course and abstinence from smoking and alcohol consumption.

The author shares valuable information about high cholesterol and heart disease. Learn more about why high cholesterol is bad for your health and how to decrease cholesterol naturally by visiting us online. A FREE gift awaits your visit!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Christel_B_Gaza

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Postpartum Depression

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Women around the globe are resenting the day that their bodies will go through a transformation.
When postpartum depression kicks in women often feel sluggish, unconnected to reality, and often undergo several other symptoms that include depression.
Women that undergo postpartum depression (PPD) often go through bouts of crying uncontrollable and very seldom do they understand the cause. There thinking is often irrational and their emotions are often tangled. One minute they are struggling to go to sleep and the next minute they can’t seem to wake up.
Once a baby is born the family, friends, mother and so forth a suppose to join in a joyful expedition. Sometimes mothers go through postpartum depression however, and the birth seems more like a curse than a joyous moment.
Instead of sharing a happy moment mothers often feel a sense of guilt because they simply because they may resent the birth of their baby. All of a sudden, you begin feeling sadness, despair, worthlessness, and insomnia kicks in.
Then you go through panic attacks while feeling a sense of shame. In addition, it doesn’t stop there. Next you begin feeling fear of loosing control of your actions, you start feeling like your mind is tumbling, and your concentration has vanished. Still, you feel nausea, agitated, your heart races, and you breathing is complicated. The symptoms are increasing as you feel an imbalance level of worry toward your child, hopelessness since you have no control, exhausted from all the mental changes, and suicidal because you see no way out.
The battle is just beginning. Mothers than suffer from postpartum depression often have an underlying psychological impairment, possible biological imbalances, including Posttraumatic Stress if the mother undergoes a horrible birthing. Most professionals will treat postpartum depression with antidepressants combining it with therapy.
It is important for mothers with postpartum depression to seek help immediately, since the diagnose does not only affect the patient, it affects everyone around you, including your baby. Babies need their mother, and when the mother is unable to provide emotional nourishment and loving care, and then a baby will suffer as it grows into adulthood.
Just like any diagnose there are triggers that may interrupt the mother, including difficult births, isolating one self, death, changes in living arrangements, hereditary, financial difficulties and so forth. Unfortunately, some of these triggers are going to happen.
Most therapists have found treating women with postpartum depression, treating them with antidepressants and therapy has worked wonders. Recently studies are finding that depression may also be treated with Electromagnetic therapy. Scientists are constantly searching for a solution to treat depression so the end of the world hasn’t arrived.
There is hope. Studies have also shown that writing down your episodes, feelings and so forth is a great therapeutic relief. Talking is also a great source for eliminating stress, which is often linked to depression. It is important to get regular checkups after your baby is born to eliminate biological reasoning for the postpartum depression.
In most cases, doctors may prescribe Valiums, Prozac, or Zoloft. It depends on the person, but for some mothers one or the other medications work, while others have no results. If you are suffering postpartum depression, it is also important for the family to offer support and understanding.
Since, you may have suicidal thoughts the last thing anyone needs to do is push you over the edge. It is also important that the resentment you feel is not necessary toward your baby. It could be that you resent an area of your life, or an occurrence and the baby seems to be the target.
You might want to try listening to easy music when you feel a sense of loss, or episodes of the diagnose erupt. Music has proven to heal the soul. In addition, you might want to start exercising since this too has proven to do wonders with people that suffer mental or physical illnesses. Exercise relieves the mind often because you are doing something to better yourself and improve your health.
Therefore, if you are in postpartum depression, there are answers and you should never give up hope!
Are you sick and tired of being "empty" inside and out? Worry no more! At http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com you´ll find free and reliable information that gives you the straight facts and solutions to beat depression.

Article Source: Natural Health Directory | Natural Health Articles

Herbal prostate treatment for enlarged prostate

by roonie steth

The problem associated with prostate is not so common among people, but if you are above 50 and start facing urinating problem then the reason behind it could be enlarged prostate which is also called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
The prostate is a male reproductive gland that develops a viscid secretion that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body. If you have enlarged prostate which means your gland has grown bigger. As the gland becomes larger, it can press on the urethra and gives rise to urination and bladder problems.
The possibility of developing enlarged prostate/ BPH has good chances to happen to almost all men as they get older. BPH problem is so common and as men age their health concerns change as well. It is also considered that all men may have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough. It is estimated that a small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 (60 percent of men) and more than 90% of men over age 80. Even though the initial prostate symptoms for enlargement may be determined negligible, and only slightly troublesome, but getting the right treatment at the right time can avoid the further complications.
If you have enlarged prostate, there are some prostate symptoms that you may experience (it is estimated that less than half of all men with BPH or enlarged prostate have symptoms of the disease). The prostate symptoms you may experience include dribbling at the end of urinating; powerlessness to urinate (urinary retention); incomplete emptying of your bladder; involuntary urination or defecation; Needing to urinate two or more times per night; Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection); slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream; straining to urinate; Strong and sudden urge to urinate and Weak urine stream.
Whether you are suffering from enlarged prostate or prostetitis (inflammation of the prostate), it is essential to take care of your prostate problem and address it without any delay. To treat the enlarged prostate, there also various herbal prostate treatments available which contain natural ingredients like Pollen extracts. For years, Pollen extracts have been utilized in parts of Europe and Asia to support prostate health. In fact there are various clinical trails (both on human and animals) which have been performed on Pollen extracts, and all research suggests that pollen extracts maintain a healthy prostate.
If you are looking for prostate alternative medicine for your enlarged prostate treatment, then energy prostate is a natural supplement for prostate holistic health. The product Energy Prostate is medical proven and has NDC number which is issued by the FDA. For this product, Pollen has been collected and processed since the mid-1960s. The manufacturers of this product have developed their own harvesting methods to handle the vast quantities of plants needed for the tons of pollen produced every year. BUT, the product does not cure any severe prostate diseases and it should be taken as per your doctor’s recommendation.
A website dedicated to helping men who are having symptoms of enlarged prostate. We use most advanced herbal prostate treatment and prostate alternative medicine treatments and procedures necessary to help men in achieving amazing and unbelievable results.

Article Source: Wellness Article Library

Vitamin Supplement To Treat Hair Loss: Zinc

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One of the reasons that contribute to your hair loss problem may be insufficient nutrients. If our bodies lack the necessary vitamins, then it is not possible to expect that they will be functioning optimally and healthily. In fact, one of the major nutrients that prevents and treats hair loss is zinc. By understanding how this nutrient relates to hair loss, you can ensure a diet that is helpful in stopping hair loss.
It is known that zinc will add the extra proteins into your system that will then affect hair growth, as well as healthy skin and nails. If you do not have enough in your system, it will cause your hair to stop growing and fall out. Zinc works in relation to the several proteins that are located throughout your body in order to create a support system for your body. Zinc is needed for cell division, in the growth and maintenance of muscles, helps to control oil glands, and is also required for the synthesis of protein and collagen - which is great for wound healing and a healthy skin.
Zinc deficiency not only produces problems with hair loss, but also with changes in the scalp. The scalp may become too dry or flaky and may often times be irritated because of the lack of nutrients. Many have reported that zinc has been shown to be effective in stopping their hair from turning gray. Even when hair is already gray or becoming thinner and balding, zinc can reverse the effects when taken in proper amounts.
It is not surprising that many suffer from zinc deficiency since zinc is destroyed in the milling process and is also lost in cooking. In addition, a zinc deficiency can result in a poor immune system, heightened sensitivities and allergies, night blindness, loss of smell, white spots under finger nails, skin problems, sleep disturbances etc.
Men with zinc shortage may have a problem with fertility, while women may experience irregular periods. Children with too little zinc may have stunted growth and slow sexual maturity.
Thus, zinc deficiency is a problem that you do not wish to have. In your diet, include a variety of foods that contain this nutrient. Wheat germ, yeast, muscle meat, fish and egg yolks are all known for having a high amount of zinc in them. From here, the proteins will be stimulated in the several areas of your body. It is best to have zinc from natural sources.
If, however, you find that you are not able to consume zinc through natural sources, then you can always buy zinc supplements. Instances where consuming zinc from natural sources is not possible include if you have certain food allergies or intolerances. Zinc supplements are readily available in health stores. They can be effective when you take between fifty to one hundred milligrams a day.
Definitely whether you are having adequate sources of zinc in your diet, is an important factor to consider with regards to your hair loss. This is one vitamin supplement that may just work wonders for your receding hair line.
Kathlene Capelle writes on female hair loss, male hair loss, cause of hair loss, hair loss prevention and natural hair loss treatments. Get more info on Hair Loss Remedy here http://www.hair-loss-remedy-central.com.
Article Source: Natural Health Directory | Natural Health Articles

Vitamin A: The Eyes Need It

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You may have heard from your grandma that eating carrots can improve you vision. That may not be exactly true, but carrots do contain something called provitamin A carotenoids. These are pigments in some plants that can be converted by the body into vitamin A, and vitamin A is important to your vision.
Vitamin A is also helpful to bone growth and your immune system. As with other vitamins, there are different forms of vitamin A. One of the forms that is most usable to the body is called retinol, and it can be found in liver, eggs, and milk. One of the most common provitamin A carotenoids that the body converts easily to retinol is beta carotene, and it is found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe. Vitamin A is also one of the vitamins often used to fortify breakfast cereals.
Vitamin A is fat soluble, which means that the body stores it, mostly in the liver. That also means that it is possible to build up toxic levels of it in the body. This rarely happens from food sources because as the body builds up supplies of vitamin A, it will slow down the processing of beta carotene conversion to vitamin A. When people do get vitamin A toxicity, it is usually from taking too much in supplemental, or pill, form. Toxic levels of vitamin A can cause liver problems, central nervous system problems, deterioration of bone density, and birth defects.
True deficiency of vitamin A is rare in the US, but common in countries where malnourishment is widespread. As mentioned earlier, vitamin A is important to the immune system and vision. This is because the body uses vitamin A to make various internal tissues, such as those lining the eye, lungs, and intestinal tract. When these linings are weakened by vitamin A deficiency, it is easier for harmful bacteria to penetrate them and thus, people with vitamin A deficiency are more prone to infections, illness, blindness, and respiratory problems.
Aside from the malnourished, other people who may be prone to vitamin A deficiency include those who consume large amounts of alcohol and those with certain metabolic disorders that affect how fat and other nutrients are absorbed by the body.
Some recent and ongoing studies involving vitamin A and beta carotene include investigations as to whether high amounts of vitamin A contribute to osteoporosis, and whether beta carotene can lower the risk of some forms of cancer.
Linda Polansky writes about Vitamins,Safe on health vitamins

Article Source: Natural Health Directory | Natural Health Articles

Which Aerobic Exercise Is Best For You?

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Want to use aerobic exercise to keep healthy? So did I, and so do I! But when I first came upon the idea of aerobic exercise the only option was jogging, although I think ‘aerobics’ or really aerobic dancing was just coming in. Not for me. So I joined the band of people who went around jogging up and down the road.

I learned that you needed to exercise every other day from the original exponents of the idea of aerobic exercise, and so that’s what I did. I used to be quite good at doing it every couple of days, except when travelling on business or on holiday.

Jogging for aerobics for a while -

Then I stopped doing it for a while, and took it up when I realised I was getting out of shape. Eventually, I got fed up with jogging. It is not much fun. Now if you are a really long distance runner, you get a kick from running – it’s a natural high. But I can’t say I got that.

Then, I heard that you can damage your joints, especially the knees, with too much jogging on concrete, so I gave it up – except at times of stress when I found the exercise helped calm me down! Of course, if you can jog on grass or heathland that will be OK, especially if you don’t do it too much.

Then I started swimming regularly

Later I tried swimming. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can take, as it exercises nearly every muscle in the body – and is definitely aerobic. I found I soon got bored with pounding up and down the pool, probably because I am not a good swimmer and use too much energy doing it.

So I gave that up, too! Next came cycling, and when I started I was living in a very hilly area, so you could not go more that a mile without coming to a steep hill and getting your heart beat up suitably. Despite those hills I enjoyed cycling – always have I suppose, ever since my first proper bike gave me some real freedom at thirteen years old.

So now I cycle every two days. Although it is fairly flat where I live there just enough hills for this to qualify as aerobic exercise. I enjoy it, and it keeps me fit. Of course you need some other exercise as well – and this can be walking occasional swimming or whatever.

So, to keep fit do some aerobic exercise. Try one you think you will enjoy, and if that doesn’t work, try another. Cycling, power walking – preferably in a hilly area – jogging, swimming, roller blading, many sports and lots of other forms of exercise qualify as aerobic. The minimum according to the experts is that you exercise for eight minutes with your heart beat up about 40%. You can achieve the same result with a lower increase for a longer period, so choose something that you enjoy as your form of aerobic exercise.

John Hartley is a business writer who has always enjoyed sports and exercise. He cycles regularly wherever his business takes him, and runs the web site, http://www.best-aerobic-exercise.com, where you can find plenty of information about aerobic exercise.

Article Source: Natural Health Directory | Natural Health Articles

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Characteristics Of Enzymes

Why High Cholesterol Is Bad for Your Health

Postpartum Depression

Herbal prostate treatment for enlarged prostate

Vitamin Supplement To Treat Hair Loss: Zinc

Vitamin A: The Eyes Need It

Which Aerobic Exercise Is Best For You?

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