With age, inadequate nutrition, a lack of fresh air and exercise may all contribute to subtle changes that can compromise your health and contribute or worsen chronic medical conditions. Supplements are natural ingredients packaged in pill or...
Slippery elm powder is the dried and ground inner bark of the slippery elm tree, which is native to North and Central America. Herbalists mainly use the powder to help relieve stomach conditions such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome,...
Colloidal silver is a topic of debate, with proponents claiming the product is an essential mineral and miracle cure-all. Because the body absorbs the mineral easily, some users believe the products work better than other alternative health...
As more people become interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it has opened the door for manufacturers to market an increasing number of alternative health supplements and products. Some of these have a solid scientific foundation, while...
Cellfood is an alternative health supplement manufactured by Lumina Health Products. According to the Lumina Health Products website, Cellfood is a formula that contains 78 ionic minerals, 17 amino acids, 34 enzymes and electrolytes. Using an...
Herbal supplements are taken when there is an ailment or a lack of nutrition in a specific area. These alternative herb supplements are to aid the body in treating a condition. Herbs for health are always being clinically tested for their...
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, happens when the thyroid doesn't make enough hormones that the body needs to regulate temperature and metabolism, among many other functions. Symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic, include fatigue,...
DMSO is a type of sulfur that is an ingredient in many alternative health treatments, although studies supporting the therapeutic use of DMSO are inconclusive. DMSO is the acronym and the standard term for dimethyl sulfoxide. The paper production...
Quitting smoking is one of the most important health decisions you can make. Besides the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, smoking causes free radical damage and depletes the body of many vitamins and minerals. When quitting, consuming certain...
Ginger root is not only a flavorful spice but an alternative health supplement, especially recognized for its ability to relieve nausea. People also use ginger to aid in digestion and treat arthritis and heart conditions. Side effects associated...
The neem tree, known by the botanical name Azadirachta indica, is an evergreen with broad leaves that is native to India and Burma. Extracts from various parts of the neem tree have properties that make them useful as an alternative health...
Taking a daily dietary supplement can be an effective way to obtain nutrients and vitamins that cannot be produced by the body. Dietary supplements contain vitamins, herbs, nutrients or amino acids that are beneficial for optimal health and...
The liver is an important organ of the body, because it produces bile that aids in digestion. It also helps remove toxins from the bloodstream and flushes them out of the body through the urine. Illnesses, chronic dehydration and an overload of...
The words anxious, stressed, busy and no time to eat are the mantra of many individuals. Supplementing your diet with vitamins may be part of the answer to help you manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life. However, only use...
Cysteine is one of the essential amino acids that is not naturally produced in the body but is obtained from food and dietary sources, according to the National Institutes of Health. Amino acids are organic compounds that help make protein. After...
Urtica dioica is the scientific name of the stinging nettle, an herb used as a food and medicinal plant. Urtica dioica is best known for improving symptoms of enlarged prostate, eliminating excess fluid from the body and treating allergies,...
Nettle, known for its stinging properties, has traditionally been used as a cooked pot herb in salads and as a medicinal herb to manage a variety of conditions. In Germany, nettle is approved for treating inflammation in the urinary tract and for...
More and more Americans are seeking alternative forms of medicine to help improve their health. While these supplements may seem harmless, some can interact with prescription medications. You should discuss the use of dietary supplements with your...
Oxidative stress occurs in the body when the number of reactive free radicals produced by body processes such as breathing or cellular functions exceeds the number of antioxidant molecules capable of neutralizing the free radicals. Oxidative...
Vaccinium macrocarpon is the scientific name for the cranberry bush. The berries from cranberry bushes provide an herbal supplement common in some alternative health care treatments. Although cranberry supplements may be helpful in treating...
Antioxidants are an important aspect to good health in the human body. "These supplements are the good guys that the body desperately needs to do battle with free radicals caused by pollution, bad lifestyle habits, and crummy food, including food...
Antioxidants are substances that counter the cell-damaging effects of by-products of a bodily process called oxidation. These unstable molecular by-products, called free radicals, also result from certain environmental exposures such as tobacco...
Flavonoids provide brilliant color to many fruits and vegetables and may act as antioxidants after those foods are consumed and digested. While individual flavonoids are present in smaller amounts than many other antioxidant compounds, such as...
Dietary and health supplements containing extracts of the ephedra plant were once marketed in the U.S. as energy boosters and fat reducers. Ephedra extracts contain chemical alkaloids called ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. These compounds increase...
Apple cider vinegar comes from raw apples, and it can be used for both health and medicinal purposes. It can be consumed as a beverage, applied topically or taken in the form of a pill. According the University of Maryland Medical Center, this...
Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that may play a role in maintaining health and preventing a number of devastating diseases. Eating a diet that includes generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, as well as...
Doctors and health professionals often stress the importance for overall good health of including vitamins and minerals in your diet. However, you may not know that these nutrients are essential in many of your life functions. Whether it is for...
N-acetyl cysteine is an essential amino acid and antioxidant obtained from food and dietary sources. Proteins consist of amino acids, which are left as a byproduct after protein has been processed and digested. Amino acids also help with normal...
Pomegranates are often thought of as an exotic fruit, depicted in myths and art as a symbol of fertility. Although legend may exaggerate its effects, it does have many health benefits, including being a rich source of antioxidants. With the many...