Ulcers were thought at one time to be the result of eating highly acidic or spicy foods, but research has shown that ulcers are mostly caused by an infection. While eating certain foods can trigger ulcer symptoms, ulcers are not the result of...
If you've got the flu, there are a plethora of over-the-counter medicines that can help minimize your symptoms. But before reaching for them, make sure you're fully informed about how these medicines work and any potential side effects. Some of...
Once a common childhood disease, chicken pox has been largely eradicated due to chickenpox vaccine. However, some children and even adults may still catch the disease. The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox and the condition remains highly...
Whether injury or bone degeneration causes pulled muscles in the back, patients can often treat their own symptoms as well as get to the bottom of the source of back pain. A blow, fall or strain from lifting can initiate the health problem....
The knee is the intersection of the femur and tibia bones. This hinge joint, which is able to swivel in two directions, is an important load-bearing joint and is protected and cushioned by a layer of cartilage and synovial fluid. Arthritis can...
Uric acid is a by-product of the metabolism of purines, which are chemicals found in many cells in the body. Purines are also found in many foods, especially some animal products. Uric acid is actually an antioxidant, so in normal amounts it can...
Cold sores -- or fever blisters -- are fluid-filled lesions found on the mouth, nose, chin and fingers that are caused as the result of the herpes simplex type one infection. These lesions are contagious and generally take two to three weeks to...
There are 13 essential vitamins needed for your body to function. A lack of any vitamin can cause you to develop health problems. However, you can get too much of a vitamin and experience side effects ranging from mild to severe and life...
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a large fibrous band of tissue in the knee that prevents the thighbone, or femur, from sliding over the shinbone, or tibia. An ACL injury is the over-stretching or partial or complete tear of the ACL,...
Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which plaque, small deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium accumulate on the artery walls causing restriction of blood flow in the heart as well as throughout the body. If left untreated, the plaques may...
The coronary arteries are those blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with the blood, oxygen and nutrients necessary to keep it functioning. These blood vessels can become blocked with fatty buildup of plaque in a process called...
Cayenne, a hot red pepper belonging to the Capsicum family of plants, is valuable for its spicy-hot culinary contribution as well as some potential health benefits. Cayenne is an ingredient in topical creams and is also available in capsule or...
A teething baby can make everyone in your home feel a little cranky. Erupting teeth cause pain, drooling and discomfort when gums become sore and tender. The first tooth generally appears about six months following birth, according to the American...
An abnormally high number of platelets in pregnancy is far less common than low platelet levels. High platelet levels are either essential, or primary, meaning that an excess of platelets are being made in the bone marrow. Reactive, or secondary,...
Joint pain is generally caused by injury, infection, illness or allergy in the immune system. Arthritis is a painful, chronic joint condition that can result in stiffness, bone spurs and degeneration of joint cartilage. Papain and bromelain are...
Chest pain while jogging can be caused by exercise-induced asthma or stable angina. The generalized area of the chest can make heart and lung pain difficult to distinguish, so consult with your doctor to determine the cause of your chest pain....
Cod liver oil is a specific form of fish oil. Like other forms of fish oil, it contains beneficial substances called omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce your risks for heart disease. Use of cod liver oil or other forms of fish oil can...
A colon cleanse is a procedure that is said to eliminate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Proponents of the process offer up a variety of benefits afforded by introducing baking soda, herbs and other solutions into your intestines, from...
As you age, your joints wear down from use and may become stiff and painful. Apple cider vinegar and olive oil applied topically to joints affected by arthritis may result in reduced pain. There are more than 100 varieties of arthritis, which is...
Taking any medications during pregnancy can lead you to experience anxiety and question the safety of these medications. Aspirin and folic acid have been studied and generally have a good track record when used properly during pregnancy. Both...
Most non-narcotic over-the-counter pain relievers classify as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Naproxen falls into this category along with ibuprofen and aspirin, medications used in the management of arthritis symptoms. A 2005...
Aspirin is a medication used to relieve pain, reduce fever or inflammation, and prevent such medical occurrences as a heart attack, stroke or chest pain (angina). According to Drugs.com, aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates. It...
Aspirin is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain, reduce fever and treat inflammation. It can also treat or prevent strokes, heart attacks or angina. Although this medication is available without a prescription, people should take time...
Fish oil and aspirin are both taken by people fighting heart disease and stroke. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that may decrease cholesterol levels, prevent the hardening of the arteries and increase overall cardiovascular health....
When you take medications and supplements, you need to be sure that they do not interfere with each other. Vitamin K is a natural vitamin that is known to interfere with certain blood thinning medications, but it is not known to interfere with...
Baby aspirin can sound like a medication meant for children but the truth is just the opposite. Giving aspirin to your child can cause a serious and life-threatening disorder. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, never give aspirin to...
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a vitamin considered essential for converting carbohydrates in foods into fuel for the body. It is also important for supporting proper function of adrenal glands that produce stress and sex hormones in the...
Some of the most effective medications for controlling high blood pressure may also be the least expensive. From the most common over-the-counter medication to diuretics and lifestyle changes, you may be able to control your high blood pressure...
There are many variations of drinks used to help detox the body. Lemon is one of the most common ingredients used in a detox drink because it is a blood purifier that can also help the body to release toxins, according to C. Norman Shealy MD,...