- HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE -
BLOOD
Blood is the vital fluid that circulates through the cardiovascular system, delivering nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products to and from cells throughout the body. It is composed of cells suspended in a fluid matrix called plasma.
Blood has two main components:
1. Plasma (about 55%)
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood (pale yellow), composing of:
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Water (~90%)
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Proteins (albumin, globulins, fibrinogen)
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Electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, etc.)
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Hormones
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Glucose
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Waste products (urea, creatinine)
The functions of plasma include:
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Transporting nutrients, hormones, and waste
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Maintaining blood pressure and volume
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Serving as a medium for chemical reactions
2. Formed Elements (about 45%)
These are the cellular components of blood:
a) Red Blood Cells (RBCs or Erythrocytes)
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Most abundant (~4.5–6 million per μL of blood)
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Biconcave, disc-shaped cells without nuclei
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Contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and carbon dioxide
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Produced in bone marrow
Function: Transport oxygen from lungs to tissues and return carbon dioxide to the lungs for exhalation.
b) White Blood Cells (WBCs or Leukocytes)
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5,000–10,000 per μL of blood
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Nucleated cells involved in immune defense
Types include:
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Neutrophils (most common; fight bacteria)
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Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells — immune regulation and antibody production)
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Monocytes (become macrophages)
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Eosinophils (respond to allergens and parasites)
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Basophils (involved in allergic responses)
Function: Defend the body against infections, cancer cells, and foreign substances.
c) Platelets (Thrombocytes)
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Small, disc-shaped cell fragments (150,000–400,000 per μL)
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Not true cells; derived from megakaryocytes in bone marrow
Function: Essential for blood clotting (hemostasis) by forming plugs in vessel injuries and releasing clotting factors.
Based on antigens on the surface of RBCs, the main blood group systems are:
ABO System
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A, B, AB, O types
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Determined by the presence or absence of A and B antigens
Rh Factor
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Positive (+) or Negative (−) depending on presence of Rh(D) antigen
ESSENTIAL MINERALS FOR BLOOD HEALTH
Good blood health is crucial for overall well-being, and several minerals play key roles in maintaining healthy blood and supporting various blood functions.
IRON
Iron is critical for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough iron, you may develop iron-deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
COPPER
Copper helps in iron absorption and transport by enabling the activity of seruplasmin, a protein that oxidizes iron to a form that can be bound to transferrin. Copper is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, and supports the production of red & white blood cells, and helps maintain blood vessel health. Without copper, your body cannot efficiently use iron, regardless of how much iron supplements you take.
MAGNESIUM
Magnesium supports the function of red blood cells, modulates platelet aggregation,helps with the formation of hemoglobin, and contributes to the proper function of blood vessels and the heart. It also helps regulate blood pressure, and prevents clotting disorders.
ZINC
Zinc is important for immune function and also plays a role in the production of white blood cells. It's involved in DNA synthesis and helps in wound healing, which is important for blood health.
SODIUM
Sodium helps maintain blood volume and blood pressure. It works with potassium to balance fluid levels and support proper nerve and muscle function.
POTASSIUM
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium in the body and supporting proper muscle function, including the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Potassium also helps maintain blood ph and proper electric conduction in heart and muscle cells.
SELENIUM
Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, and enxyme that protects red blood cells from oxidative damage. Selenium also plays a role in maintaining immune function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
MANGANESE
Manganese is involved in the formation of red blood cells and the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It also supports antioxidant systems in the body that help protect red blood cells from oxidative damage.
PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but it also plays a role in the formation of ATP (energy) in red blood cells, and helps maintain the acid-base balance in the blood.
CALCIUM
Calcium is critical for the coagulation cascade (blood clotting), and helps vascular tone and normal heart rythmn. It also supports healthy blood vessel function, ensures proper blood clotting, and plays a role in muscle contraction and nerve function.