5 Early Signs of Hypothyroidism in Women
Your period is out of whack, and you just don’t feel like yourself. It’s hard to describe, and you aren’t even sure it’s anything to worry about. Could it be hypothyroidism? Here’s how to tell.
Stem Cells: Your Answer to the Aging Problem
No one has to tell you that as you age, your body inevitably goes through a series of changes that affect everything from your looks to your health.
Aging can present numerous challenges, from the slow degradation of your physical abilities to increased susceptibility to various diseases and conditions.
However, in the world of regenerative medicine, studies show that one potent tool holds great promise for combating these age-related concerns — stem cells.
Dr. James Lee at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care in Woodstock, Georgia, offers stem cell therapy to our patients who want to transform their skin and health from within.
As part of our comprehensive women’s health and men’s health services, stem cells address multiple common health issues. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting field of medicine.
What are stem cells?
To fully appreciate the potential of stem cells, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they differ from other cells in your body. Stem cells are unique because they possess two distinct characteristics not found in other cells: the abilities to self-renew and differentiate.
Self-renewal means that stem cells can divide and produce more stem cells. Differentiation, on the other hand, refers to the capability of these cells to develop into other types of cells in your body, whether they be heart muscle cells, brain cells, or even bone cells.
In essence, stem cells are like your body’s raw materials, from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated.
Your stem cells decline with age
As you age, the number of stem cells in your body decreases. This decline can contribute to the gradual breakdown of tissues and organs, leading to the physical declines often associated with aging.
When your body stops producing sufficient quantities of these vital cells, it compromises your regenerative capabilities, making a recovery from injury or illness more challenging. It also means your skin can’t resist gravity like it once could, so it begins to sag and wrinkle.
The power of stem cell regenerative medicine
This is where stem cell regenerative medicine comes in and focuses on replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs.
Stem cell therapy introduces new stem cells into your body, boosting your natural healing process. These new stem cells can come from your own body (autologous stem cells) or a donor (allogeneic stem cells).
Once introduced, stem cells help to regenerate damaged or aging tissues and slow down, halt, or even reverse some effects of aging.
From improving your heart function after a heart attack to enhancing the healing process in conditions like osteoarthritis, the potential applications of stem cell therapy are vast and varied.
The benefits of stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy has several benefits. It can:
- Offer a natural and potentially less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries
- Reduce recovery times after injuries
- Minimize pain and discomfort
- Reduce inflammation
- Decrease reliance on medications
Stem cell regenerative medicine also holds the promise of improving your quality of life and overall health.
The world of regenerative medicine is fast-evolving, and stem cells are at the forefront of this exciting field. To learn more, call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee, or book online at any time.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How to Combat Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
One minute, you’re fine; the next, you’re ripping off your sweater and opening all of the windows — what gives? Your sudden surges of internal heat are telltale signs of menopause. Here’s how to keep your cool.
What Is Hypertension and What Can I Do About It?
In many cases, hypertension doesn’t produce symptoms for a long time. However, persistent high blood pressure can have serious consequences. Find out more here about high blood pressure and how to prevent it.
When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain
Over 52 million Americans have arthritis, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s no big deal. Left unchecked, arthritis progresses and does irreversible damage to your joints. Here’s when to seek help.
Can You Grow Out of Allergies?
Allergies can be annoying inconveniences at best and life-threatening conditions at worst. Are you stuck with your allergies for life, or is there hope of them fading away? Here’s what you need to know about growing out of allergies.
The Importance of Weight Management for Long-Term Health
You know the downside of weight gain, but you may not realize the upside that comes with weight loss. Here are the lifelong health benefits you can look forward to when you start dropping pounds.