There’s something inside all of us. A hidden power. A part of us, throughout us, that also has the amazing ability to heal us. It’s always been there, but now science is unlocking its full potential. It can repair our tissues and organs. It can give us a new lease on life.
We’re talking about the stem cell. If you’re not familiar with the concept of stem cells, that’s okay. But until you are, you’ll be missing out on a potentially world-changing medical marvel.
Curious? Doubtful? Don’t believe the hype? Let’s uncover how stem cells are being used to truly revolutionize health and wellness today.
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What Are Blood Stem Cells?
Blood stem cells are just one type of stem cell, an immature cell that can turn into virtually any other cell and help the body repair and rejuvenate. In fact, stem cells can produce all kinds of blood, bone, and muscle cells. The embryonic stem cell, for instance, can become any type of cell. Other stem cells possess a lesser ability, but are still incredibly useful.
Where Are Blood Stem Cells Found?
Stem cells aren’t just found in the blood. They’re found everywhere, from your muscles and skin to your heart, brain, and bone marrow. Blood stem cells are less prevalent than the other forms. To retrieve them from the blood, a machine is used to draw and filter.
The processes for obtaining the various stem cells vary, but one thing remains the same: their critical qualities.
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What this means is that every stem cell’s ‘power’ stems from several factors.
These include:
- Age
- Purity
- Volume
- Extraction Process
- Effectiveness
Overall, the process of using stem cells – whether from the blood, fat tissue, or anywhere else – depends on what is called the transplant.
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Using Blood Stem Cells
When it comes to so-called blood stem cell transplants, there are several types of stem cells. Some come from the umbilical cord and placenta, from the bone marrow, and from the bloodstream. While ethical issues exist around using many of these, the benefits of blood cell transplants are hard to dispute.
Specifically, blood stem cells can create red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Together, these items carry great value to not only your general health but also specific aspects of your health. With red blood cells, you’re able to optimize your energy. This happens because red blood cells are necessary to transport oxygen.
With white blood cells, your immune system can function well. And finally, with platelets, your body can respond to clotting issues and properly repair itself.
Types of Blood Stem Cell Transplants
There are essentially three types of blood stem cell transplants and stem cell transplants in general. You have transplants utilizing cells from the patient, from a donor, or an identical twin. Those who need blood stem cells the most are people with autoimmune problems, especially those that affect the volume of the blood.
In some cases, people are lacking blood cells. In other cases, they have too many, and in some cases still, their blood cells don’t function properly.
All of these conditions may make an individual a perfect candidate for blood stem cell transplants. And as the future unveils, and science continues to elevate, the possibilities will only grow.
Just think of all the ways stem cells could improve health.
One day, presumably, we won’t even need to have surgeries as we do today. It will just be a matter of infusing stem cells and letting them unleash their healing potential. Of course, safety and effectiveness are always concern number one.
While the future is promising, it’s important that we don’t rush too fast or make too many assumptions too early. With that said, the horizon is looking brighter than ever.
