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Quest Vitamins LTD,
8 Venture Way,
Aston Science Park,
Birmingham,
B7 4AP.

Tel: 0121 359 0056
Fax: 0121 359 0313
Email: info@questvitamins.co.uk
Registered in England No. 2530437

Circulation - Heart, Blood, Lymph and Exercise

HEART

The heart is a powerful muscle that receives used, de-oxygenated blood from around the body and returns it to the lungs for oxygenation via the system of veins and the pulmonary artery (carries de-oxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs). Used blood returns to the lungs for re-oxygenation via the right-side
of the heart.

The more powerful left half of the heart receives freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs which it pumps through the arteries and arterioles to the furthest parts of the body. When the heart ventricles are contracted the
action is known as 'systolic' and when relaxed it is called 'diastolic'. The power of the heart beat is strong enough to force blood through the narrow blood vessels and fine capillaries to all parts of the body from the brain to the toes.

The heart is very susceptible to premature ageing and the circulatory system to oxidative stress. Research has clearly documented the role of free radical damage (oxidation) in the progression of many degenerative diseases, particularly heart disease.  Oxidation, free radical activity and oxidative stress often sound like someone
else's problem. However, if there aren't enough antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C, E, Co Q 10 and the minerals selenium, zinc, manganese and copper coming into the body from a healthy diet, then the oils and fats in the cell membranes begin to oxidise and deteriorate. This could be compared to a bottle of oil going rancid. The result is premature ageing of cells, not just in the skin as wrinkles, but weakening of muscle power and structure of bones.

HOMOCYSTEINE

One of the biggest factors affecting the heart and other major body systems is high levels of homocysteine in the blood. An important part of protein in many foods, it is essential that the diet provides methionine, as the body cannot make it. B vitamins are involved in the conversion process of methionine to cysteine and
to other amino acids important to the body. The body produces homocysteine naturally as a by-product of methionine producing other useful components for use in the brain and body, including the antioxidant glutathione.

However, a faulty DNA pattern or lack of B vitamins in the diet (B2, B6, B12 or folic acid) will reduce the body's ability to convert homocysteine further. If homocysteine accumulatesin the bloodstream, the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems is increased. However, high homocysteine levels are reversible. The metabolism
of homocysteine depends on enzyme function, lifestyle choices, nutrition status and kidney function.

BLOOD

Blood is circulated around the body by the pumping action of the heart via two systems - pulmonary and systemic.
Pulmonary supplies the lungs and systemic supplies the rest of the body.

Typically, half the volume of the constituents of blood is blood cells. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen bound to the iron- c ontaining pigment haemoglobin; white blood cells (leucocytes) that are needed when there is an infection; and platelets that start the blood-clotting process if a cut or wound occur.

The remaining volume is plasma - the watery substance containing sugars, fats, salts, vitamins, minerals, hormones, dissolved p roteins and the cholesterol carrying lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins (HDLs), low density lipoproteins (LDLs) and others.

Blood carries oxygen and other nutrients including clotting factors around the body to nourish the cells of all body tissues. Blood also carries unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products to the lungs for elimination. Approximately
8% of body weight is blood. Exercise is vital for efficient circulation and health of the cardio-vascular system.

LYMPH

Lymph is a clear transparent liquid consisting of 95% water. It is the fluid found in the lymphatic system and between cells in the body tissues. Lymph contains fats, protein, glucose and salts with white blood cells (mainly lymphocytes) and clotting factors similar to blood but without the platelets.

The lymphatic system is involved in the absorption of dietary fat from the digestive tract. The 'end products' of digested fats enter the lymphatic system in packages made by cells that line the digestive tract as they are too big to enter the blood capillaries. Unlike blood, movement of lymph relies on exercise, that is - the action of muscles of the skeletal system; walking is a good example. Lymphatic vessels drain waste products from body tissues; they are parallel to veins and arteries. Exercise is crucial for the circulation of lymph.2 Good circulation promotes...good health.

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