THE NSP CLASSROOM: PART 1

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE CELL
by Sarah Eliason, Health Sciences & Educational Services Dept.
Published in Sunshine Horizons Magazine, Vol. 32, No. 1, January 2007

The cell is often called "the building block of life." Our bodies are made up of many cells working together to sustain life. In fact, the body contains 100 trillion cells or more. By becoming familiar with the basic structure and function of the human cell, we can better understand how nutritional supplements provide health benefits on a cellular level.

In order to survive, a cell needs to carry out numerous functions. Inside each cell, specialized structures called organelles serve specific functions. The many cell duties are divided among the different organelles; these organelles collectively work to complete the tasks required of the cell.

Every cell is enclosed by a membrane, which is made of phospholipids and includes proteins, lipids and glycoconjugates (glycoproteins and glycolipids). The membrane diligently controls what enters and exits the cell. Glycoconjugates on the cell surface act as signaling messengers, playing a role in cell-to-cell communication.

Organelles within the cell include:


The nucleus is the control center. DNA is found within the nucleus and contains the blueprints necessary for the building of proteins and enzymes. This molecule of heredity is responsibility for passing genetic information on from one generation to the next.

Ribosomes are protein-producing machines responsible for processing the genetic instructions carried by a modified copy of DNA. The ribosomes work to translate a specific genetic sequence into a specific amino acid sequence that makes up a protein.

Mitochondria provide the energy a cell needs to function - they are the power centers of the cell. Mitochondria convert food into ATP, the primary energy source for the cell.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has two forms: rough ER, which has ribosomes on the surface, and smooth ER, which lacks them. Both types of ER compartmentalize and transport molecules. The rough ER exports proteins from the cell made by its ribosomes. The smooth ER plays important roles in synthesis of molecules and in detoxification.

The golgi apparatus acts as a central delivery system for the cell. It is a site for protein modification, packaging and transport.

Lysosomes and peroxisomes could be called the garbage disposal system of a cell as they play important roles in cellular digestion. Inside these organelles digestive enzymes break down various compounds.

A variety of factors affect the cell membrane's ability to maintain its integrity and function:

• Increased lipid peroxidation. Free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in our cell membranes, causing cell damage. Inflammatory conditions, weakened immune system, daily stresses and environmental toxins create more damaging free radicals. Unchecked, this can lead to complete loss of cell membrane integrity.


• Changes in cell membrane composition. Aged and unhealthy cells contain fewer unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in less fluid membranes with decreased transport capacities.


• Impaired cell-to-cell communication. Without healthy cell surface glycoproteins, tasks of building enzymes, hormones, immunoglobulins and antibodies may be impaired.

Support a Healthy Cell Membrane

1. Glyco Essentials provides eight special sugars that support the production of the cell membrane's glycoconjugates, aiding in healthy cell-to-cell communication.


2. Lecithin provides choline, which is found in healthy cell membranes; it helps basic signaling processes within the cell.


3. Super Omega-3 EPA provides fatty acids to support cell membrane structure, integrity and fluidity.


4. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, is found embedded in the cell membrane. It protects lipids in the cell membrane from free radical damage.
   

Free radicals can accumulate in the body and damage the structure of DNA in the cell's nucleus.

This leads to decreased cellular function and ultimately decreased functioning of entire body systems. Free radicals DNA damage is implicated in aging, immune dysfunction and abnormal cell growth.

Support and Protect DNA in the Cell's Nucleus

1. Cellular Build provides the body with nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. DNA multiplication and repair requires millions of nucleotides.
2. Indole-2-Carbinol is a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy DNA.
3. Thai-Go® contains antioxidant flavonoids to combat oxidative stress and damage to DNA.
4. SOD with Gliadin is a natural defense against free radical damage to DNA. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme produced by the body; levels of SOD decrease with age.
5. N-Acetyl Cysteine is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body's most powerful antioxidants. It protects healthy cellular DNA from free radical damage.

A key to aging may be contained in a cell's mitochondria.




Mutations in mitochondrial DNA cause several changes associated with aging. Damage to the mitochondria that occurs with aging may contribute to:

• Decreased energy production
• Decreased cognitive function
• Decreased antioxidant availability
• Interference with inflammatory response

Support Optimal Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Longevity

1. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a "universal antioxidant" that helps reverse age-related decline in mitochondrial function.
   
2. L-Carnitine promotes mitochondrial activity and metabolism. It is needed to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.


3. IF Relief promotes soothing relief, antioxidant protection and energy production.
   

Support your cellular health with these great NSP supplements. Just click on the highlighted links above to order the products you would like to try. Email me for help herbsplus@mynsp.com or call me 704-588-7638 Karen.