Certain untreated Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs, can decrease fertility in both males and females. STDs spread through sexual contact with an infected partner through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. STDs are most prevalent...
Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, occurs as part of a complex interaction between the environment and the immune system. Heredity and genetics often play a part in whether or not you are susceptible to deve...
Because ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have many overlapping features, distinguishing between them can present a diagnostic challenge. The two diseases require different treatments and have a different prognosis, so it...
Your immune system is a complex group of organs, cells, fluids, enzymes, mucus and bacteria that help you fight potentially infectious substances. Exercise and some foods and herbs are considered to be immune-system boosters; t...
A child who has autism, or any disorder on the autism spectrum, may spend a great deal of time off in his own world. To get your autistic child to pay attention, do schoolwork or follow directions you must find a way to get ...
Oysters are sea creatures that are often eaten raw with lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce. Raw seafood poses certain health dangers so smoking them is a healthier alternative. Oysters provide numerous vitamins and minerals an...
Careful selection of the foods you take in while you are sick can help you cope with stomach flu; therefore, follow the nutritional advice of your healthcare provider to optimize your recovery.
The biceps brachii, also called the biceps, is a two-headed muscle on the upper arm. The muscles give you the ability to bend the elbow and rotate the forearm away from your body. The biceps pulley is a U-shaped sling of tendon...
The medical definition of sciatica is an injury to or problem involving the sciatic nerve, a large nerve that starts in your lower back and travels down the back of your leg. More informally, any pain, discomfort or tingling th...
When you add vegan to the mix, it will mean extra prep time in terms of vetting ingredients. According to a study by “Vegetarian Times,” about 1 million people are vegans in the United States. One main motivator is ...
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that occurs when harmful bacteria travel from your bladder to your kidneys, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Symptoms include pain, frequent ...
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause your colon to rapidly dilate, a condition called toxic megacolon. An infection inside your colon also can cause toxic megacolon. The condition is potentially life-threatening, which is why e...
Major depression is relatively common and represents a serious global health issue. In 2002, major depression was the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. The condition is also linked to other serious illnesses. People...
Stomach flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Stomach flu typically leads to significant loss of fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea. Drinking plenty of fluids is import...
Pico de gallo blends well with scrambled eggs, salads, baked tortilla chips, fish and chicken. This light salsa contains approximately 6 calories and less than 1 gram of fat per 1-ounce serving. You can realize a number of bene...
They are potent antioxidants and protect the body from tissue damage caused by free radicals, which can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Bioflavonoids are found in a variety of foods, including all citrus fruits...
Peanut brittle is a childhood staple dessert and an easy-to-make treat that can be enjoyed at any age. But, even this candy can become contaminated with bacteria that can cause illness, if improperly handled with unwashed hands...
Nebulizers deliver liquid or aerosol medications that help you breathe to your lungs via a mask or mouthpiece. Medications given via nebulizer can treat acute conditions or can prevent respiratory problems from developing. Nebu...
A hiatal hernia is a relatively common medical condition, especially for women. These hernias may occur as the result of an accident, a pregnancy, a birth defect, physical obesity or other factors. While waiting for a surgical ...
A schooling fish, bluefish in the U.S. is caught off the east coast, from Florida to Maine, and can reach up to 3 feet long and up to 30 pounds. Also known as skipjack, chopper, greenfish, fatback, slammer or snapper, bluefish ...
The cause of constipation is often claimed to be lack of dietary fiber and/or lack of water, although allergic reactions to certain compounds in prepared foods may be a contributing factor as well. Vegetables, and to a lesser d...
Freezing oranges and lemons keeps them fresh, preserves convenient portions of citrus for drinks and recipes -- and ultimately saves money. Citrus fruits contain significant levels of vitamin C, folate and antioxidants that pro...
Mitral valve prolapse, a common heart defect, affects as many as 10 percent of Americans, according to PubMed Health. Most forms of MVP cause no problems and you might not even know you have it. In MVP, the valves between the l...
It is the third most common cancer in both incidence and mortality, and no cause can be identified in 80 percent to 90 percent of cases. One statistic holds special significance and may help people at special risk for the disea...
In the United States, colon cancer affects men and women equally. It is the third most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for both genders. National guidelines recommend that all men and women undergo c...
The laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, treatment of colon and rectal cancer has gained popularity recently, and for good reason -- when performed by trained surgeons, the outcomes are as good as those for traditional open sur...
Cartilage covers the ends of bones and helps them glide easily. Arthritis -- cartilage degeneration that can affect joint functioning -- can develop in any joint. Some joints have a higher risk of developing arthritis because y...
Proteins found in wheat and wheat derivatives trigger an abnormal response by the body's immune system if you have an allergy to wheat. You are more likely to develop a wheat allergy if you have a family history. According to t...
Chili peppers are a part of the Capsicum genus, the name of which derived from the Greek term meaning "to bite." One teaspoon of dried red chili pepper contains your recommended daily amount of vitamin A and significa...
Chest congestion is often a symptom of an upper respiratory infection. Air flows to your lungs through bronchial tubes, which contain membranes that produce mucus to protect against irritation. If your bronchial tubes become in...
Vomiting occurs frequently in infants and small children. Viral and bacterial infections most often cause vomiting, but acute allergic reactions and chronic conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux can also cause vomiting in ...
There are a variety of cow’s milk options -- from skim to 1 percent to whole. While you may choose skim milk because it's low fat, your baby really needs the fat and nutrients that whole milk provides. Giving him whole mi...
When your body reacts to an otherwise harmless food substance as if the substance is harmful, this is known as a food allergic reaction. From peanut butter to milk, your body can set off an alert response that causes symptoms r...
A tray of colorful vegetables adds a healthy component to any potluck or meal and is simple to make yourself. If you buy a premade vegetable platter from the store, you don't know how long those vegetables have been sitting and...
Home-cured bacon requires only the right mix of salt and cure ingredients. It may lack a deep, smokey flavor, but it will have a delicious salty tang. However, because it's so heavily salted, bacon isn't a healthy food -- with ...
A urinary tract infection can be a painful, frustrating condition. It can result in discomfort, the inability to urinate, pain in your sides and serious kidney damage if left untreated. In addition to doctor-prescribed antibio...
The two main forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. There is no cure for COPD, but treatment options do exist. Following a healthy diet that is low in sodium can help you breathe better.
Like other members of the mint family, it has a reputation for being soothing, making it a pleasant drink for after meals, according to the Ohio State University Extension. Learning how to use dried basil for basil tea gives yo...
Almond milk has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Asia because it resists spoiling. Today, many vegans appreciate that almond milk is naturally free from animal products and that it substitutes for cow's milk in ma...
However, if your child is experiencing vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, fluids should be top priority to prevent dehydration symptoms. Always speak to your child's physician about the best fluids and/or foods for your child'...
Greek yogurt is high in calcium and protein and low in carbohydrates and sodium. Like other yogurt, it is a healthy choice to add to a balanced meal plan. It also contains beneficial lactobacillus, which are organisms that may ...
While it is now called ADHD, it used to be called attention-deficit disorder, or ADD. A brain disorder, ADHD is more common in boys and can lead to life-long problems with learning, relationships and employment. Other condition...
About 8 percent of the 5.9 million children in the United States have food allergies, and peanut allergen is the most common. According to research done at the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the...
Tapioca flour, or tapioca starch, comes from the cassava plant. This gluten-free starch can help improve the flavor and texture of gluten-free baked goods. Gluten is responsible for building the structure of breads and other ba...
Proper lifting techniques can help protect your back muscles from strain and pain. Because your back is so important to your ability to move and to use your arms and legs, even a mildly strained muscle can result in limited mov...
However, poor diet and a lack of exercise that leads to obesity can increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism as well. There is no specific diet for patients with pulmonary embolism; however, doctors recommend a healthy diet to...
Both wet and dry heat can relieve sore muscles, but some people prefer one method over the other. Many experience a greater level of immediate relief from wet heat, but dry heat generally lasts longer and offers more convenienc...
Cold smoking aids in preserving bacon, and serves as part of the curing process. For centuries, curing and smoking meats preserved them prior to refrigeration. Cold-smoking takes longer than hot smoking, because it's performed ...
No parent wants to think her child has a developmental delay. But parents often have a "sixth sense" about their child's development, recognizing signs of a problem before medical personnel diagnose it. Because no one...
Lunch breaks go quickly, so maximizing that time allows you to get several tasks accomplished before you have to head back to your workstation. Purposeful use of your break time allows you to be productive while giving yourself...
Wheat meat, also called seitan, is an alternative to meat products that is high in protein. Many vegetarians use wheat meat to prepare imitation dishes, such as chicken nuggets or hamburgers. The texture of wheat meat mimics tr...
The teenage years are filled with temptations, peer pressure and raging hormones, and many teens struggle during these years. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that of respondents between 12 and 20 years old...
Keratosis pilaris is a skin disorder in which roughness and acne-like bumps appear on the skin of the arms, thighs, buttocks and, occasionally, the face. Although not usually a serious condition, keratosis pilaris can be unsigh...
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby reaches the age of 4 to 6 months before starting solid foods. When you do introduce solid foods, sticking to healthy and nutritious foods can help build a li...
Cow’s milk is generally considered healthy for children and adults, although it can lead to allergic reactions, lactose intolerance and possibly increased phlegm production. Consequently, some people switch to alternative...
Sometimes your stomach can work for you, and other times it works against you. The latter is the case when you have acid reflux, a condition that causes stomach acid to come up and into your esophagus, resulting in extreme pain...
An elimination diet can help you determine what particular foods irritate your stomach. Always speak to your physician before beginning an elimination diet to ensure that your dietary approach won’t compromise your health.
Bunions are a painful foot condition that disfigures toes and makes walking difficult. Bunions are much more common in women and can make many self-conscious about how their feet look. Bunions grow over time due to calcificatio...
In addition to various vitamins and minerals, onions also contain phytonutrients, many of which display antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties once absorbed in your body. Limiting inflammation in certain chronic disease...
Cold smoking is a process of smoking meat for a long period of time at a very low temperature, usually anywhere from 40 degrees F to 100 degrees F. At such a low heat threshold, the meat — in this case, bacon — does...
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of your body. Nearly all people with lupus experience some type of joint pain or swelling. Although some experts suggest that avoid...
Reflux symptoms may be mild or debilitating and often are seen in people who are overweight, smoke, drink a lot of alcohol or consume too many caffeine- or citrus-containing foods. A few simple steps will help you manage your h...
Salmon's mild but rich flavor, ready availability and moderate price have made it a solid favorite among seafood lovers. It's also an excellent dietary source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It lends itself to...
Nasonex is a prescription nasal spray used to treat both seasonal and year-round allergies. Because you can purchase this medication only with a prescription, you must see your doctor and have him prescribe it before starting t...
Doctors call this medical condition diverticulosis. Most people with diverticulosis never develop symptoms. Occasionally, however, one or more of these pockets become inflamed, leading to a potentially serious disease called di...
Depending on the severity, a rotator cuff injury will be at best painful and at worst debilitating, but take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 2 million...
Testing positive for HPV, or the human papilloma virus can be startling and, perhaps demoralizing, but it also means that you have had the clear foresight to be tested in the first place. You may have heard that testing can sav...
Tight airways usually are caused by colds, viral infections, allergens or irritants that trigger lung inflammation. Your airway narrows as it swells, reducing the amount of available air. Complications from asthma and chronic ...
Warts -- small, rough growths that often affect the hands and feet -- can be difficult to treat. Viruses cause warts, so just cutting off a wart won't cure it. Removing the top layer of a wart by trimming off the dead skin can ...
Molluscum contagiosum occurs more frequently in people with damaged immune systems who can't fight off the virus but also can occur in healthy adults or children. In some cases, the lesions itch and become irritated, although ...
During stressful times, abdominal pain or other abdominal symptoms are not uncommon. Although psychological factors may trigger abdominal discomfort, these symptoms are also characteristic of ulcer disease. After evaluating you...
Patients can be placed on glucocorticoid steroids for a variety of conditions that are considered inflammatory in nature. Common diseases that doctors treat with glucocorticoids include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary dis...
Watching television commercials, you may think that depression occurs as often as seasonal allergies, but an important distinction exists between depression and the occasional blues. Depression is not brief or situational. Depr...
Most people experience some sort of change in their mood and behavior when the seasons turn. Shifts in the amount of available environmental light over the seasons may have a profound effect on your body chemistry. Some individ...
Asperger’s disorder belongs under the medical umbrella of several conditions collectively called “autism spectrum disorders.” Although Asperger’s shares features with other autistic disorders, its presen...
A subarachnoid stroke is a hemorrhage, or bleeding, that occurs in a specific area of the brain when a blood vessel bursts. The most common cause in people with healthy blood vessels is trauma, such as a head injury sustained i...
Rosacea is a skin condition typically characterized by redness in the face, usually on the forehead, cheeks and nose. Blood vessels underneath the skin, known as telangiectasias, are often visible in affected areas. Rosacea is...
Many families face a decision to relocate due to a loss of income, the financial opportunity of career advancement, a divorce or the death of a partner that prompts the need to reduce living expenses. These changes in daily lif...
Gumbo is a traditional New Orleans stew, often served over rice, that contains meat or seafood, vegetables and seasonings. Properly storing leftovers allows you to enjoy a delicious meal the next day without concern about bacte...
Exercise is a crucial element of successful rehabilitation, regardless of the cause of injury. Not only does exercise strengthen and tone the muscles, but it also improves coordination, which is often one of the primary areas t...
Only your doctor can tell whether surgery is required to relieve kyphosis pain and which exercises are correct for your condition. And while working one some exercise machines may help, none were designed specifically to help k...
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, treatment with diazepam, anti-convulsants or intravenous immunoglobulin is often effective in reducing stiffness. Nutrition also plays a significant role...
Penicillin is a naturally occurring antibiotic discovered in 1928. Penicillin V potassium for oral solution USP was developed as a way to administer penicillin without the need to swallow a pill or inject doses through a needl...
MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a strain of staph resistant to antibiotics. Most of the time, this type of infection is passed from one person to the next through skin-to-skin contact. It’s also s...
Environmental factors like smoking and pollution contribute to the problem, but what you eat may be as important as what you breathe in preventing bronchial dysfunction. Focusing on beneficial foods won't cure conditions like e...
Food sensitivities range from mild intolerances, with symptoms like cramping and abdominal pain, to severe, potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. The exact causes of food sensitivities remain unknown, and the most common tr...
When such pressure impacts the tissue in your neck, pain can shoot down into your shoulder, causing tingling, numbness, weakness and pain. Although exercise generally reduces pain, strengthens nearby muscles and generates incre...
A milk or nut allergy can make it challenging to feed your infant solid foods. Many foods, aside from dairy products and nuts, contain milk or traces of nuts, making it difficult to know which are safe and which pose a danger. ...
Your body manufactures several types of blood cells as well as platelets. Platelets – irregular, colorless cells that are also called thrombocytes – help stop bleeding. When you cut yourself, the blood cells are exp...
The qualities of your voice result from the movement of air across the vocal folds – commonly called the vocal cords – and the larynx, or voice box. When you speak or sing, the vocal folds come together and vibrate ...
The family of radishes is a diverse one, from the common round, red radish to the wild, inedible radish to the “rabbage” – a cross between a cabbage and a radish. Even more intriguing are the Asian radish vari...
Cancer is a group of disorders that can develop in any of the body's tissues or organs, destroying healthy tissue and sometimes spreading to other areas. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 1.5 million Americans wil...
If the plantar fascia is injured or stressed, it may become inflamed, which makes it stiff and causes heel pain; this is the condition called plantar fasciitis. Treatments for plantar fasciitis focus on resting the tendon and r...
Patella femoral syndrome, often referred to as "runner's knee" occurs when the cartilage around the knee cap disintegrates, resulting in pain and soreness. Causes of patella femoral syndrome range from overuse and kne...
Depression is a serious health problem, and in order for your symptoms -- which can include everything from fatigue and frustration to suicidal thoughts -- to improve, you'll need to treat them with help from a qualified health...
Your splenius capitis muscle runs along the back of your neck and helps you move your head properly. Injury to this muscle can cause splenius capitis muscle syndrome, which is characterized by pain and discomfort in your head, ...
It's hard to avoid food dyes in your diet. While food dyes are best known for their possible link to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions, food dyes can also have negative effects on your bladder, although they don'...
Catching colds is a standard part of growing up, but you may be able to help reduce the number of colds your toddler catches. Make a few changes to your child's environment and minimize her exposure to germs to reduce the amoun...
Imbalanced nutrition in newborns means that they have insufficient amounts of nutrients in their bodies. Newborns need high amounts of calories as well as adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and protein for normal growth and ...
An incisional hernia, also known as a ventral hernia, occurs when scar tissue from a previous incision weakens your abdomen muscles. As the muscles weaken, a small section of your intestines begin pushing through your abdominal...
Rest can ease your symptoms and promote healing. You might be wondering whether dietary changes can help treat your pinched nerve, but it is not likely. While certain vitamins do promote the health of your nerves, the Fruit Flu...
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood that causes abnormal amounts of white blood cells to grow in bone marrow. According to KidsHealth, approximately 25 percent of all childhood cancers present as a form of leukemia and affect abo...
As a result of these constant changes, toddlers commonly experience digestive discomfort and even spit up occasionally. More frequent reflux episodes, however, and those that cause other symptoms to develop may be a sign of a d...
The food compounds known as tannins are sometimes celebrated for their positive health impact. The polyphenols have been studied for anticarcinogenic properties, as well as for their ability to fight fungal, viral and bacterial...
Folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin, which is used in vitamins and to fortify foods. It is essential for building new cells, maintaining DNA and preventing birth defects including anencephaly, a condition where the...
Foraminotomy is a surgery performed to relieve pressure on the nerves in your spinal column. The wider opening in your back after the procedure allows the nerves to move more easily, and thereby reduces the pain, numbness and m...
With any food allergy, the most important step in preventing an allergic reaction is to avoid foods that contain the allergen in question. This is doubly true for a peanut allergy, which tends to cause far more severe reactions...
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to kill the germs, bacteria and parasites that can lead to ...
Resistant starches are those that are not easily digested by your small intestine, but might provide certain health benefits. These starches are present in foods that also contain fiber, such as whole grains, beans and other le...
Between 1980 and 2008, the rate of obesity more than doubled among children ages 6 to 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Being obese presents many health problems for children that may continue to ...
Having a hysterectomy can alleviate a lot of health conditions, but sometimes the procedure results in a halting of estrogen and progesterone production when it includes removing both ovaries. This obviously has an effect on yo...
Extraesophageal reflux refers to a group of medical conditions that are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, but manifest in unexpected symptoms. Dietary management is an important first line of treatment for toddlers wit...
A distended stomach is visibly larger than normal and can be caused by the foods you eat and certain medical conditions. One of the most common signs of celiac disease is a distended stomach that does not get smaller without tr...
A food allergy occurs when your body’s immune system negatively reacts to a certain food you eat. The symptoms of food allergies can range from minor itching and digestive problems to life-threatening reactions. After you...
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, affects anywhere from 300,000 to 4 million people in the U.S., reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers vary so greatly because little is understood about the d...
The nightshade family is Solanaceae, which has several genera and species. Some of these are edible vegetables, and they include the tomato, potato, tomatillo, eggplant and sweet and chile/chili peppers. These are some of the m...
Chlorella is a type of algae that's high in chlorophyll. Some alternative health practitioners claim that chlorella has health benefits in treating diseases such as cancer. Although proponents of chlorella make many claims for ...
Medically referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the condition is also commonly known as “heartburn” or “acid reflux.” Whichever term you use to describe it, the condition can be quite fr...
Proctitis causes the lining of the rectum to become inflamed. Eating a bland, soft diet lessens rectal pain and allows the swollen lining to heal easier. Rice is a nourishing, soft food that provides energy to your body, as wel...
A herniated disc is often diagnosed in adults ages 35 to 45. A disc bulge can press on the spinal cord or nerve root, causing pain. Sometimes the condition causes knee pain if a disc presses on the nerve tissues in the lower ba...
Avoiding possible carcinogens is a smart move when trying to reduce your chances of getting cancer, but sometimes the problem substance is unavoidable, or at least difficult to avoid. Such is the case with acrylamide, which for...
The condition can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from seasonal allergies to food sensitivities. In fact, there are a few suggested connections between sinus problems and carbohydrates. Although it’s not healthy t...
Keratosis is a fairly common type of skin disorder; unfortunately, it is quite difficult to treat. However, it is usually not seriously harmful and generally disappears on its own by age 30. The irritation and appearance of ker...
Researchers have tried to link ulcerative colitis to specific foods for decades, and although some foods exacerbate the condition, no dietary cause has yet been found. Since dietary triggers vary from one patient to another, wo...
The size of your wrists doesn't really affect your proficiency in rowing. Rather, it's the strength in your wrists that can make a difference in your risk for injury when you're rowing on the water or in the gym. If you're worr...
Flour is a vital part of baking, and your choice of flour can greatly affect the final meal. All-purpose flour, as the name suggests, is the most commonly used flour in American kitchens, but alternative flours are beginning to...
When battling acid reflux, eating a healthy diet can be a challenge because everything seems to set off another bout of burning. It is possible to eat healthily, but one point of confusion surrounds nuts. On one hand, these are...
Influenza is a dangerous illness for children. Each year, approximately 20,000 children are hospitalized with complications from influenza, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control website. Although there is e...
Exercise prior to a sigmoid colon resection is considered good for your health -- right up until the day before your surgery, provided you are feeling well enough to do so. A variety of exercises can be performed as tolerated, ...
Burping and gas are normal bodily processes, but depending on the severity, can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Dietary changes can help ease symptoms if you have frequent...
If you are only craving vegetables while pregnant, indulge that craving, but do try to include additional healthy foods to ensure a balanced diet.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, is a condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. Although it is common in babies, breastfeeding women can also suffer f...
Many people know little about the pancreas until it starts giving them problems. The pancreas, a gland located deep in your abdomen, is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes. It also helps regulate blood sugar by secretin...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs when digestive enzymes start digesting the gland. There are various causes of pancreatitis; some are a direct result of poor lifestyle habits. Pancreatitis may be acut...
For a parent, it's never easy to see your child struggling with the misery of an illness. It's especially hard for parents of an infant. Watching your baby cry endlessly is a miserable experience. You know she feels terrible bu...
Food allergies can cause all sorts of symptoms, from skin to respiratory to stomach issues. Eggs are among the foods most commonly blamed for allergies, and one possible effect is lung congestion or an asthmalike reaction in wh...
Some binge eat as a way to comfort themselves or to stuff down their feelings. Others are genuinely addicted to food, much like an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol. Whatever the cause of the binge, you can take steps to pick yo...
Mushrooms are a diverse collection of fungi, constituting many thousands of species. Mushrooms have been consumed for medicinal purposes for countless generations, especially in Asian countries, although only a small percentage...
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by a virus, parasite, fungi or strain of bacteria. Once your child has recovered from a bout of pneumonia, you might be wondering what you can do to strengthen her immun...
GERD, or gastrointestinal reflux disease, is an illness in which the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms, according to PubMed Health. Physicians usually prescribe a special...
Amino acids are used by your body for a wide variety of metabolic functions. One type of amino acid, tyrosine, is actually made in the body from another amino acid called phenylalanine. Tyrosine is not an essential amino acid &...
Asthma is a disease that causes difficulty breathing due to inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways. There are many forms of asthma. Some cause symptoms only when triggered, while others are chronic and require ...
Doctors do not warn you against mixing alcohol and medications to keep you from having fun; there are very good reasons behind their advice. Mixing alcohol with medications can have serious side effects, ranging from subtle one...
For some children, consuming any peanut product can be life-threatening. In response, many schools have adopted policies that limit or completely ban peanuts in the school setting. Peanut bans are a controversial way of dealing...
Corn syrup comes from corn in a process that breaks down cornstarch into a substance used to replace sugar in candies and baking ingredients. Corn syrup has a smoother texture than pure sugar and contains fructose. High-fructos...
It can be overwhelming to feed your child a healthy, well-balanced diet if he cannot eat certain foods. A gluten intolerance restricts the types of grains your child can eat, and a fructose intolerance limits what types of frui...
According to Duke University, the advice to “feed a cold and starve a fever” dates as far back as the 16th century. This bit of medical folklore may have been based on the idea that fasting would help reduce body te...
The stomach flu is also known as gastroenteritis, and not restricted to bouts of viral influenza, according to BabyCenter. It can be caused by a virus or by infection with bacteria or parasites. Babies may get the stomach flu m...
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes several uncomfortable symptoms. Some people experience a flare-up in these symptoms when they eat certain foods. Trigger foods vary among people, and alco...
coli bacteria exist, most of which are harmless. However, about four strains, including E. coli O157:H7, are toxic and can make you severely ill with symptoms including bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Healthy adults will typical...
Finding new moles can be startling, but in most cases they are simply caused by sun exposure. Moles are caused by changes in the cells that produce the pigments in your skin. They are not caused by anything you might eat or dri...
If your child has croup, she may not feel like eating or drinking. In croup, inflammation in the upper airway, which includes the larynx and trachea, makes breathing difficult. A child with severe croup can't eat at all and nee...
Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, occurs when your infant’s digestive tract becomes inflamed. This condition can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever and chills. If the stomach flu is ...
Onion tea has been used as a folk remedy for the common cold, flu and cough. Onion contains nutrients to help fight a cold, and herbal teas provide you with a relaxing effect during recovery. Although there is no cure for the c...
Approximately 500,000 people in the United States suffer from ulcerative colitis. UC is a chronic condition that is categorized as a type of inflammatory bowel disease. There is no known cure for ulcerative colitis. However, me...
Food intolerance is a reaction to a food or group of foods, while a true allergy triggers an immune system response that can be life-threatening. Since the term “food sensitivity” may be used for either of these con...
Individuals with Stickler syndrome should be extremely careful not to perform excessively intense or high-impact forms of exercise. The proper type and degree of exercise, however, can be very beneficial. You should always foll...
Sensitivity to gluten comes in the form of a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance. Both conditions result from an abnormal response to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and the treatment involves removin...
Gout patients must avoid foods high in the organic chemical purine to prevent outbreaks. Purine increases uric acid in the body, which can crystallize in the joints and cause gout attacks. Some high-protein foods, such as meats...
Although they're different conditions, they're similar in some ways. Osteogenesis imperfecta and osteoporosis are both called brittle bone disease. Children with rickets and osteogenesis imperfecta may also have breath
More than 90 percent of children do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, according to Fruits & Veggies More Matters, a website run by the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Vegetables...
In many cases, treating the swelling at home saves the expense of a trip to the doctor. If the problem doesn't respond to home remedies, contact your child's pediatrician for an evaluation of her symptoms, which helps rule out ...
During pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed due to hormonal changes. This means that you must take extra caution regarding food choices. Ribs are a meal enjoyed by many women but pose the risk of food-borne illnesses tha...
Tendons, which are strong and sinewy, connect muscles to bones, making them targets for mild to severe tears during periods of intense muscle stress. Successful treatment of a tendon injury depends on the degree of the damage. ...
As a breastfeeding mother, what you eat does affect your child. Although diarrhea in babies is not commonly caused by foods her mother eats, an allergy or sensitivity to a certain food may result in diarrhea. The risks of diarr...
Taking ibuprofen before tennis can help relieve or prevent symptoms so that you can stick to your schedule, but you should always ask your doctor before taking any medication or exercising with a medical condition.
Back aches affect nearly everyone at some stage in their lives and have a variety of causes, most of which are benign and self-limiting, but some of which are indications of serious pathology. For low back pain that is musculos...
Chest congestion can be of concern because it may affect your baby’s breathing, cause a fever and make him feel lousy. After checking with your pediatrician to rule out any serious conditions, you can take at-home steps t...
The incidence of asthma among young children has been increasing over several decades, according to pediatrician William Sears in his book "The Portable Pediatrician." Many parents have turned to lifestyle changes and...
Many people consider emphysema an elderly person's disease. But many young smokers, including those in their teens, exhibit mild symptoms of the disease. Cigarette smoking, one of the primary causes of emphysema, puts many teen...
The first few times your toddler comes down with a cold will be miserable for both of you. Your child has no real experience of illness and discomfort, so every day is an unpleasant surprise. She'll be cranky and irritable, and...
Gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying, results from slowed function of the muscles that normally propel food through the stomach and intestines. Although more common in adults, gastroparesis somet...
It was followed over the span of 12 to 18 days and consisted of half a grapefruit for lunch, another half for dinner and a small serving of protein with an occasional supplement of toast or tomato. Due to the diet’s clea...
Wearing orthopedic boots immobilizes your foot and ankle and can result in your having an uneven gait. Even after you remove the orthopedic boots, your foot and ankle joints, ligaments and muscles will have less flexibility and...
Since all of these actions are vital to your health, you want to do everything you can to keep your joints healthy, including eating well. One food source that has positives and negatives for joint health is cheese. By knowing ...
This is the case with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, which can cause an uncomfortable condition known as a peptic ulcer. Not only can a peptic ulcer be uncomfortable, it also can affect the absorption of key nut...
Rice is a common food staple throughout a large part of the world, as it is inexpensive, filling and simple to base a meal around. Many recipes and foods might seem off limits to you if you must eliminate rice from your diet fo...
At first glance, vitamin D levels and a history of wheezing in an infant may appear to have no connection. Recent studies, however, have found a possible relationship between the two. If if you had low vitamin D levels during p...
Herbs are a staple in cooking, adding flavor and depth to a dish, but some of them also offer health benefits. A study by the University of Rochester found that 79 percent of the teens they surveyed between the ages of 14 and 1...
Primrose oil, also known as evening primrose oil, comes from the seed of the evening primrose plant. The oil has been used for a variety of disorders, including pain, weak bones, skin disorders, hot flashes, night sweats and at...
Pneumonia is a long-lasting, often severe and occasionally fatal lower-respiratory illness. It can occur in one or both lungs and make it difficult for a person to go about daily life. For swimmers and other athletes who need t...
Ballerinas frequently refer to "dancer's feet" as the cost of years spent on their toes. Corns on the bottom of the feet are among the most common foot issues experienced by dancers. While the condition is not dangero...
Casein is a family of proteins derived from milk rich in calcium, phosphorus and carbohydrates. Vitamin and supplement stores offer powdered casein for use as a dietary supplement. When casein enters your stomach, it coagulates...
Swelling that's concentrated in your calf or calves can simply result from standing in place for too long, or it can signal a more serious condition, such as a blood clot in your leg. Always seek emergency medical treatment if ...
Homeopathy has a long history of use in the United States, dating back to the early 19th century, but there's no scientific proof that it has any medical benefits. Nonetheless, around 3.9 million American adults used homeopathi...
Because the Paleo Diet restricts so many food groups, it may not provide adequate nutrition for some people. Before starting any diet, talk with a dietitian or other healthcare provider first, especially if you have any preexis...
While the mortality rate of premature births has decreased in the past century, premature births are still a cause of major health problems, including jaundice, respiratory conditions and certain neurological complications. Pro...
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas is inflamed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Some high-protein foods, such as soy, may further inflame the pancreas. Consult your physician or a ...
Minor postural kyphosis of 20 to 40 degrees is common; however, hyperkyphosis -- more than 50 degrees -- is usually due to vertebral disorders like osteoporosis or Scheuermann's disease. The bone has weakened and become more we...
The sport of bouldering is part of the climbing family, which includes more established sports such as mountaineering and rock climbing. Unlike its better-known siblings, bouldering focuses on small sections of rock, typically ...
Salicylates and wheat are potential triggers for a food allergy or sensitivity. Eating wheat if you are allergic could cause a variety of symptoms; the symptoms of a wheat allergy are similar to that of a salicylate sensitivity...
Food allergies are a widespread phenomenon not thoroughly understood. Food allergies can develop slowly or quickly, last for a short period of time or many years and lead to mild symptoms or be life threatening. Food allergies ...
Dry rice is sometimes contaminated with bacteria spores known as Bacillus cereus. This bacteria can survive the cooking process, so it's important that you refrigerate rice after cooking it if you aren't going to eat it right a...
If you develop an outbreak of bumps on your face after indulging in chocolate candy, don't automatically blame the chocolate. Allergy and acne both cause bumps on the face. Chocolate allergy is uncommon, allergist Dr. Bradley C...
Radial tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow are both forms of repetitive stress injury, or RSI for short. This means that instead of an accident or trauma, the elbow has been damaged by the accumulation of stress from repetitive mo...
While most bouts of chest pain in children and teens don't point to a serious heart problem, playing sports can aggravate existing, and sometimes fatal, heart conditions in teen athletes. Since the American Heart Association re...
Reiki is a Japanese form of alternative medicine that practitioners of the technique say promotes healing by reducing stress and enhancing relaxation. According to "Reiki News Magazine," a healthy diet enhances your R...
Treatment for gastroparesis, a digestive disorder, involves managing symptoms. No known cure exists. MayoClinic.com notes that surgery to improve stomach muscle function is still in the experimental stage, while muscle-stimulat...
The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a triangular bone supported by adjacent ligaments at the base of the spine. Injury to the tailbone, such as a sprain, can result from stressed ligaments surrounding the tailbone. A tai...
Tyrosine is a natural amino acid, while Zoloft is a man-made antidepressant medication. You must get a prescription for Zoloft, but you should also talk to your doctor before taking tyrosine to avoid possible side effects. The ...
