White Blood cells – our protectors against infections & diseases

White blood cells (WBC) or leukocytes are vital cells of the immune system protecting the human body against infections, bacteria, microbes, viruses and pathogens. These cells are produced in the stem of the bone marrow and are composed of granulocytes (Neutrophils, eosinophils, and Basophils) and non-granulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes).

WBC’s are constantly circulating through the blood stream and once they identify a particular antigen, they immediately launch a counterattack. These cells are responsible for providing required immunity, without which it will be impossible for the body to fight against any kind of infections or diseases.

So what exactly is their function?

White blood cells act as the defending army of the human immune system providing a shield against several diseases and viruses. An inherently weak or defective immune system can lead to increased susceptibility to infection, allergies, autoimmune diseases and sometimes even cancer. These cells have a density of about 4 – 11 billion per liter of blood.

White blood cells also help produce antibodies which identify invaders and destroy body cells which have become contaminated with invading microbes. The contaminated cells survive couple of days but when they die, they are destroyed by surrounding white blood cells and replaced with new ones.

White blood cells are asymmetrical, colorless and do not contain hemoglobin. They have the ability to change their shape, which enable them to penetrate into the walls of blood vessels and between other cells. White blood cells divide by a process of mitosis, forming either more stem cells or white blood cells that can differentiate into specific white cell types, such as lymphocytes. 

Let’s find out the types of White Blood Cells

Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils are the major types of white blood cells and each of them carry out unique functions for the immune system.  These cells play an important role in the immune system by protecting the body from various organisms and infections that contain diseases.

Neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils are collectively known as granulocytes due to prominent granules in their cytoplasm.

Lymphocytes and monocytes do not contain granules and are therefore classified under non granulocytes.

A brief description of each type of white blood cells:

Granulocytes

·         Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the most common types of white blood cell which make up 55-70% of the total white blood cells and shelter the body against disease and infections by removing and destroying bacteria, microbes, viruses, foreign substances, and other cells.  These cells play a vital role by absorbing any invading microbes that try to enter the bloodstream.

·         Eosinophils

Eosinophils are produced in the bone marrow and circulate at relatively low levels in the blood stream. About 2 – 5% of total white blood cells are comprised of eosinophils. These cells are normally found outside blood vessels in organs rather than bone marrow. A large number of eosinophils are generally found in the gastrointestinal tract. They protect the body by engulfing and killing bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other microorganisms.  Eosinophils can destroy cancer cells and secrete substances which help to stop chemicals that mediate infections and also assist the body by performing phagocytosis. Through the process of diapedesis, eosinophils can directly attack localized infections in the tissue.

·         Basophils

Basophils are the rare type of white blood cells which constitute only 1% of the total white blood cells count. They contain dark purple granules in the cytoplasm. They generally secrete biologically active substances such as histamine, proteoglycans, or cyclooxigenase products.

These cells are produced in the stem of the bone marrow. Due to the presence of IgE on their surfaces, they help release chemical mediators that cause allergic symptoms and thus play a vital role in the allergic responses.  Basophils generally circulate throughout the body in the blood stream and immediately respond to pathogens, microbes or any other infectious agent with help of other types of white blood cells. Basophils also aid phagocytosis and invoke the process of inflammation when body experiences some kind of pain.

Non granulocytes

·         Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are the common white blood cells which detect and destroy invading viruses, parasitic worms and microbes. These cells have the ability to recognize specific invaders (antigens) and quickly launch a response to them, when they are encountered again. Lymphocytes are classified into T cells, B cells and Natural killer cells.

T Cells and B cells are specific to a particular antigen and are able to bind to a particular molecular structure. 

Generally each B cell produces one specific antibody and when it gets activated by an antigen, it produces large cells known as plasma cells which produce antibodies. The antibodies produced by the B cells will help to destroy antigens that try to damage our immune system. B cells and their antibodies, both natural and adaptive, play a fundamental role in the immediate and late defense against microbes.

T cells not only help the B cells by producing antibodies but also play a vital role in protecting our body against diseases by destroying cancerous cells and those cells which are  infected with viruses and bacteria. These cells are capable of recollecting memory against past infections and quickly expand to large number of effector T cells upon their re occurrence.

Natural Killer cells or NK cells play a crucial role in killing tumors like lymphomas, melanomas and viral infected cells such as herpes and cytomegalovirus. The functions of NK cells are similar to that of the effector cells. Lack of T and B lymphocytes can lead to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). These cells generally tend to get cancerous, if their count increases to a large extent. Hence the count of T or B lymphocytes should neither be too high or too low.

·         Monocytes

Monocytes are the type of white blood cells which are produced in the myelo-monocytic stem cells in the bone marrow. The size of monocytes and its nucleus are biggest among all types of WBC’s. They comprise about 3 -8% of the total white blood cell count. Monocytes are one of the major white cells that protect the body from infection and prevent microorganisms from entering the bloodstream. They also support phagocytosis and antigen processing, as a result these cells play crucial role in immune defense, inflammation and tissue remodeling. Monocytes have the ability to turn into macrophages or dendritic cells, which are vital immune system cells.

White blood cell count

White blood cell count determines the number of white blood cells present in the blood. It helps identify whether the number of white blood cells is high or low. White blood cell count is determined by the number of white blood cells per volume of blood. This test is taken according to the different types of white blood cells such as Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and Basophils.

 WBC count is also taken to identify presence of an infection, leukemia or any other type of disease. The WBC count is generally classified according to low white blood cell count and high white blood cell count.

White blood cell count Low

Normal white blood cell count helps the body to fight against several infections and diseases. Normally there should be 4,500 to 10,000 white blood cells in 1 micro liter of blood. But if the count of white blood cells decreases below this level it can lead to leucopenia.

Due to scarce WBC’s, body is unable to fight against invading pathogens, microbes or viruses. There are number of causes that lead to low white blood cell count.

·         Damage to the bone marrow due to certain complications can reduce the number of white blood cells.

• Au\toimmune diseases such as Lupus react against healthy white blood cells and produce antibodies to attack it.
• Epstein-Barr virus, tuberculosis and HIV are some of the types of viral infections that can reduce the WBC count
• Chemotherapy not only kills cancerous cells but also healthy immune cells reducing the WBC count.
• Aplastic anemia is one of the major causes that can reduce white blood cells to a large extent.         

     White blood cell count High

When the white blood cells exceed the normal count it can lead to leukocytosis. If the count is higher than 10,000 leukocytes in a micro liter of blood, it is considered as high white blood cell count. White blood cell count is elevated due to certain pathogens, microbes or infections. Increased white blood cell count can even lead to cancer. Postmenopausal women with elevated white blood cell counts may be at an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, and lung cancers.

High white blood cell count causes

·         Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a kind of cancer which elevates WBC count as it mainly affects the bone marrow.

·         Certain use of drugs such as epinephrine and corticosteroids can increase white blood cell count.

·         Tuberculosis, acute or chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelofibrosis and other bacterial infection can also increase the risk of high white blood cell count.

·         Smoking and stress also increase white blood cell count.

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Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which stimulates white blood cell protection. Jobelyn is an excellent nutritional supplement which promotes blood cell production in the body, stimulates red blood cell production, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

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Red Blood Cells- The Carrier of Oxygen

What are Red Blood Cells?

Red Blood Cells are the most common type of blood cells found in our body. Red blood cells are also known as RBCs, red blood corpuscles, haematids, erythroid cells or erythrocytes. They have a diameter of about 6-8 micrometers. They have an appearance of an inner tube without a hole in the center. To enable the maximum O2 saturation of hemoglobin, red cells are shaped like biconcave disks. The shape provides more surface area for the exposure of hemoglobin to dissolved oxygen. Red blood cells are also able to change their shape to permit passage through small capillaries that connect arteries with veins. Adults contain 20-30 trillion red blood cells in their body.

The average life cycle of RBC’s is 120 days. Over time, the red blood cells get worn out and eventually die. The RBC’s may vary in number according to exercise levels and oxygen content which can be affected by altitude.

How do Red Blood Cells function?

Red blood cells are known as “carrier of oxygen”. These cells are specialized to carry oxygen from lungs to tissues and throughout the body and transfer carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs. They are red in color because they contain protein chemical called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin occupies one-third of the cell. When it combines with oxygen it is bright red in color but when it releases oxygen it turns bluish. RBC’s perform the most important blood duty. A single drop of blood contains millions of RBC’s. When red blood cells stop functioning properly, it is for sure that many things are going to go wrong in your body.

There are several types of hemoglobin.  A single hemoglobin molecule is made of four identical sub-units. Each sub-unit has a heme component, aglobin chain and an iron atom bound to the heme section. A single hemoglobin molecule is able to carry up to four oxygen molecules.

The ability of oxygen to bind hemoglobin is affected by several factors like temperature, acidity of the blood. Subtle changes in the pH and temperature of your blood (along with some other effects) allow the hemoglobin molecules to catch and release oxygen at the proper times.

Red blood cells also play an important role in carrying carbon dioxide.CO2 is a waste product of metabolism in every cell. RBC’s helps to get rid of this waste.

What happens when Red Blood Cells do not function properly?

When red blood cells do not work properly it leads to certain diseases. People with increased RBC count suffer from:

• Dehydration
• Pulmonary disease
• Polycythemia vera
• Over-transfusion of whole blood
• Tissue hypoxia
• Congenital heart disease

      People with decreased RBC count suffer from:

• Sickle cell anemia
• Metabolic disorders
• Chronic inflammation
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Bone marrow damages
• Hemorrhagic infections
• Gastrointestinal (GI) or other vascular bleed
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
•  Folic acid deficiency

But what are the reasons for these causes?

• Massive RBC loss, such as acute hemorrhage
• Abnormal destruction of red blood cells
• Lack of substances needed for RBC production
• Chemotherapy or radiation side effects

Enlarged Red Blood Cells

Macrocytosis is a term used to describe red blood cells that are larger than normal size. It shows no signs or symptoms. It is usually detected by routine blood test. Common causes include:

• Side effects of chemotherapy
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folic acid deficiency
• Liver disease

Red Blood Cells count

A RBC count is the number of red blood cells per volume of blood, and is reported in either millions in a micro liter or millions in a liter of blood.

The ranges for a normal RBC count (expressed in million red cells per micro liter {uL} of blood) are:

• Women: 4.2 to 5.4 million/uL
•  Men: 4.7 to 6.1 million/uL
• Children: 4.6 to 4.8 million/uL

Jobelyn Blood Enhancer stimulates red blood cell production

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Improve blood quality, lower blood pressure with antioxidants!

Blood is our life fluid providing nourishment by carrying oxygen and vital vitamins, minerals, proteins to all parts of the body. Blood is primarily made up of blood cells and plasma. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin that carries oxygen from our lungs to various parts of the body. White blood cells are our defenders against infections and disease. In addition, plasma a very important constituent of blood helps in blood clotting.

The quality of our blood is crucial for good health. Low hemoglobin or decrease in red blood cells can cause anemia resulting in fatigue, weakness or tiredness. Adequate intake of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid ensure that the bone marrow produces healthy blood cells. Healthy blood boosts the immune system against infections & diseases.

Antioxidants play an important role in the quality of our blood. Strong blood cells and vessels with adequate antioxidant capacity help maintain regular cholesterol levels essential for heart health helping keep heart diseases such as heart attacks etc at bay. In addition, studies have established that antioxidants are also beneficial in keeping our blood pressure in check.

Now let’s find out what antioxidants are and how they work

In simple terms antioxidants are natural substances or compounds that are found in different forms in vitamins, mineral proteins in a variety of food sources.

And how are they beneficial in improving our blood quality?

Antioxidants prevent oxidation, a process where oxygen is added to a compound. Our bodies use oxygen all the time; it is a vital for breathing. As a result of oxygen being added to other compounds our bodies keep producing free radical molecules. Free radicals, if left unchecked can cause serious damage to blood cells as well as to the DNA.

Oxidation is bad for heart health as oxygen is added to LDL cholesterol or what is commonly referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’ or low density lipoprotein. This results in the build up of fatty plaque on the artery walls blocking or reducing blood flow to the heart resulting in heart diseases.

Antioxidants act as recipients or in simple terms absorb the extra oxygen; reduce the level of free radicals helping prevent oxidation and subsequent damage.

Antioxidants and blood cells

Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing oxidative stress damage. It is therefore necessary to correctly determine the levels of antioxidants in our blood stream. Recent studies suggest that blood cells can be used as an effective means to measure antioxidant vitamin status. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are key antioxidants; it is difficult to accurately measure antioxidant vitamin levels through dietary intake. But clinical research has shown that blood plasma levels can reflect acute assimilation of these vitamins. Studies further point out that antioxidant vitamin blood contents reach a saturation level by intake of dietary supplements. .Antioxidant vitamin plasma levels are the key parameter most used to determine antioxidant status.

Measuring plasma antioxidant can also help in determining atherosclerosis (a condition where fatty material or plaque collects along the walls of arteries). Blood plasma levels of lipophilic antioxidants can indicate lipoprotein oxidation in the arterial wall and also the development of atherosclerosis.

Some studies also suggest that Resveratrol and other phenolic compounds from the bark of Yucca schidigera restrain free radical production in blood platelets and are beneficial in protecting against heart diseases.

Antioxidants blood pressure

Dietary antioxidants play a vital role in controlling blood pressure. Antioxidant supplements can be beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure, helping keep their blood pressure I check. It can further lower dependency on medications. In contrast, dietary saturated fatty acids elevate blood pressure.

Studies show that antioxidant supplements high in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant also found in grapes and flavonoids such as green tea, have numerous health effects including lowering cholesterol levels as well as improving blood circulation. Researchers indicate that the ability of antioxidants in lowering blood pressure is mainly due to their effect on the endothelium, the innermost layer of arterial blood vessels that expands and contracts in response to blood flow. Antioxidants help in producing fewer substances (mainly free radicals) that constrict arteries and produce more substances that expand the arteries.

Medical researchers are actively urging intake of natural antioxidants which includes two fold benefits; reduce side effects of blood pressure medications as well as control high costs of blood pressure treatments.

Antioxidant foods

In order to fight against oxidative damage, our body requires the correct amount of antioxidants. And the best way to ensure that we get the required amount is to include antioxidant rich foods in our daily dietary intake.

• Foods such as apples, onions, soybeans, blueberries, cranberries, green tea, black tea, red wine and dark chocolate contain high amount of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Berries such as blue berries, raspberries, blackberries are excellent sources of polyphenols antioxidants and derive their red and purple colors from a sub class of polyphenols known as Anthocyanins. Another sub-class of polyphenols is the colorless flavanols found in cocoa and some other plant-derived foods.
• Tangerine tomatoes help boost disease fighting antioxidants in blood. They contain lycopene, a disease-fighting antioxidant and derive their rich color from the antioxidant. Lycopene belongs to a family of antioxidants called the carotenoids, which give certain fruits and vegetables their distinctive colors. Carotenoids have many health benefits, and help in reducing risk of heart diseases as well as macular degeneration. Some studies also suggest that tangerine tomatoes increase beta carotene levels in blood.
• Grape seed extract has excellent health benefits and contains high levels of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that naturally help in increasing the width of blood vessels; reduce blood pressure helping blood flow naturally to all parts of the body.
• Pomegranates are excellent sources of antioxidants that actively prevent oxidative stress. Studies have found that pomegranates contain beneficial phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds and tannins, including punicalagins as well as ACE inhibitors which help prevent vasoconstriction, lower blood pressure, and promote healthy endothelial function. Reducing heart disease risk.

Some simple health tips for high quality blood!

High quality blood is essential to maintain good health. Antioxidants may be the key to ensure that our blood remains free from oxidative stress. But some simple, healthy living can go a long way in keeping our blood healthy and of high quality.

• No smoking – don’t just avoid smoking; quit completely. Research has long maintained that blood antioxidant capacity of smokers is greatly reduced than that of non smokers. In addition, smokers are also at 70% more risk of having a heart attack due to increased oxidized lipids.
• Make sure your daily diet has sufficient amount s of fresh fruits and vegetables. When mom says eat Broccoli do it. Broccoli is very high in antioxidants. Apples, berries, grapes, pomegranates are all great for your health.
• Exercise regularly – nothing like a good workout to get the blood pumping around in your body. Don’t overdo it but a regular regimen will work wonders.
• Keep calm – now this is crucial. Anger, stress, wild mood swings, hypertension are bad fro mental health. Meditate or practice deep breathing.
• Make sure you get regular medical checkups – Consult your doctor regularly about your health. No need to excessively worry about a small cold but consulting your doctor at timely intervals won’t hurt either.

Jobelyn – aids blood enhancing and blood cells production!

Health Forever Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

Learn More: www.health-forever.com

Call Toll Free: 1-888-328-5279

Blood - The vital life force!

The human body requires nourishment for healthy functioning. Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins all play an important role in providing this nourishment. And blood is the ultra effective medium that carries all these nourishing nutrients to all parts of the body. The adult human body contains approximately 5 liters of blood and makes up 7 to 8 percent of a person’s body weight.

Blood is the life fluid that delivers oxygen and essential nutrients to the body's cells and transports waste products away from those same cells. Blood vessels are intricate networks of hollow tubes that transport blood throughout the entire body. Blood constitutes blood cells and plasma.

Blood cells consist of red blood cells (RBC’s) and white blood cells (WBC’s). Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Healthy hemoglobin levels are essential for maintaining strength. Low hemoglobin levels reduce the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity resulting in tiredness and loss of energy. White blood cells help fight against infectious diseases, strengthening the immune system’s natural resistance.

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood which consists of electrolytes, nutrients, vitamins, hormones and proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin that help fight infection. Plasma is a crucial element of blood as it facilitates clotting, helping stop the blood flow during an accident or injury and thus preventing loss of blood.

Blood carries carbon dioxide and other waste materials to the kidneys, digestive system and the lungs for disposal. Blood plays an important role in regulating body temperature by distributing and disposing heat generated in the body.

As blood is responsible for nourishing and cleansing the body, the quality of blood is critical to good health. Having sufficient amounts of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid ensure that the bone marrow produces healthy blood cells. Strong blood cells and vessels with adequate antioxidant capacity help maintain regular cholesterol levels essential for heart health helping keep heart diseases such as heart attacks etc at bay. Healthy blood plays a key role in boosting the immune system to fight against invading diseases and viruses.

Healthy blood circulation ensures nourishment to the body, keeping it fit and strong, boosts stamina and energy levels as well as protects against infections and diseases.

Jobelyn Blood Enhancer

Health Forever Jobelyn Blood Enhancer is a powerful antioxidant which promotes blood cell production in the body. It stimulates red blood cell production, stimulates white blood cell protection, protects blood vessels, maintains blood cell and vessel flexibility for better circulation and is a powerful antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health.

Learn More: www.health-forever.com

Call Toll Free: 1-888-328-5279