Diabetes describes a group of related diseases that involve high levels of sugar, also called glucose, in the blood. Diabetes has many causes relating to the body's inability to properly produce or use insulin. Blood sugar levels affect all part...
Bitter oranges are not what they sound like. They aren't bitter versions of the tasty orange fruit. Rather, bitter orange is an herb that's used for a variety of ailments and conditions. Although used as an alternative cure and linked to many...
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a fuel your body requires for cellular repair and physical energy. Your body manufactures glucose from virtually all foods you consume. However, elevated blood sugar levels can be toxic to your organs...
The aloe plant is green to gray colored and has serrated leaves. It is a succulent and is often mistaken as a cactus, but is actually part of the lily family. It thrives in warm, dry places and can be grown outside or in a controlled environment...
Pressure points mean different things to different people. Nerve bundles located in multiple places on the human body create pressure points. Acupressure, massage and reflexology therapists use the nerve bundle pressure points for relaxation and...
Coconuts grow on tall palm trees in tropical climates. The fruit of the coconut palm, coconuts are round nuts that start life green in color and turn brown as they ripen. To eat a coconut, you must break the seed in half. Inside a ripe coconut,...
The heart or cardiac muscle is unique. This type of muscle tissue is found only in the walls of the heart. It works automatically, never stops and never gets tired. Conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes can damage or...
Gypsum is a mineral used to produce blackboard chalk, drywall, plaster and plaster of Paris. In traditional medicine, Indian and Chinese herbalists use gypsum to treat several medical conditions. According to the Gypsum Association, the Food and...
Interactive foot reflexology is the practice of using various massage techniques to stimulate certain areas of the body. There are pressure points in the feet that relate to different parts of the body such as hands, back, neck, head, throat and...
Fasting, or going without food for an extended period of time, is a method for losing weight. There is straight fasting as well as modified forms of fasting, which spare your body from starvation but still are risky to your health. While effective...
Being overweight or obese may cause many serious health complications, including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, liver or gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis and gynecological problems,...
The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones that control growth, tissue function, metabolism, internal temperature and body development. These hormones also play a role in determining a person's mood. When endocrine diseases...
Aloe vera is a popular sunburn remedy and an ingredient in many lotions and creams. But some people drink aloe vera juice for its reported medicinal value. The Food and Drug Administration has approved aloe vera as an over-the-counter laxative,...
Sometimes a headache is just a headache. Rest your eyes, pop a couple of pain relievers, have a cup of coffee or take a nap, and it goes away. But if you have diabetes, a headache can be a warning sign of low blood sugar, a potentially serious...
If you've ever been so thirsty that no amount of water seems to slake that thirst, chances are there is something going on inside your body that needs to be evaluated by a health-care provider. The headache might be caused by the unquenchable...
Stinging nettle is an herb that is native to temperate regions, although it also grows wild in the Andes of South America and parts of Africa. It is known for its heart-shaped leaves with sharp, serrated edges. Stinging nettle has been used as a...
Holy basil is an ancient component of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating in India. Traditionally, holy basil has been used as a treatment for dozens of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, stress, colds, flu, headaches,...
A feeling of pins and needles in your arms can disrupt your run and cause you to feel concerned. Most of the time, a pins and needles sensation while running is a temporary condition, although if your symptoms last for more than a few minutes, you...
Magnesium is a mineral that is vital to your body's functioning. Plenty of common foods, particularly vegetables and grains, contain enough magnesium to help you meet your daily recommended requirement. While it is difficult to eat too much...
Nearly everyone suffers from occasional constipation or headaches, and they may even occur at the same time. But if you experience both headaches and constipation frequently, you're right to think they may be related. Since several different...
Apple cider vinegar has been touted as a health tonic for hundreds of years. Those in favor of it, claim that it can cure migraine headaches, diabetes, chronic fatigue, arthritis and high blood pressure to name a few. In the 1950s, Dr. D.C. Jarvis...
Glucose supplements are used to treat low blood sugars since glucose is sugar. Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, can occur when the body's glucose is used up too quickly and not replaced in a dietary or supplement form. For instance, if...
Chocolate is derived from cocoa beans and has been consumed in a variety of forms for countless generations by indigenous peoples, particularly natives of South American countries. Cocoa beans are rich sources of caffeine, which has traditionally...
Fenugreek is an herb that is native to southern Europe. It was originally used by Greek farmers as forage for livestock, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." The seeds and leaves of this herb may also offer medicinal...
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that occurs when brain cells die, preventing nerve messages from being transmitted properly. People with this condition commonly suffer from forgetfulness, personality changes and often find learning new...
Noni is a bumpy, odd-looking fruit from a native Polynesian shrub. Inside, the fruit is whitish-yellow in color and has a strange odor that's similar to cheese. This fruit has been used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments for many years,...
If you're looking for a simple and quick way to lose weight by suppressing your appetite, vinegar may seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, according to MayoClinic.com, the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet may not be effective. Consult your doctor...
The mineral magnesium plays several important roles in the body. It helps regulate blood pressure and keeps the bone strong, among other actions. The amount of magnesium present in the typical diet does not pose any health risks, but taking large...
Sodium is a mineral that is essential for optimal health. This mineral helps regulate blood pressure and works in conjunction with potassium to maintain proper fluid levels in your bloodstream. It also aids in the proper function of your nervous...
