A number of drugs can make you sick when you drink alcohol. Some are due to adverse drug reactions or a deliberate pharmacologic effect of a drug that produces high concentrations of a noxious chemical, acetaldehyde, to help alcoholics stop drinking.
Ferritin is a protein that plays a key role in iron metabolism by binding and storing excess iron within cells. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," serum ferritin levels correlate with total body iron stores. Normal ferritin...
While light-to-moderate drinking is associated with some benefits, excessive use of alcohol has well-established adverse effects on health and well being. As with many substances, toxicity depends upon the dose. In the United States, moderate...
The liver is the body's clearinghouse for toxins and waste products and an important synthesizer for many of the body's proteins and fats. Decreased liver function may occur slowly over time, with few symptoms until severe damage is done, or can...
Having high cholesterol is much more common than cholesterol numbers that are too low, but according to the Mayo Clinic, while rare, the condition can have serious side effects. Your body needs cholesterol, which is a waxy substance that carries...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when digestive enzymes start digesting the gland. There are various causes of pancreatitis; some are a direct result of poor lifestyle habits. Pancreatitis may be acute or chronic. While...
The pear is a member of the rose family and a cousin to the apple and quince. Most people are familiar with the fruit eaten fresh, dried or baked in a pie or other sweet treat. Because the pear is high in soluble fiber and supplies vitamin C and...
Alcoholism is the chronic abuse of alcohol. In this condition a person exhibits a need to drink, is unable to control drinking habits, experiences withdrawal upon stopping and needs increasing amounts in order to get drunk. The National Institute...
There are two types of pancreatitis, or inflammation of your pancreas: acute and chronic. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that approximately 210,000 Americans every year are admitted to the hospital with acute...
Acute pancreatitis refers to the sudden inflammation of your pancreas -- an organ on the right side of your abdomen that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. While genetics and certain diseases may trigger acute pancreatitis, the most common...
The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach near the first part of your small intestines. Its role is to secrete enzymes to help you digest food and hormones to help regulate blood sugar. An inflamed pancreas, called pancreatitis,...
Peppermint, which has been used to help ease digestive problems, may help alleviate some symptoms of gastritis. Gastritis is the general medical term for inflammation in the lining of the stomach. The condition may be caused by food poisoning, a...
Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest medical systems and originated in India. It is considered by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to be an alternative medicinal treatment plan and utilizes herbs, massage and...
Addiction is a physical and psychological dependence on certain substances or prescription medication. An individual who struggles with addiction has a difficult time controlling the amount of the substance he uses even if the addiction effects...
An enzyme test performed to determine liver injury or damage is the serum alanine aminotransferase, also called ALT. The ALT enzyme is released into the bloodstream in response to cellular level damage resulting from liver disease or injury from...
Your pancreas is a long, tear-drop shaped gland that lies behind your stomach. Its functions include the secretion of insulin, which helps to control your blood glucose level, and the production of digestive enzymes, which drain into a duct that...
