Answer to Question 1
The body's immune function can sometimes create problems. Exaggerated or inappropriate immune reactions, referred to as hypersensitivity, can lead to discomfort or illness. Allergy is an example of an exaggerated response to an allergen, a harmless protein fragment that may be eaten or inhaled. As another example, the immune complexes formed from antigens and antibodies can cause damage to tissues if not readily cleared by phagocytes. Autoimmune diseases, including such familiar diseases as type 1 diabetes mellitus and pernicious anemia, develop when immune responses are mounted against the body's own cells. Although the effects of the immune system are lifesaving when directed at harmful pathogens, they can be life-threatening when turned against the body.
Answer to Question 2
When shopping for grain products, you will find them described as refined, enriched, or whole grain. These terms refer to the milling process and the making of grain products, and they have different nutrition implications. Refined grains have lost many nutrients during processing; enriched grains have had some nutrients added back; and whole-grain products have all the nutrients and fiber found in the original grain. Products described as multi-grain, stone-ground, or 100 wheat are usually not whole-grain products. Brown color is also not a useful hint, but fiber content often is.
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