Smita Diwan
Stem cell therapy is slowly becoming the choice of treatment these days. So, why has stem cell therapy become the latest fad? Especially with celebs endorsing and swearing by the beautiful effects it may have on skin regeneration and restoration of hair health, how affordable is it? Will it benefit me? Can I use it for any other health condition? To answer these questions, we need to improve our understanding of stem cells?
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-red” ]1.[/highlight] [highlight highlightColor=”highlight-teal” ]So then..what are stem cells?[/highlight]
Stem cells are primary cells which have not yet evolved with a specialised function. They are the primary cells which can later differentiate into specialised cells that have specialised functions.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-red” ]2.[/highlight] [highlight highlightColor=”highlight-teal” ]What are the different types of stem cells then?[/highlight]
Well, stem cells originate from different location in our body. Also, they could be formed at different times in our life. For example, embryonic stem cells (cells formed during development of fetus) are only found during the growth and development of the fetus and can be isolated from the amniotic fluid or the umbilical cord. Other sites for extraction of stem cells include the bone marrow, blood and lipid tissues.
The use of these stem cells would vary based on the location from which they are isolated. For example, neural stem cells would replicate and produce brain cells. One should be vary of clinics that claim to provide stem cell treatment that has stem cells obtained from a part of the body that is different from the site being treated.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-red” ]3. [/highlight] [highlight highlightColor=”highlight-teal” ]How does stem cell therapy work?[/highlight]
Presently, a single stem cell treatment can’t treat a variety of ailments. Stem cells (especially those isolated from the umbilical cord) need to be cultured and the subject to the right condition to produce specialised cells. Failure to do so could otherwise result in tumour formation.
Presently, blood stem cell therapy is the treatment of choice for treating ailments related to the immune system and specific types of supportive cancer therapy. Also, certain skin grafts can also be treated with stem cells which are obtained from relevant sites.
[highlight highlightColor=”highlight-red” ]4. [/highlight] [highlight highlightColor=”highlight-teal” ]What is the cost of stem cell treatment in India?[/highlight]
Against popular views, the cost of stem cell treatment is not too much. Treatment costs would vary based on the location and the extent of stem cell therapy needed. Lots of famous hospitals these days offer stem cell therapy. One needs to choose a good and well known hospital to get stem cell treatment done. Stem cells are used in the treatment of Leukemia (blood cancer), Thalassemia (destruction of red blood cells), anemia, paralysis, etc.
Stem cell therapy is normally viewed today as the last resort when all possible conventional forms of treatment fail. However, this view is slowly shifting with more and more people endorsing it. There is still a lot of research going on stem cells. Remember, before opting for stem cell therapy; always look out for a genuine hospital or reputed treatment centre.
Hope you liked this little piece of info….Till then take care and live well!
