Amino information

Chemistry will tell you that an amino acid is any molecule that has both carboxylic acid and amino functional groups. They are the basic building units of a protein. In biochemistry, the shorter and more general term is used to refer to alpha amino acids. Those are amino acids wherein the amino and carboxylate functionalities are attached to a common carbon. Amino acids' residue is what's left of an amino acid once a water molecule has been lost in the formation of a peptide bond. Peptides are polymer chains which form the protien in our bodies.

Twenty amino acids will be encoded by the standard genetic code. These are called proteinogenic or standard <a href="http://www.allamino.com" target="blank">Amino</a> acids. More complicated ones are produced by our bodies, and are called nonstandard (these are not as common). Proline is the only proteinogenic amino acid, whose side group links to the a-amino group and is cyclic. This forms a secondary amino group. Before, proline was called "imino", which was misleading and was changed. Protiens contain other amino acids which are usually formed by post-translational modification (modifications AFTER translation). These modifications are essential for the function of protein. At least two amino acids, other than the standard 20, are sometimes incorporated into proteins during the translation process.

Even though only 20 amino acids are genetically encoded, over one hundred have been found in nature. Some of these have been seen in meteorites, especially in a type called carbonaceous chondrites. Microorganisms and plants can often produce somewhat uncommon amino acids, which are located in peptidic antibiotics. Lanthionine is a sulfide-bridged alanine dimer found along with unsaturated amino acids in "lantibiotics", which are antibiotic peptides of microbial origin.

As well as protein synthesis, amino acids have some other biologically important jobs. Glycine, and glutamate, are used as neurotransmitters as well as standard amino acids in proteins. Many amino acids take on the role of synthesizing other molecules, such as tryptophan, which is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and glycine, one of the few reactants in the synthesis of porphyrins such as heme. Heme is in "hemoglobin", which is also important in the makeup of protein. Numerous, non-standard amino acids, are biologically important: "GABA",another neurotransmitter, carnitine, which is used in lipid transport within the cell, citrulline, ornithine, hydroxyproline, hydroxylysine, homocysteine, and sarcosine.


Tags: amino, amino acid, essential amino acid, amino acid supplement, amino max, amino vital, amino acid structure, 20 amino acid, amino sculpt, branched chain amino acid, amino fuel

Am I A Good Lasik Candidate?

LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person's dependency on glasses or contact lenses. The goal of this Web site is to provide objective information to the public about LASIK surgery.

Eye Examination

A complete eye examination will be done before surgery to make sure your eyes are healthy. Once this is determined, the doctor will measure the curve of the cornea and the size and position of the pupils, the shape of the eyes (making sure there are no irregularities that would prevent LASIK as an option), and the thickness of the cornea (making sure there will be enough tissue left, once the cornea is cut and reshaped).

A signed informed consent form is needed before the procedure, confirming knowledge of the risks, benefits, alternative options, and possible complications.

Am I a Good Lasik Candidate?

A large percentage of nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatic patients are potential candidates for LASIK. Patients who are 18 years of age or older, have healthy eyes that are free from retinal problems, corneal scars, and any eye disease are suitable. Along with being medically suitable, the best candidates are people with a lifestyle or occupation in which they are dissatisfied with their contact lenses or glasses. By having an evaluation, examination, and consultation with you, the doctor will be able to determine if you are a good lasik candidate.

Only after a comprehensive examination and consultation can you really be sure you are a good candidate for LASIK Laser Eye Surgery or Custom LASIK Eye Surgery.

How Soon After LASIK Can I Exercise?

Non-contact sports can be resumed as soon as you feel capable. Eye protection is always recommended for racquet sports or rough sports where there is a risk of being hit in the eye.

We urge you to find out more about Lasik Eye surgery and find out how it can benefit you today!


Tags: Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, eye, eye surgery, lasik, lasic, vision, perfect vision, eye exercise, short si

Alzheimers; The Causes And Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is mainly a brain disorder that involves the deterioration of mental functions. This illness mainly results from the gradual shrinking of brain tissues. This type of brain disorder is also known as dementia or diffuse -brain- atrophy.

ท The Causes and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

The actual cause of the disease is still unknown but several factors are believed to be responsible in the development of the brain disorder. The lack of neurochemical factors in the nerve cells is also one of the probable causes of this disease.

The genetics and aging problems are considered to be the main causes of Alzheimer's disease. There are approximately nine out of ten thousand people affected with this malady and it is more often in women than in men. The disease primarily occurs in older people over the age of 65. However, there is very little chance for developing Alzheimer's disease through inherited mutated genes.

The most common symptoms of the Alzheimer's are as follows:

Impaired memory and thinking: The person feels difficulty in remembering very common things like his personal information, such as his place of birth or his occupation.

Difficulty in performing familiar tasks: The person with Alzheimer's disease feels to have difficulty in performing his daily tasks i.e. eating, dressing, showering etc. A person who prepares a meal may forget to serve it or even can't remember whether he has prepared it.

Problems with communication: The person gradually feels difficulty in recalling words or understanding the meanings of common words.

Disorientation and confusion: Patients may get lost in his own familiar place. Recognizing familiar places and situations becomes impossible for them. They even can't understand simple commands or follow directions.

Poor and decreased judgment: The person feels difficulty in taking decisions. As the people affected are always in their own state of mind so they may also leave the house on a cold day without any winter garment or they may even go to the market wearing pajamas.

Misplacing and messing up with things: The person affected with A.D. usually forgets where he has kept his daily used things, such as glasses, keys, etc. The person may also mess up with things, such as breaking glasses, damaging house hold goods, etc.

Changes in behavior and personality: Patients have the tendency to swing their moods rapidly. The patients may even feel dramatic changes in their personality and can become fearful, angry, quiet, etc.

Become passive and lose interest: People generally tend to become passive and show no interest in their usual activities. Extra encouragement is required to make them become active.

Problems with abstract thinking: The person with Alzheimer's disease loves to spend lots of time alone in some lonely place and shows less interest in interacting with other members of the family. They sometimes show symptoms of abstract thinking and also even feel difficulty in recognizing numbers or understanding what to do with them.


Tags: alzeimers, alzheimers disease, alzheimers symptom, alzeimers cause

Aloe Vera Remedies

Aloe Vera has proven to be very effective in healing skin problems such as minor burns, and scratches. But unknown to many, it has been recently discovered that it is very useful in oral care as well.

Aloe Vera aids in the healing of gum problems. Gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis can be treated easily with this herb. Gingivitis caused by bacteria building up between the teeth and gums that cause inflammation and bleeding. It has been proven that Aloe Vera greatly reduces the instances of gum bleeding. With it soothing and healing properties, gums tend to stop the restored to health faster.

Periodontitis is the advanced case of gingivitis. Tooth loss apparent if you have periodontitis. Aloe Vera reduces the swelling of the gums, and the soft tissues in it. Once swelling is reduced, bleeding stops.

Aloe Vera is also known to have antifungal benefits. It prevents denture stomatitis, which is the redness and soreness of the mucous membranes covered permanently by a denture. Not only the teeth but also the mouth is a subject of fungal infections. The cracked corners of the mouths are prone to fungus. With the application of Aloe Vera, fungal growth is prevented.

Aloe Vera also promotes the healing of tooth cavities when placed inside extraction sockets. The gums are almost like the skin, only tenderer. Just like the way aloe helps in treating a wound, it also would in gum abrasions.

Another application would be in root canals as sedative dressing and as file lubricant. The nerve ends in a root canal are very sensitive. Aloe Vera greatly helps to lessen its sensitivity.

Aside from these applications, Aloe Vera is added to toothpaste. It is know to be a whitening agent for the teeth. It is also rich in Vitamin K and provides natural protection for those susceptible teeth and gums.

Dentists and doctors alike have come up with an Aloe Vera activator spray, which is good for certain throat infections. This herb has the capacity to prevent not only fungal but viral infections as well. The same spray is also being used to ease the painful growth of a wisdom tooth and the joint pains that is associated with it.

Aloe Vera is not only for topical applications. It can be drank or ingested. Several pills and juice drinks are being manufactured as dental medicines to promote the healing of dental surgery patients and other similar instances.

Aloe Vera has found its way through dentistry and soon enough, all other fields will be able to find uses for it in more ways than one. Researchers have been working overtime to fully maximize the healing benefits of Aloe Vera. This herb has been tagged as nature’s well-kept secret because its abundance of application has yet to be discovered.

We all should benefit from an Aloe Vera. It’s an all around wonder for the body. It pampers the skin, the hair, and now, the teeth. Aloe Vera has to be enthroned, as nature’s most valuable gift to man as well.


Tags: aloe, vera, health, skin, remedy, care

Aloe Vera - The Ancient Healing Plant

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant resembling a cactus but is in fact a member of the lily family. Its medical benefits have been recorded as long ago as 2,200 BC. The clear aloe gel that is found in the leaves is used for external applications and the base of the dried leaf has a yellow sap that is known as bitter aloes. This is taken internally for many ailments.

Where did this plant come from? It seems to have had its beginnings in the eastern and southern regions of Africa. Travelers soon came to know of its valuable healing properties and carried it with them. They brought it to many corners of the world. Now you can find it almost everywhere you go. It can be grown outside in warmer climates or even kept as a houseplant. It is very tolerant of droughts but cannot take too much water or cold.

Aloe Vera is used for a wide variety of medical ailments and recent research has even uncovered its benefits when treating HIV. It is commonly used in the cosmetic industry for skin conditions and beauty products.

Many people use it as a topical application for its healing properties. It seals the damaged skin with a protective coat and speeds up healing by stimulating the immune system with Aloectin.

For many years protein was considered by scientists to be the main factor the body needs to repair itself. However now research has shown that carbohydrates play a key role in the process. Carbohydrates are the most complex biomolecules and it is possible due to this reason carbohydrate beneficial properties were not discovered.

Ambrotose is a carbohydrate derivative of Aloe Vera and other plants. When taken as a supplement has many of the healing properties of this medicine plant. Like the Aloe Vera it uses carbohydrates to heal your body. The substances in Ambrotose are known collectively as glyconutrients and it is these elements that make Ambrotose work.

Ambrotose helps your body to heal itself. It is able to provide in pre-packaged form all the essential sugars your body needs, without your body having to manufacture them. It aids in digestion and helps to improve your overall health.

Note: Glyconutrients are not intended to heal, treat, or cure any disease.


Tags: glyconutrients

Allergy Relief – A Lease Of Life

Allergies despite not being diseases can severely affect your health for weeks. As allergy is defined as hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms vary greatly in intensity with types of allergies.

Before we get on with exploring available allergy relief, it becomes important to know the types of allergies that commonly affect us.

Types of Allergies

Broadly speaking, there are only three types of allergies, which affect us commonly. These include:

ท Food allergies – Adults are mainly vulnerable to shellfish including crayfish, shrimp, and lobster; sometimes eating peanuts which manifest in the form of severe anaphylaxis (sudden drop of blood pressure,) which if not taken care off, could lead to loss of life. Adults can’t get rid of allergies. Children are differently affected by food and eggs, milk and chocolates are the common allergens that affect them.

ท Inhalant allergies – Pets, dust mites, outdoor air pollutants like pollens are the chief allergens. Formaldehydes, molds, occupational allergies etc fall under this category. The most common manifestation is bronchitis and asthma. Symptoms include inflammation, sputum secretion and contraction of respiratory system resulting in loss of breath.

ท Contact allergies – Chemicals and fumes, insect bites, allergic contact eczema, leather are the triggers. Symptoms include redness, itchy, deep blisters, scaly patches and weepy skin.

Allergy Relief

Allergy relief is both by preventive and medication methods. Of course one finds resorting to medication provides fast relief but preventive relief is always a preferred choice.

Preventive Allergy Relief

Parents of allergic children and adult allergic patients must find out the allergens that trigger the symptoms. Physicians can guide you locate them exactly. Preventing the allergens like foods for which you have a fetish can be too tough in comparison to avoiding dust which is to bronchitis.

Here are some useful quick tips

Food allergies

ท Medical examination is critical for pinpointing the exact allergen
ท Maintain a diary of eating habits and your symptoms
ท Get clarified what food intolerances and poisoning are to avoid problems
ท Scrutinize food ingredients’ labels before using

Inhalant allergies

ท Avoid or minimize carpets and upholstered furnitures
ท Keep home neat and tidy to avoid dust; a vacuum cleaner helps best
ท Woolen blankets, pets, window grills, slots and cluttered corners are dust attractants take good care of them
ท Using damp mops to floor cleaning prevents dust from flying
ท Use air purifiers like HEPA filters, germicidal UV lights, activated carbon or electrostatic air filters which remove allergens to a finest degree.

Medication for allergy relief must be administered by doctors depending on the severity of symptoms.


Tags: food allergy, allergy, allergy treatment

Allergies Causes & Treatments

There are many causes of allergies. Some people are allergic to foods such as nuts, chocolate, and shellfish, some to medicines. Some suffer from allergies to animal dander such as cats, some from seasonal allergies such as pollen in the springtime or ragweed in the late summer and fall. Some allergies bring on contact dermatitis in the form of hives or eczema.

The one thing all these allergies have in common is that there is no cure for any of them. Aside from allergies that are severe or bothersome enough to warrant allergy shots (immunotherapy) most people treat their allergy symptoms as they develop with over the counter antihistamines and decongestants.

75% of Americans who suffer from allergies are allergic to ragweed. Ragweed is the late summer early fall equivalent of springtime allergies, both are brought on by pollination of flowers. Most medical professionals suggest an over the counter decongestant or antihistamine to treat the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies.

15% of Americans suffer from allergies to cats and/or dogs. There are ways to lessen the symptoms. Keep animals off of beds or any upholstered furniture as dander (the actual allergen from the skin of animals) can be transferred this way. Room purifiers will help remove the airborne dander. If possible remove any wall to wall carpeting. Linoleum, ceramic tile or wood flooring are best in a home with an allergy or asthma sufferer. A vacuum with a HEPA filer will help to further trap dander in carpeting. Pets can be washed weekly with shampoo formulated to remove dander.

It is said that 11 million Americans suffer from some type of food allergy. The symptoms of food allergy range from tingling in the mouth to swelling of the tongue and throat to more severe reactions that can actually result in death.

In the case of a food allergy it is best to have allergy testing performed by a professional. Some with food allergies suffer the risk of an unbalanced diet due to the need to avoid certain types of food. It is suggested that working with a nutritionist to create a sound and healthy diet is best. Some childhood food allergies go away with age. However, allergies to peanuts, fish, shellfish and nuts are considered lifetime allergies.

Skin allergies, or contact dermatitis is generally avoided by avoiding the allergen. Contact dermatitis can be caused by many different things and can be related to seasonal pollen allergy, animal allergy or food allergies. Most outbreaks of contact dermatitis result in skin outbreaks and hives which can be treated with over the counter antihistamines and topical creams.

All About The Goji Berry

Goji Berries have been used since ancient times in Chinese medicine. They come from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and are so highly regarded by these people that they hold a 2 week festival in honor of this nutritious berry. Goji berries have only been recently introduced to the West and we are just now learning of its highly beneficial properties.

The Goji Berry is renown for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, all of which provide great benefits to your health.

In appearance it is a scarlet berry looking similar to the raisin (when dried). It has a mild sweet flavor not unlike a cross between a raisin and a cranberry. It is chewy in consistency. Because the berries are so delicate, they are shaken from the plant onto mats rather than picked, to avoid spoilage. They are then dried slowly in the shade.

These humble berries have now become popular health food in the western world as well as the eastern world. This is in part due to their reputation as an anti-aging medicine. Goji Berries have some of the highest amounts of antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C of all foods.

One of the best and easiest ways to enjoy the health benefits of goji is with a quality goji juice product. The therapeutic dose is 1-4 ounces a day. As the berries are fairly new to the Europe and the USA scientists are still discovering the amazing properties of these little fruits.

There have been dozens of scientific studies done on the health benefits of the goji berry, and many more studies are continuing to be done. We can expect to hear more about this amazing little berry from the mountains of Tibet in the near future as Scientists discover more of its powerful nutritional and health giving properties.


Tags: goji, goji berry, goji berries, goji juice