Melatonin is a hormone which is secreted by the pineal gland of the brain. It regulates the "sleep-wake" cycle, also known as the "internal clock," which lets the body know when it is time to sleep and when it is time to awaken. Some scientists...
Overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is the condition wherein abnormally elevated levels of thyroid hormones are present in the circulation. Thyroid hormones control the metabolic rate or activity level of the body's cells....
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, occurs when follicles in the scalp stop producing hair, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Both men and women can experience hair loss. For men, hair loss typically...
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease, is the main cause for a high level of the thyroid hormone. This hormone has several effects on your metabolism and as such, if you have Graves', you may have diarrhea, tremors, a fast heartbeat, weight loss...
Addison's disease is primarily an autoimmune disease whereby the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. As a result of a decrease in the hormones released by the adrenal glands, the kidneys hold onto potassium....
Autoimmune liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis disease, causes your body's immune system to attack your liver cells and your bile duct cells. Your liver becomes inflamed, called hepatitis. If your doctor diagnosis you with autoimmune liver...
Gluten, a dietary protein, is problematic for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease is a genetically determined lifelong and incurable condition affecting the intestines. Gluten sensitivity is not as severe but may...
A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, means the body's immune system is attacking and damaging parts of the body itself. Because of this rheumatoid arthritis treatment is more complex than treatment for osteoarthritis,...
Dry mouth or xerostomia, is a condition where you do not produce enough saliva or spit to keep the mouth wet. Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally, but when it becomes a common occurrence it may be indicative of a more serious problem. When...
The thyroid gland uses iodine to make the thyroid hormone. This hormone affects almost every cell in the body. Thyroid disease can, therefore, have wide-reaching effects. Thyroid disease can be malignant or it can be benign. It can also cause the...
One of the strangest classifications of diseases is the autoimmune disorders. The immune system that normally keeps people healthy suddenly goes haywire and attacks its own tissues, cells and organs. According to the American Autoimmune Related...
You may feel tired after eating for several reasons, including being an undiagnosed diabetic. Keep a food and activity journal to help you and your doctor identify the cause of your fatigue. Implementing dietary and other lifestyle changes may...
Hypothyroidism is a common disease. It has been diagnosed in more than 1 percent of the American population. Approximately 5 percent of people older than 60 years of age suffer from this disorder. Hypothyroid diseases occur when the body is not...
The phrase "autoimmune disease" encompasses a wide array of conditions, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel diseases, Sjögren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Grave's disease, pernicious anemia,...
According to a 2009 report in the "Archives of Internal Medicine," as many as 77 percent of the American population is vitamin D deficient. This has become a widespread health concern as vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many symptoms and...
