Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to something it perceives as a threat. Usually, the substance is not harmful and most other people don't react to it. This exaggerated immune response can affect the skin, stomach and intestines...
Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is a medication used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis after menopause. A dose of 70mg once weekly is the preferred dosage for postmenopausal osteoporosis, according to Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)...
Nausea is a common side effect of pregnancy that often, but not always, eases as your pregnancy progresses. When you're pregnant, taking prenatal vitamins ensures you get enough nutrients that keep you healthy and minimize the potential for birth...
The stomach is one of the most important digestive organs, as it is where foods begin to be broken down. But the stomach can get irritated or develop indigestion due to the foods you eat. If you frequently have stomach problems, knowing what foods...
Alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms that are consistent with a hiatal hernia with over-the-counter and prescription medications. A hiatal hernia is a small hole in your diaphragm through which a small section of your stomach protrudes....
Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, is a digestive condition that occurs when stomach acid, and on rare occasions bile, refluxes back into the esophagus, or food pipe. This can lead to pain and discomfort associated with acid reflux, nausea or...
Hemorrhoids are caused by many different things, but the most common cause is straining when passing bowel movements. This is normally the result of constipation. Some multivitamins, especially those with high iron content, can cause constipation...
Many people get that burning pain in the center of their chest. Oodles of over-the-counter remedies verify that occasional heartburn is part of the human condition. But a vast difference exists between occasional heartburn brought on by a person...
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, affects how the body utilizes glucose, or blood sugar. Chronic forms of diabetes include type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes may affect women temporarily, during pregnancy. According to the American...
Fosamax, whose generic name is alendronate, is a bisphosphonate medication prescribed for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Fosamax stops bone cells from being removed from bone by osteoclasts, which break down older bone so new bone can...
The liver is a major organ in the body and is responsible for many major functions including detoxification of the blood. Foods, medications and drinks all contain substances that are deemed harmful to the body and the liver is the organ which...
Garlic has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years, and many people use garlic supplements to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including heart disease and fungal infections. Although garlic is generally safe and...
Milk thistle, also referred to as Mary thistle and holy thistle, is a purple-flowering, prickly leafed plant that may help to treat various medical conditions. The active ingredient of milk thistle -- found in the seeds -- is silymarin, which is...
Stress is typically accompanied by muscle tension, headaches or even just a general uptight feeling. Listen to your body to learn how you respond to stress physically; sometimes this is the easiest way to work with stress in your life. Feelings...
Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, may provide a number of health benefits, including lowering your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer. Fish oil supplements may also help you lower...
Digestion all begins in the mouth when we take our first bite of food. It enters the stomach and travels through the small and large intestines, and eventually the digested food is eliminated. It is a rather intricate system, and common digestive...
Omega-3 vitamins contain omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for human health. Omega-3 fatty acids occur naturally in fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna as well as algae and krill, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Children...
White willow bark and aspirin are very similar medications that can help to treat pain, inflammation and fevers. They also both have similar safety issues, including nearly identical potential side effects and drug interactions. Before taking...
Although fish oil is most commonly taken to treat arthritis and prevent heart disease, you could also take the supplement to help treat certain inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Fish oil contains certain compounds that have...
Nausea is a symptom of acid reflux and is often caused by eating foods that trigger it. People who have acid reflux may find relief by simply avoiding the foods that cause it; however, some people have to use medication to prevent acid reflux. If...
Acid reflux, which is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition in which naturally-occurring acid produced by the stomach flows backwards into the esophagus. Symptoms of acid reflux are common in infants and typically...
Antibiotics are commonly given to treat bacterial sinus infections. It's important to take your antibiotic exactly as prescribed by your physician for the recommended time. If you quit taking the antibiotic prematurely, even if you feel better,...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux, is a condition in which the digestive juices of the stomach are pushed back up the digestive tract and through the esophagus. This causes symptoms such as a sour taste or burning...
Ulcers in the lining of the intestinal tract are often called peptic ulcers, because pepsin is found there. (Pepsin is an enzyme that helps digest proteins.) If a peptic ulcer is in the stomach, it is referred to as a gastric ulcer. In the...
Kidney beans are 'kidney'-shaped red beans that are eaten as a staple all around the Americas. Typically contained in dishes such as red beans-and-rice or chili, kidney beans are known for their filling quality that stems from their fiber content...
Premenopause, also known as perimenopause, is the period of initial hormonal changes that precedes actual menopause. Some women experience a variety of symptoms that begin years before menstruation ceases; others have no noticeable symptoms....
Most pregnant women experience nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, but it can also be caused by elements outside pregnancy such as multivitamin side effects, stress or acid reflux. The most...
Licorice, a distinctly flavored herb, has uses in both food and medicine. Wild in parts of Europe and Asia, the licorice plant is a perennial that grows 3 to 7 feet tall. It has an extensive branching system of fibrous wrinkled roots that grow...
People take supplements such as licorice to treat a variety of conditions, particularly acid reflux and peptic ulcers. Although licorice is safe for most people, it contains some substances that affect the kidneys. If you have kidney disease,...
