Thus, the body has the genetic capacity to defend itself against viruses and bacterias, to cleanse itself of destructive toxins, to absorb and utilize nutrients for fuel, and to heal itself from practically any kind of damage or disease. It seems we have the ability, but are lacking the energy required to adequately protect, detoxify, and heal. New Discoveries in Glycobiology Healthy bodies, comprised of many components working together in sophisticated harmony, must have accurate biochemical communication to function correctly. When you look at any body function, it is clear they all require cellular communication . Some of the connections for the saccharides are to lipids forming glycolipids.
Cells actually touch each other to communicate reading each other s cell surface messages.
From the first meeting of sperm and egg, through embryo genesis, development and growth, carbohydrate molecules confer exquisite specificity upon cell-cell interactions. The body has the potential to convert glucose and galactose to the other six through enzyme exchanges. However, the conversion process requires considerable energy, and is susceptible to interference from certain disease processes, various medications and free radicals. Oxidative damage from free radicals can also cause destruction of existing glycoprotein structures, making it necessary to convert some sugars into others to repair the damage. Further validation of the essential nature of these carbohydrates can be found in an article about the immune-enhancing benefits of breastfeeding.