(Part I)
It’s the latest medical and cosmetic breakthrough that carries the promise of longevity, vitality and beauty. Could this be the proverbial fountain of youth?
In his book “Cracking the Stem Cell Code,” Christian Drapeau, MSc, sheds light on the science and history behind stem cells.
Beginnings
The discovery of stem cells was gradual. It evolved over a period of time, from 1670 when Antonie van Leeuwenhoek developed the microscope and described cells floating in the bloodstream to Artur Pappenheim, who traced the blood cells location in the bone marrow. But it wasn’t until 1909 when Alexander Maximov suggested the actual concept of a “stem cell.”
The idea was met with skepticism. And it would take more than 50 years before the concept would reemerge, let alone be accepted.
In the ’60s, the existence of a stem cell as the precursor of all blood cells was recognized. Then in 1984 came the discovery of CD34, a stem-cell-specific marker which could isolate stem cells from the bloodstream.
Early notable luminaries in the field of stem cells include William Hewson, Franz Neumann, Julius Cohnheim and Paul Ehrlich.
Lifesaver
Near tragedies, present opportunities. In the case of a 1958 nuclear-reactor leak at the Boris Kidrich Institute in Yugoslavia, where six persons were exposed to radiation, stem cells came to the rescue.
Exposure to radiation killed one person and placed the rest in critical condition. The radiation had killed their blood cells. Through several blood transfusions, reconstitutions of blood cells was accomplished.
Thus, Maximov’s hypothesis was revived—that blood contained stem cells.
Healing system
Since the day we were born, it has been the role of stem cells from the bone marrow or adult stem cells to migrate to organs and tissues of the body in need of repair.
It is our remarkable built-in repair shop. And this natural phenomenon is taking place every minute of the day.
Here are the amazing truths:
- A stem cell is a cell which has the unique capacity to replicate itself and become specialized cell types. It can morph into whatever type of cell needed at any given time or site. Example: If a patient undergoes open-heart surgery, adult stem cells can be injected directly to the heart.
- There are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
- The important parameter is this: the more stems cells circulating in the blood, the bigger the strength of your army for tissue repair.
- Low levels of stem cells have been linked to kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, diabetes and rheumatism.
- The new preventive measure versus disease is to increase the number of stem cells circulating in the blood.
- Adult stem cells have the ability to become brain, heart, muscle and liver cells, contrary to early belief.
- Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are extracted five to 10 days from the embryo called the blastula, which exists only in the early embryo. Isolated and grown in vitro, ESC can become specific cells of various organs which are injected directly to the tissue in order to regenerate that specific tissue/organ. ESC includes placenta and umbilical cord stem cells.
- Bone marrow stem cells are produced by the red marrow present in the ribs, vertebrae, pelvic bones and the skull. There are an estimated 125 million stem cells in the bone marrow and 10 million in the blood. And this supply is available at any time.
- Women generally release more stem cells than men.
- Younger individuals are able to mobilize stem cells more than older individuals. This explains why there is more red marrow in the young. As one ages, the red marrow turns to yellow marrow.
- Lifestyle can positively or negatively affect stem cell movement and proliferation. Example: It is a known fact that sound sleep and adequate physical rest are essential to good health. Lack of sleep causes fatigue, which leads to all sorts of health problems.
The human body does not recuperate well without adequate sleep. A recent study shows that during sleep, the hormone melatonin is produced, which enhances the proliferation of neural stem cells. The conclusion: Sound sleep appears to support the body’s ability to heal and repair the nervous system.
Also, nutritional factors—consuming green tea, including catechin, carnosine and vitamin D3 as supplements—are helpful. These support the proliferation of stem cells.
It was also observed that other factors such as stress and anxiety can adversely affect stem cells.
This strongly validates the belief that the mind and body are inextricably connected.
RX: 1) Mind your mood. 2) Manage your emotions. 3) Get enough sleep.
Affirm today: “I am perfection in progress.”
Love and light!
Visit www.christiandrapeau.com