Like the elastic used in stretchy clothing, the skin relies on elastin, a fiber-like tissue of the skin. At its best, elastin prevents sagging skin, only allowing wrinkles and other signs of aging when elasticity of the tissue deteriorates....
Burdock is a traditional herbal treatment for a variety of diseases, including arthritis, diabetes and cancer. It is one of four herbs used in Essiac tea--the others are rhubarb, sorrel, slippery elm--a traditional medicine used by the Ojibway...
Pumping the right fuel into the body goes a long way towards gaining mileage for health and longevity. Nutrient-rich foods provide the best fuel and are found in whole foods, or those which haven't been processed. Kelp is considered a whole food...
Genetic diseases are those that are passed down from parent to child through defective genes. Genes are the units of deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) that carry the code for a specific trait. Defects in genes that code for specific proteins and...
The American Heart Association says that a healthy diet, free of trans fats and excess calories, is the best means for preventing cardiovascular disease. Along with a healthy lifestyle, scientific research has shown heart disease-reducing benefits...
The cucumber, or cucumis sativus, is available year round. Seen dressing up salads or adorning a veggie party platter, there is much more to the cucumber than meets the eye. Low in calories and carbohydrates, fat free, salt free, cholesterol free...
Bladderwrack, also known as Fucus vesiculosus, is a seaweed found on coasts around the world. It was the first source of iodine in 1811 and has since been used to treat conditions such as thyroid problems and weight loss. Scientists are now...
Yerba mate, also referred to as mate, is a small evergreen tree in the holly family, native to South America. In recent years, interest in mate tea as a substitute for coffee and with reputed medicinal benefits has led to increased consumption in...
Proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids sewn together by chemical bonds and wrapped around each other like a ball of yarn. Protease enzymes act like "chemical scissors" on a target protein and cut it into smaller fragments called...
Acne affects more than 90 percent of adolescents, frequently adding to the emotional stress of this already challenging phase of life. In about 15 percent of cases, acne and its psychological impact persist into adulthood, and for those afflicted...
Virtually all reactions in your body are mediated by enzymes, which are protein catalysts that increase the rate at which these reactions take place. By channeling reactants, or substrates, into appropriate pathways, enzymes direct all metabolic...
Your skin is your largest organ and your first line of defense from the outside world. The condition of your skin says a lot about your overall health too. The same can be said about your hair. In fact, hair is just a different form of skin since...
Proteolytic enzymes are produced by the pancreas to break down proteases, or proteins. While these agents play an important role in digestion, cancers and viruses also utilize these enzymes to self-replicate and invade healthy cells. In addition...
According to the "Merck Medical Home Health Handbook," tinnitus is a symptom of either an injury, a blocked ear or an ear infection. Tinnitus can also be a symptom of ear damage or hearing loss. Ringing or buzzing in the ear, especially in quiet...
Each cell in the human body contains about 25,000 to 35,000 genes, which carry deoxyribose nucleic acid, or DNA, which determines each characteristic a person will possess, according to the Nemours Foundation. Damage to the DNA causes the gene to...
Digestive enzymes are released by the gastrointestinal system to aid in the breakdown, digestion and absorption of food. Most digestive enzymes come from specialized cells along the digestive tract, including the mouth, stomach, pancreas and small...
The pancreas is a gland located deep in your abdomen that plays a significant role in the digestive process. The endocrine section of your pancreas produces and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into your bloodstream. These hormones...
Amino acids, linked together in a long chain and then folded into a globule, make up a protein molecule. You require protein in your diet because the amino acids in the protein are necessary for your body to create the muscle tissue, hormones and...
Protein isolates are nutritional supplements containing concentrated protein with fats and carbohydrates removed. Isolate protein may serve as an additional source of dietary protein for athletes, dieters or others wanting a convenient way to...
Enzymes are protein molecules that function in your body as catalysts; that is, they speed up the rate of a biological reaction while they themselves remain unchanged. They are active at a pH, or level of acidity, specific to each individual...
Besides having a funny name, bladderwrack, or Fucus vesiculosus, is a brown sea vegetable used in the treatment of medical conditions and in cosmetics. Although this plant is used for many health conditions, research has yet to determine its...
Capillaries transport nutrients throughout our bodies and help carry out waste. The strength of the capillary walls is an important factor in how well the capillaries perform their functions. You can strengthen capillary walls with regular...
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma and alpha-1 related emphysema are also categorized under the term COPD under certain circumstances. Symptoms include...
Severe injuries need a trip to the doctor, but you may be looking for a natural treatment for bruises, aches, and minor sprains. Consider looking into arnica gels, tinctures, or homeopathic remedies. Arnica is a daisy-like mountain flower with...
Most mammals cannot drink milk after infancy, including humans. Since most humans stop producing milk-digesting enzymes in their bodies by 5 years old, undigested milk sugar ferments in the colon and causes digestive upset. According to a 2009...
Ulcerative colitis, or UC, is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the lining of your colon. Symptoms you may experience include pain, rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fatigue and weight loss. Doctors aren't sure...
White and green teas may help people retain a more youthful appearance by promoting collagen and elastin health. Research on these benefits was somewhat new as of 2010, so no one has definitively found just how much tea a person needs to drink to...
Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. It serves a variety of important health effects and has been used successfully for its cholesterol-lowering, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. Aside from dietary...
