Fruits provide ample amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages you to consume plentiful amounts of fruits daily to improve your health and prevent chronic diseases, such as Type 2...
Fasciculations is just another name for muscle twitches. When a muscle suddenly, yet involuntarily contracts, it's felt as a spontaneous twitching or spasm. Most are relatively minor, sometimes even going unnoticed. Major contractions, however,...
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 is an essential factor in healthy mitochondrial function and the production of cellular energy. It is an important antioxidant which helps to protect the body from harmful free-radicals and also helps to conserve and...
An HCG diet is a low-calorie protocol designed to produce significant weight loss in a short time. HCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone produced in the placenta which became Food and Drug Administration-approved for the treatment of...
Although calcium is the body's most abundant mineral, many people still suffer from dietary deficiency. In developed countries, severe deficiency is uncommon. However, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements,...
The human body synthesizes numerous proteins to support growth and development, production of enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters, stimulate the immune system and repair cells and tissues. Nonetheless, you need certain substances to support...
One hundred percent fruit and vegetable juice can help you reach your daily recommended totals for produce as well as providing beneficial nutrients. Mixing fruits in with vegetables helps create a sweet taste that neutralizes strong or bitter...
Dry, flaky skin is a signal that your integument needs help. There are many causes of the itching and dryness, but treatment can be aimed at the underlying cause of the skin condition. In the absence of any medical conditions, such as dermatitis...
Hard boiled eggs are commonly regarded as a sensible, nutritious snack. They are great on the go and are even better for your body, as they are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Egg whites alone without the yolk are a healthy,...
When you think of calcium deficiency, you probably think of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a serious disorder that can lead to broken bones and even shorten your life, but lack of calcium can affect your body in many other ways, too. Your nerves...
Calcium is the most common mineral in your body, important for skeletal strength and many cell functions. Because calcium plays such a critical role, the body has developed a sensitive feedback system to maintain stable blood levels. Many people...
Low-protein diets are often recommended for people who have liver and kidney disease. Because protein is hard to digest, reducing the amount you eat can ease the burden on your system. The average healthy adult needs 40 g to 60 g of protein every...
Vitamin D consists of five fat-soluble compounds called secosteroids. The D2 and D3 forms are the most essential for human biochemistry. Vitamin D2, named ergocalciferol, is obtained exclusively from the diet or through supplementation. Vitamin...
Capillaries are the small blood vessels just below the surface of your skin. When these are broken or damaged by a bump or fall, blood leaks out from the capillary and produces a bruise in the surrounding tissue. If you seem to acquire bruises...
Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient you generally receive from your diet. Your body needs it to function properly. Protein rich foods, like meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs and dairy, are primary sources. If your lab test indicates low B-12 blood levels, it...
Anemia is a condition where there are low levels of circulating red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Anemia is diagnosed based on the level of hemoglobin in the...
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is part of the B family of vitamins that includes niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. The B vitamins help your body metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates from food sources to provide energy and...
If you consume a typical American diet, you probably get enough vitamin B12 to meet your needs. This essential nutrient is found in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, common foods in most Western meals. Strict vegetarians may have a harder time...
Minerals in your body are important for the function of many different kinds of cells, including your blood cells. A lack of copper in your diet can cause some of the same signs as an iron deficiency, though copper deficiencies due to inadequate...
Vitamin B12, the most complex of all the vitamins, plays a vital role in the production of new blood cells and in nervous system health. A dietary deficiency in vitamin B12 may lead to a condition known as anemia that is characterized by lethargy,...
Although depression has genetic, social and environmental components, your risk of developing depression is 1.5 to three times higher if someone in your family has depression. Antidepressants, which include Wellbutrin, are the third most...
L-tyrosine is a chemical building block called an amino acid. Amino acids form the molecular foundation of proteins, a class of molecules upon which all life depends. Amino acids, however, also have their own individual and unique functions....
Beta-carotene and other carotenoid pigments found in darkly colored vegetables are metabolized by the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A, or retinol, is an important nutrient for vision, the immune system and gene expression during development. A...
Zinc is a trace mineral men need for cellular metabolism, growth and development, immune stimulation, nerve function and reproduction. Zinc is found in a variety of foods, such as vegetables, legumes, shellfish, meat and dairy products. A dietary...
Proteins are organic substances in your body made from amino acids. There are millions of different proteins, each with a unique sequence of amino acids that your genes determine. Proteins play important roles in your body to promote health and...
Magnesium is an essential mineral that your body needs in order for your muscles, bones, heart, nerves and immune system to function properly. Magnesium is an essential nutrient that must be provided by the diet. A diet low in magnesium, certain...
A high sodium intake is associated with medical problems such as high blood pressure, but in reality the body needs sodium for nervous system and muscle function. A low blood sodium level---called hyponatremia---can be a serious and potentially...
The Mayo Clinic notes that nails give you a good overview of your overall health. White lines, spots or peeling nails are usually all signs of a dietary deficiency. To enhance the look of your nails and better your health in the process, consider...
L-lysine is an essential amino acid, which is also known simply as lysine. It is responsible for the production of collagen and carnitine, which is a nutrient that can lower cholesterol. Since it is an essential amino acid, you can only get it...
Scurvy results from a vitamin C deficiency and leads to bleeding gums, tooth loss, purplish spots, and potentially death. Learn more about scurvy in this medical video.
Biotin is a water soluble B-complex vitamin important for synthesizing fatty and amino acids and maintaining blood sugar. Try these tips for buying biotin enriched foods in this healthy shopping video.
