Quadriplegic Diet
...s related to the increased risks associated with their medical condition. While no one diet works for everyone dealing with quadriplegia, some basic nutritional principles and goals can help you stay healthy. Complications s...
...s related to the increased risks associated with their medical condition. While no one diet works for everyone dealing with quadriplegia, some basic nutritional principles and goals can help you stay healthy. Complications s...
Watching your sugar intake is a good start to a health-conscious diet. Refined sugar is fairly high in calories – 16 calories per teaspoon -- and offers no nutritional value. All sugars are converted to glucose in your bo...
Children with cerebral palsy, low muscle tone or other muscle or neurological conditions can have tight hip adductors, the muscles that pull the thighs inward. Tight hip adductors can make the legs scissor, or cross. Certain si...
Your brain contains millions of specialized cells designed to send the billions of small electrical signals required for neurological processes including cognitive functioning, movement and emotional regulation. A constant flow...
Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs, can form in any joint, including the elbow. Bone spurs are an overgrowth of bone that can be caused by age, overuse and arthritis. While bone spurs themselves aren't painful, the...
In a world of schedules, smart phones and business planners, sometimes the best thing you can do for your child is to simply engage her in play. As a parent, you set the activities for your child, which means encouraging play a...
Diazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Commonly used for the relief of anxiety and in alcohol withdrawal, diazepam is also used to treat some seizure disorders, help relax muscles and relieve muscle spasms...
Pneumonia is an infection that occurs as a result of extreme inflammation in the alveoli of the lungs. The infection can be bacterial or viral, and frequently occurs as a result of another infection such as the flu. While most ...
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is a genetic disorder that affects adrenal gland functioning. The disorder impairs adrenal glands’ ability to produce vital hormones called corticosteroids. CAH causes these glands ...
GGT, also known as gamma-glutamyl transferase, is an enzyme primarily found in the liver that assists in carrying peptides and amino acids into your cells. The maximum healthy GGT blood level for women is 45 units per liter and...
Pain in the calf when you're pregnant generally occurs for one of two reasons, one quite serious and one merely annoying. Leg cramps or muscle spasms -- the merely annoying type of pain -- often cause calf pain during the night...
The ilium bone is the largest and uppermost bone in the pelvis. While riding a bike, you're constantly engaging your hips and pelvis, resulting in movements and rotations that can cause fractures, strains and inflammation in an...
A femoral bone contusion is a deep bruise, or hematoma, of the thighbone. Contusions of the femur can occur from extreme blunt trauma to the thigh or from the femur jamming the tibia at the knee joint, which might happen if you...
The idea of a “sugar rush” making children hyper has been debunked, but limiting the amount of refined sugar in their diets is still a good idea. If kids – or adults – eat a lot of candy, chances are the...
The latissimus dorsi are the largest muscles in your back and are below your right and left shoulder blades. These muscles run from the shoulder blades down to the small of your back and are used for rotation and extensions of ...
If you experience unpleasant side effects when you eat cheese, you might have lactose intolerance. Unlike a milk allergy, which affects the nervous system and causes symptoms like runny nose, cough and rashes, lactose intoleran...
Meniere’s disease causes a variety of symptoms, including vertigo, hearing nonexistent buzzing or humming and the sensation of fullness in your ear canal. Severe episodes of vertigo can also strike suddenly, causing you t...
Vitamin B-6, also known as pyridoxine, is a vitamin compound that aids in the production of red blood cells, helping to break down glucose and amino acids and turn them into energy. If your legs are feeling fatigued at the end ...
Your sacrum is a triangular-shaped bone at the base of your lower back upon which your vertebral column rests and is bordered on each side by the two large bones of the pelvis, known as the ilia. Where these two bones join, the...
...Inflammation can also become chronic, and this type of long-term process contributes to serious illness and aging. Foods affect the inflammatory process; some are pro-inflammatory and contribute to unhealthy inflammation, wh...
Gamma-glutamyl transferase, or GGT for short, is a liver enzyme found throughout your body, especially your liver and kidneys. GGT helps transport amino acids and phosphates into your cells. Abnormal GGT levels can be observed ...
The human body is marvelously complex and its internal mechanics rely heavily on the interactions of hormones and minerals such as estrogen and zinc. Abnormally elevated levels of these tiny players can wreak physiological havo...
High blood pressure can lead to all sorts of health emergencies, from heart disease to strokes to heart attacks. Lowering your blood pressure can be accomplished through changes in your lifestyle and diet, and this is where mos...
...ercise while playing the Wii, but it is not a replacement for playing outside. Your child's heart rate is not elevated as much playing a Wii game as it is by being active outside, which decreases the health benefits of the a...
Thumb-sucking is a common habit among young children because it offers comfort and security. Many children begin sucking their thumb in utero and continue the habit through the infant and toddler years. If your baby sucks his t...
Cycling is a form of cardiovascular exercise that contributes a great deal of toning to the lower body and core muscles. In some cases, however, cycling can cause stress to muscles or joints from constant training, improper pos...
Foot health and shoe comfort are critical factors for a runner. Shoes that curl your toes can cause pain, corns, blisters and calluses. Toe curling can result from anatomical imbalances, muscle or bone weaknesses or shoe defic...
Your adductor muscle runs along your inner thigh, and helps provide stability and support when you are physically active. An adductor strain occurs when this muscle is partially torn. Once the pain has subsided, certain Pilates...
You might be willing to do almost anything to relieve your baby the pain of teething. Modern-day remedies for teething include topical anesthetics and anti-inflammatories, but you may be uncomfortable putting all these chemical...
Rugby involves a large amount of running and kicking, so leg strength is an important aspect of this sport. However, rugby also involves tackling, which requires arm strength. Chin-ups are an effective way to increase arm muscl...
Former NFL linebacker Linden King played 12 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Raiders. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall and 241 pounds, King was small for a linebacker. He later admitted to using performance-enha...
Although pregnancy can be an exhilarating and profound experience, it also brings a host of physical discomforts with it. Many expectant mothers experience problems with gas, heartburn and constipation, even if their digestive ...
Weight gain is a complicated issue affected by a number of important factors. An imbalance between energy expenditure and caloric intake is the underlying reason most people gain weight. Eating foods with a high sugar content, ...
A seized calf or hamstring muscle is not only painful, but it can be dangerous if it happens to you while swimming. Muscle cramps are a common condition among both athletes and non-athletes. Muscle cramps are caused by dehydrat...
A bone spur, also called an osteophyte, is a bony projection that develops along the edge of a bone. These overgrowths aren’t painful in themselves but can rub on other bones, nerves, muscles or tendons. The friction can ...
...uberty in boys, fueling muscle development and providing energy. It may also play a role in the fight-or-flight response, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." Healthy levels of testos...
A cherry angioma is a benign, bright red skin lesion or growth that appears primarily on the trunk of the body. These spots tend to occur in people over the age of 30. They are comprised of blood vessels. The exact cause of ch...
Your gluteus muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors support the body when you run and engage in other similar activities. Weak muscles may lead to injury or poor running form. When you perform conditioning exercises, i...
The treadmill is a common exercise apparatus used primarily for running or walking. Performing any exercise with poor form increases your risk for injury. Poor posture, slumping and holding your head in a downward position whi...
Proponents of raw food diets suggest that raw food improves health and can rejuvenate senior citizens, but there isn't sufficient research to back up these claims. Adding certain raw foods to a senior's diet may have some benef...
Icing painful pectoral muscles during an athletic event is a bad idea. Its numbing effect decreases muscle strength and fine motor skill, "The New York Times" reports. Icing is an effective method for reducing swellin...
Chair massage is a type massage therapy performed in an ergonomically designed massage chair while the client is fully clothed. Spinal range-of-motion exercises employed during a chair massage can enhance a client’s flexi...
Years ago, chickenpox was a rite of passage for a kid. Before vaccines, almost every youngster dealt with this classic childhood disease. Some of their parents even had “pox parties” as a way of getting them over th...
A stability ball is an inexpensive fitness aid that can be used to help treat shoulder tendonitis and improve your posture. Shoulder tendonitis occurs when small tears develop in the shoulder muscles and connecting tendons. Par...
Pompe disease is a genetic disorder that interferes with proper glycogen breakdown, resulting in muscle weakness, which produces mobility and respiratory problems. Consistent exercise is an important part of Pompe disease treat...
A full leg splint is often applied to a leg that has sustained an injury, either to the bone or to one of the ligaments, muscles or tendons in the leg. The goal of a full leg splint is to successfully immobilize the leg, allowi...
Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, involves replacing the entire hip joint and some bone and cartilage with prosthetic components made out of metal or ceramic and plastic. After having this surgery, most people can ...
There are approximately 13 muscles that run through your hips, hamstrings and quadriceps to make up your thighs. Because of the numerous muscles in the region, properly warming up before a competitive sport or match requires a ...
Sugar is the culprit for a number of health problems including diabetes, liver disease, heart problems, elevated blood pressure and obesity. Decreasing sugar in your body reduces the risks of heart disease and obesity, reports ...
...at helps reduce the symptoms of a spastic colon is to avoid dairy products. Unfortunately, dairy products are a primary source of calcium for many people, and inadequate calcium consumption can cause health problems over tim...
...y to have ear tubes inserted. In rare cases, adults need the surgery as well. Having ear tubes doesn't mean your child has to give up sports, though a few precautions will keep her -- and her ears -- healthy and happy.
Lung surgery may be administered to patients suffering from chronic lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, as well as lung injuries such as a collapsed lung. After lung surgery, pulmonary rehabi...
Liver problems can cause a variety of sleep problems, including insomnia, oversleeping and daytime fatigue, according to hepatologist Melissa Palmer. Proper exercise can, however, improve the quality of your sleep and improve l...
The posterior tibial tendon attaches the posterior tibialis muscle to bones that make up the arch of the foot. When this tendon becomes damaged or irritated, the arch can fall, resulting in reduced foot flexibility, pain and di...
Hip instability is a chronic condition often caused by sports and exercises that force you into repetitive motions with your hip flexors and joints. While golf and tennis are sports that require greater rotation than running, i...
Hereditary spherocytosis is a genetic disorder characterized by rigid, misshapen red blood cells that are destroyed in the spleen. Exercising with hereditary spherocytosis may be challenging because of the lack of red blood cel...
Your urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urine is manufactured in the kidneys and drains down the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored temporarily. When you urinate, urine passes from the ...
A pull or strain to the muscles of your groin, hip or thigh is a fairly common skiing injury. Do not attempt to continue skiing after hurting yourself. If you follow your doctor's advice to rest and treat the groin pull, you wi...
The urge to vomit is caused by a variety of factors, but it usually represents your body’s attempt to rid itself of something pathogenic or poisonous. Food poisoning is a common cause of vomiting and can lead to dehydrati...
Each of your feet has two peroneal tendons that appear behind your ankle bone on the outer edge of your foot. One of them attaches on the outer edge of your foot in the middle and the other attaches near the arch of your foot. ...
Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, play an essential role in tissue maintenance and repair in your body. Some alternative practitioners advocate taking individual amino acids such as methionine as supplements to treat...
When you run, a minor problem can cause a slew of issues, often starting with pain in your Achilles tendon and ending with discomfort in your knee or hip. The muscles in your hips subtly affect how your legs move and react when...
Colorectal cancer is the third most common adult cancer in the United States, with over 101,000 new cases and 50,000 deaths in 2011, according to the National Cancer Institute. Colon cancers often begin with the formation of a ...
... that requires consistent overhead movements. Your doctor might suggest numerous physical therapy treatments, such as modified pushups, to help strengthen this muscle during recuperation. Follow your health-care provider's i...
Many factors affect your mood, including the various nutrients and chemicals in the food that you eat and beverages you drink. Some foods, especially those high in refined sugar, can quickly elevate your mood and energy levels ...
Many avid cyclists have experienced pimples and chafing on their buttocks or inner thighs. Cycling pimples and chafing can be uncomfortable or painful during rides, but proper treatment can relieve symptoms and speed healing. C...
Many toddlers begin drinking milk after 1 year of age as a source of calcium and vitamins. Goat's milk is sometimes given to toddlers instead of cow's milk as it contains fats that are more easily digestible. However, if your t...
For a small organ, the gallbladder can cause major issues with pain and discomfort if diseased or blocked. Your gallbladder is a pouch-shaped organ below your liver that holds bile to help digest fats. While your gallbladder pe...
Most contact sports, such as football and lacrosse, put the players at increased risk for physical injuries. Whether from falling on the ground, running into other players or taking blows from equipment, sports injuries can hap...
Sprouted foods are grains, legumes, nuts or seeds that have been allowed to grow enough to sprout a small, tender plant shoot. These foods have a different nutritional profile than foods that have not been allowed to sprout. Ad...
If you take the blood thinner Coumadin, the brand name for the generic drug warfarin, you must keep your vitamin K intake consistent and within a certain daily range. Coumadin is taken to prevent blood clots from forming. Vitam...
The meniscus is composed of two pads of cartilage that are located in the middle of your knee joint. A pinched meniscus is the layperson's way of saying you are suffering from a partial tear of one or both of the pieces of cart...
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The body makes arginine naturally but you may need to obtain more from foods. Arginine can be found in many protein-rich foods, such as meats, milk ...
Both men and women produce androgen, the dominant male hormone, but in differing amounts. Women with polcystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, often have high androgen levels. High androgen levels in PCOS can increase your risk of dev...
A strained achilles tendon is often the result of an overuse injury from high energy sports such as running and jumping. Reverse squats are designed to help strengthen your quadricep and core muscles, but they put a large amoun...
Rashes can occur from many sources, seeing that your hands are in contact with an assortment of items throughout the day. While cooking chicken, you may be exposing yourself to spices, herbs, seasonings and other ingredients th...
Shoulder impairment, more commonly referred to as shoulder impingement, is a result of inflammation or irritation in the bursa sacs that are located in your shoulders. The injury often stems from repetitive motions, such as thr...
Most people get more than enough vitamin B-12 in their diets. It’s found in animal-derived foods, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, beef, eggs and fish, and in most fortified breakfast cereals. But there’s always the po...
... and long-term problems, and if they get into the food supply, cleaning them up can be very difficult. By the time the cause is discovered, enough people have been exposed that there could be serious health consequences. As ...
Eczema, psoriasis and ringworm may seem unrelated but do have some things in common. They are all skin conditions that produce red itchy patches; both eczema and psoriasis may improve with exposure to sunlight. Arnica is an her...
While not smoking is the most effective way to reduce your risk for breathing problems, nutrition also plays an important role. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for people with breathing problems. In addition, certain nutr...
Powerlifting increases the demand on your heart muscle to pump blood throughout your body. The heart typically responds to by increasing the size or thickness of your ventricles -- chambers that pump blood to your lungs and thr...
A concussion presents a serious brain injury, and depending on the severity of it, can present long term health ramifications or even death if you fail to properly take care of yourself afterward. If you want to resume your wei...
A pyeloplasty is a surgical procedure that removes a blockage between your kidney and ureter. Because a pyeloplasty requires a hospital stay and several weeks of recovery time, your capacity to exercise will be limited while yo...
A drink before bed might seem like just the thing to relax you and help you nod off. Many people feel sleepy after a drink or two, but using liquor as a sleep aid isn’t a good idea. If you’re having trouble sleeping...
Exercising after a spinal fusion is an important facet to your recovery. Not only does it help return strength to the bones of your spine, but it can also help manage pain, increase function and get you back to those day-to-day...
Corn contains small amounts of protein that can trigger allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to corn and don't avoid corn in all its forms, you may develop an elevated white blood cell count. Your body produces several d...
...e of the more familiar salt-water fish varieties, cod is a perennial favorite because of its mild taste and firm white flesh. As a source of vitamins, minerals and lean proteins, it also represents a healthy substitute for r...
You’ve just finished a greasy meal with all your favorites -- fried chicken, French fries, potato chips and pizza. You may feel something more than a full stomach after you finish a meal: You also may experience kidney pa...
Most people will experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Fortunately, exercise and physical therapy treat many types of knee pain effectively, notes Gaiam Life. Stretching, and then strengthening, the glutes can be e...
There’s no denying strength training is an important component to your physical health. The force exerted during such activities not only helps build muscle tissue, which goes a long way to improve overall strength, but i...
Glider exercise machines are not necessarily bad for ankle injuries. In fact, when used properly, they can help rehabilitate, heal and strengthen your ankle. However, you will likely need to allow your ankle some time to heal b...
..., as well as helping with nerve and muscle function. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to maintain the proper balance of fluid in your cells. Bananas are one dietary source of potassium. Healthy adults need abou...
Licorice’s active compound glycyrrhizin is associated with harmful side effects, so much so that a version of the herb without the chemical is available. On the other hand, the herb has also been used as a traditional med...
The long bones in your foot between the ankle and the toes are called metatarsals. These bones are numbered rather than named, with the metatarsal at the base of the big toe being the first metatarsal, down to the little toe, w...
Getting back to basketball after any type of surgery is hard, but considering how essential your arms are to the sport, recovering from surgery to a biceps tendon makes returning to the game even more challenging. You'll need t...
In addition to building strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination, martial artists may train to toughen up their bodies. Tougher forearms, hands, shins and torso are better able to take and give strikes with less pain o...
Claudication comes from the Latin word “claudico,” which means to limp. Neurogenic claudication refers to a condition that causes pain when you walk, causing you to limp. Unlike the vascular disease that occurs beca...
Breastfeeding your baby is a healthy choice that supplies your little one with all of the nutrients he needs for good health and proper development. Eat a diet filled with nutrient-dense foods while you are breastfeeding to ens...
Iron is a crucial mineral that supports the proper formation of red blood cells. Beef is among the best food sources of iron, and incorporating it into your diet can help you boost your intake, so you can avoid an iron deficien...
While lower back injuries are common among golfers, the rhomboid muscle located in the upper back can also be injured during golf. The triangular-shaped rhomboid muscle lies between the shoulder blades and connects the inside e...
Martial arts in all their various forms are associated with lower-extremity injuries, such as foot and ankle sprains. Improper technique, speed, flexibility or strength plays a role in the majority of these injuries. Foot and a...
Bodybuilders require high testosterone levels to build competition-ready bodies. Some bodybuilders resort to taking banned substances, such as steroids, to boost their testosterone and muscle building abilities beyond what thei...
The deadlift is a weight training exercise that involves lifting a heavy barbell off the floor starting from a stabilized, bent-over position. It is considered a powerlifting exercise, along with the squat and bench press exerc...
Consumption of alcohol can cause or contribute to several conditions responsible for lesions. A lesion is an abnormality, or damage, on tissue or organs. If you have lesions on your tongue, drinking alcohol may make them go awa...
A frozen shoulder occurs when you suffer pain and limited movement in your shoulder. The condition is often the result of an injury, but also appears in people with certain diseases or other health concerns. Diabetes, heart dis...
...main filtration system for your body, maintaining your fluid levels and filtering minerals and electrolytes in your body. As you age, kidney function can decrease, which affects not only your overall health, but also the foo...
High altitude skiing allows skiers to take in the sights of snowy mountaintops and isolated wildlife. Unfortunately, this activity also carries the risk of altitude sickness, which occurs when the body is forced to rapidly adju...
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, CCSVI, is a medical condition affecting the circulation of blood surrounding the spine and brain, and caused by a blockage in the internal jugular or other vein. The term CCSVI was co...
When you measure the amount of glucose in your blood, you are determining your blood sugar levels. Just like many measurements in your body, your blood sugar levels must be balanced to maintain good health. Sudden increases in ...
Your quadriceps are the four muscles that comprise the majority of the muscle mass of your anterior thigh. The quadriceps group primarily functions to extend your leg for walking and running, but they also aid in hip flexion. E...
Ankle sprains are common but serious injuries caused by tearing and pulling in the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the ankle, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." Spinning places intense pressure on th...
A common foot pain involving the arch is called plantar fasciitis. The damage occurs on the long, thin ligament that runs along your arches and is attached to your heel and the front of your foot. To ease the pain that occurs i...
Arm pain when hitting a volleyball can be due to a wide range of reasons. You can incur systemic-overuse damage after playing for years or develop a sudden injury by spiking the ball and applying excessive pressure on your arm ...
The sacroiliac joint is located between the sacrum and ilium in your pelvis. These regions are connected by ligaments that help to support the lower spine. The two most common types of SI joint problems are referred to as sacro...
Vitamin D is a nutrient that supports healthy bones in children and prevents bone disorders and fractures. Despite the increase in fortified foods, vitamin D deficiency is common in children, according to "The New England ...
Knee replacement surgery, in which the damaged sections of your knee are replaced with metal parts, is necessary for people who've developed knee problems like arthritis caused by wear and tear or age, or as the result of an in...
Ginger has a long history of use in folk and alternative medicine. While you may associate ginger with its stomach-settling properties, practitioners also use it to treat high blood pressure and to improve blood circulation, am...
Few things are more painful than seeing one of your children in physical distress. At times like that you’ll try anything to make them feel better. Given the enormous amount of false information on the Internet, this can ...
Finding a diet that works for you can be frustrating, especially given the plethora of bizarre fad diets and wild claims. The more scientific these schemes sound, the harder it is to separate fact from wishful thinking. A diet ...
...lways talk to your physician to get an accurate diagnosis and nutritional guidance. Following the proper diet makes a difference in either preventing diabetes or lowering the risk of diabetes-related health complications.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure for cancer that removes the breast and leaves the muscles behind it intact. If the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes of the armpit, you may also need an axillary lymph node dissection. ...
Everything you eat as a nursing mom can affect your baby. If your baby develops an allergy to something you eat, he may have an allergic reaction, including skin rashes that cause reddened cheeks. Eggs are one of the eight mos...
Ankle exercises include strengthening, stretching, range of motion and balance activities. Your ankle can make four main motions. Plantar flexion is pointing your toes, while dorsiflexion is lifting your toes toward your shin. ...
Approximately one million people visit the doctor each year because of kidney stones, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. These stones develop when minerals from the foods you eat build up and form a small...
Snorkeling can be a fun and exciting vacation activity, as it offers many of the same benefits as scuba diving without the complicated equipment and extensive training. Snorkeling simply consists of swimming while wearing a sno...
...ined sugar, regardless of whether you have a benign tumor. Sugar in excessive amounts can cause obesity, which is associated with increased cancer risk. A qualified nutritionist can help you design a healthy diet that may he...
Sleep is a complex, vital part of your daily schedule. The exact benefits of sleep are still unclear, but the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that sleep is necessary for the brain and nervous sys...
Any exercise that you include in your regular routine should have an intrinsic value and add to your overall health and fitness. When portions of an exercise cause pain and injuries, such as hyperextending while doing lunges, y...
Weight training for any teen should emphasize building strength and not bulking up through powerlifting or bodybuilding. Using light weights and proper form, strength training for teens usually is safe unless the child has a se...
...t recovery. Foods high in calcium and in bone-building vitamins may also help. Whey protein, most often mentioned in conjunction with muscle recovery, is unlikely to have a significant impact on bone health.
The area called the shoulder includes two major bones – the humerus, or upper arm bone, and the scapula, or shoulder blade. In addition, the clavicle, or collarbone, is connected to the front part of the shoulder. All of ...
Potassium is one of several minerals essential to your health. It plays a central role in nerve conduction, allowing for the brain function, muscle movement and heart functioning essential to survival. Low potassium levels nega...
Normal blood circulation is essential for good health because blood is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients into tissues and removing waste products and carbon dioxide from them. A variety of conditions and diseases ca...
Starting solid foods is an exciting milestone in a baby's first year, but it involves many important decisions. You must decide when to begin giving your baby solids, how often to feed her and which foods to offer. Awareness of...
Dry eyes are a fairly common affliction resulting from the eye’s inability to produce adequate moisture. Although digestive enzymes are not usually obviously considered to be directly related to dry eyes or dry eyes treat...
Blood sugar plays an important role in your health, because cells take up and utilize this sugar as a source of energy. Blood sugar regulation in your body ensures that you do not develop abnormally high or low blood sugar, whi...
Tough bands of stretchy tissue called ligaments cross over one another to connect the three bones that make up the ankle. The ligaments also help connect the ankle bones to the bones in the feet and lower legs. When a ligament ...
Like yogurt, kefir is a fermented dairy product that contains both probiotics and prebiotics. This slightly sour beverage has been used for years as a holistic treatment for a variety of health problems such as eczema and diarr...
People experiencing problems in their upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract may need an endoscopy, or an examination of those organs, including the esophagus, duodenum and stomach. A special diet, including suggestions about alcoh...
...e toxins in your body at the same time. Such diets have no proven value, however, as registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic reports. They can also have undesirable effects on your health, such as causing ...
Excessive sweating in athletes doesn't always indicate a serious underlying health condition, but it can cause problems if it isn't dealt with properly. Athletes can lose more than 1.5 liters per hour, according to Montana Stat...
Reishi mushrooms grow in coastal areas of China. They thrive on rotten tree stumps and logs. The Chinese name for the reishi mushroom is ling zhi, which means “herb of spiritual potency.” The Chinese have used this ...
Your knee is a complex joint composed of the bottom of the femur, or thigh bone, and the top of the tibia, or shin bone. These two structures are held together by four major ligaments and supported by a number of muscles. If on...
Spinal muscular atrophy, also known as SMA, can cause progressive muscle weakness and disability that normally starts in childhood. Less-severe forms of the disease can occur in adulthood. Nutritional issues arise in SMA, parti...
Subdural hematomas are not a common injury suffered by people who participate in weight lifting. However, subdural hematomas may be a risk for weight lifters who take certain controlled substances or who have other medical cond...
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that encourage communication between brain cells. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood and sleep patterns, among other things. Certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, cr...
All dairy products contain lactose, the sugar in milk. Around 70 percent of the world's population, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, can't digest lactose well. Lactose-intolerant people lack the enzyme lactase, ...
Feeling a snapping sensation in your hip when you swim can be a sign that you have snapping hip syndrome, a condition that can occur due to repetitive movements of the hip. Although hip pain can be a symptom of the syndrome, sn...
It is common to experience weaknesses and discomfort in your legs at night. This causes the desire to constantly stretch and test your legs, which inhibits a restful sleep. Several issues can lead to these symptoms. It's critic...
Balancing exercises help train the communication and reaction that occurs between your brain and your feet, called proprioception. Sensors and nerves in your feet relay information to your brain, which then sends the appropriat...
A muscle imbalance in the arms occurs when one muscle is consistently worked while the others are not. This may interfere with your performance while cycling and could contribute to an injury. A varied exercise routine helps yo...
A buildup of calcium on your heart increases your risk of heart disease and heart attack. When calcium builds up in your aortic valves, the blood flow to your heart is reduced, which can cause these life-threatening medical pro...
Tennis elbow is a generic description for several forms of tendinitis associated with sports in general and racquet sports specifically. Like other forms of tendinitis, it's the result of long-term repetitive motions, which eve...
Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport. Careening down the side of a snow-covered mountain, stunting or just carving a wide swath through virgin snow, is deeply enjoyable. Unfortunately, it also commonly results in sprains and b...
The major joints of the human body are subjected to significant stresses in normal day-to-day activity, and even more so during sports or strenuous workouts. The tendons that anchor muscles to the bones, and the ligaments that ...
An athlete or a bodybuilder who regularly engages in extended high-frequency workouts may find himself seeing his progress decline, even as he increases his efforts. This is one of the classic symptoms of overtraining, a persis...
Conditions of the inner ear often cause severe imbalance. The ears sense movement and then send messages to your eye, neck, torso, arm and leg muscles, helping you to maintain balance even under unsteady conditions. If you suff...
...ed by a leg cramp in the middle of the night. Muscle cramps are associated with many conditions and risk factors, including a poor diet. Cheese helps provide the nutrition your body needs to maintain healthy muscles.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone important to many physiological functions in both men and women. Men produce about 15 times the testosterone as do women. The hormone is responsible for reproductive function and the stimulati...
After surgery, many patients are eager to return to their previous fitness routine as quickly as possible. However, it's important to remember that abdominal surgery is a significant procedure, even with modern laparascopic tec...
Your doctor may suggest a neurostimulator implant for deep brain stimulation or to relieve spinal pain. Neurostimulators consist of an electrode and stimulator -- a pacemakerlike device -- that are implanted inside your body. T...
Distant running requires stamina, strength and strong muscles. The main muscles worked in the leg when running are the hamstrings and calves. However, the gluetal muscles also play a role in running. When the gluteal and hamstr...
Russian rye bread and pumpernickel are dense, dark-colored breads that have a pungent flavor and are slightly sour. Although available locally at most grocery stores, Russian rye bread has its origins in Eastern Europe, Scandi...
... your doctor says you have fatty liver disease, commonly called simply fatty liver, you're far from alone. Between 10 and 20 percent of Americans have fatty liver, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service...
Snowboarding is a simple sport that is fairly easy to learn and exciting to participate in. A rider puts both feet on one board and uses the same skills required for surfing or skateboarding, but on a snowy slope instead of a w...
...ut be wary of claims that certain supplements and ointments, such as those containing B-complex vitamins, constitute a miracle cure for the problem. B vitamins are not commonly associated with tendon health. Always ask your ...
Basketball is a demanding sport that can take a toll on a player's body. Although basketball players are often concerned with maximizing energy and preventing injuries to their legs, the repetitive motions of dribbling and shoo...
Just underneath your skin lies a network of fibers, called fascia, that covers your entire body. This network, composed of collagen fibers, wraps around every one of your muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs. You ma...
Prawns is a term often used to describe shrimp, but prawns are actually genetically closer to lobsters. Grilled prawns are on many upscale and gourmet restaurant menus and are often cooked on lemongrass skewers for a bold citru...
Occupations and sports that require repetitive wrist and arm movements are the primary culprits of tennis elbow -- a painful overuse injury. Infrared heat wraps are used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with a number ...
Browning butter affects the flavor and color, creating a popular ingredient for cooking and baking. The carmelization that occurs in butter at temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit causes changes called the maillard reactio...
...e-aged people find themselves increasingly sleepy after exercise. This does not generally indicate a serious underlying medical condition, but you should consult your doctor about any changes in your health and energy level.
The shoulder is a joint that connects the collarbone, shoulder blade and humerus. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the humerus pops out of the joint, according to the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." Common among at...
...ntolerance to specific foods. Research on prevention methods like vaccines has been inconclusive and disappointing to allergy sufferers, with most doctors only able to recommend food avoidance. Other health providers encoura...
A hysterectomy may affect your body's hormone levels more or less dramatically, but you're certain to experience some health changes related to changes in hormone production, ranging from menopausal symptoms to mood swings to c...
Stretch your hip abductor muscles can help significantly reduce your risk for injury from a workout or sporting event. Using an inflated exercise ball can allow you to perform stretches you would be unable to do otherwise. Be c...
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a degenerative disease that usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease for the baseball player who was diagnosed with it in 1939, this condition pres...
Yoga offers a comprehensive series of exercises for improving muscle strength and flexibility. If you feel that your level of flexibility is too restricted to practice yoga, or if you have reached a plateau in your yoga practic...
A low-protein diet is often prescribed by physicians for individuals with kidney or liver disease and some metabolic disorders. It is not a diet that is commonly used for weight loss. Sufficient dietary protein is important to ...
Running on a treadmill is a good cardiovascular workout that burns calories, supports heart and lung health and tones and strengthens the muscles in your core and legs. In most cases, a treadmill workout isn't likely to cause a...
Tendons are flexible, fibrous tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. When tendons become inflamed, you develop tendonitis. Tendonitis in your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and ankles often worsens and becomes irritat...
Multiple sclerosis causes progressive damage to your nerves, possibly interfering with your ability to move around. There is no cure for the condition, but regular exercise helps manage many of the symptoms of multiple sclerosi...
Babies suck their thumbs to comfort or entertain themselves. Your baby's tender skin can become red and cracked after constant thumb-sucking. Several home remedies may help alleviate irritation associated with this habit. After...
Your liver, which has several different functions, is the largest organ in your body. It stores energy and vitamins, produces bile, processes old red blood cells and metabolizes alcohol. While the liver is typically good at reg...
Your shoulder is probably the most complex piece of architecture in your body. The intricate framework of bones and joints affords it great range of motion, but at a cost. The shoulder is not very stable. In fact, its complexit...
Milk is typically regarded as a healthy food choice, but if your nose burns and your mouth swells up after a few drinks, you may be allergic. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, milk allergie...
Scientists and medical researchers use treadmill exercise testing to learn about the many physiological effects of exercise on the heart, lungs and muscles. The concept of VO2 max was developed by researcher A.V. Hill in the 19...
Hockey players are susceptible to injury on many parts of their bodies, and several hockey-related conditions cause dull pain specifically in the area surrounding the hip. Hockey hip injuries are usually caused by a hit or a fa...
Kettlebells are round weights with handles. Unlike traditional weights, they are swung rather than lifted, enabling you to exercise several muscle groups at once while minimizing strain on the back. Like all exercises, kettlebe...
...cessing, preservatives were added to the bread to extend its shelf-life. While most preservatives in bread aren't harmful to you, there are a few preservatives that can have a negative impact on your health, including irrita...
...n fruit powder adds tropical flavor to smoothies, along with vitamins A and C. The leaves, stems and flower of Passiflora incarnata, or the passionflower, are used as herbal remedies. Research on the healthy effects of the f...
...orcing your muscles to stretch farther than they are able can result in injuries and get in the way of your regular workout. Follow a few basic stretching rules and you might improve the function and health of your muscles.
Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity, especially among teenage males. It involves riding on an oblong board with four small wheels. Skateboarding is done mostly on streets and sidewalks, although specially prepared ...
Everything about caring for a newborn can be frightening, from knowing how and when to feed her to detecting problems with her breathing. Breathing problems at mealtime aren’t necessarily the sign of a larger problem such...
The most common cause of tingling in an extremity involves impaired circulation or pressure on or injury to a nerve. When the tingling is localized to an area such as the arm, the most likely causes are problems in the neck, sh...
Clogged arteries can lead to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis – also known as hardening of the arteries – and other health problems. Eating a diet that is based on fruits and vegetables may help alleviate som...
Hockey rinks tend to play host to multiple teams, which often results in back-to-back practices that begin before sunrise. If your hockey team is routinely issued the pre-dawn time slot for training purposes, you might find you...
Overdosing on garlic can cause more than a distinctive and pungent odor. While garlic has a number of potential health benefits, too much garlic can interfere with blood clotting. If you already take a prescription blood thinne...
Lumpfish caviar is one of the less costly types of caviar, a delicacy made of salted fish eggs. The lumpfish is a thick-skinned, lumpy cold-water fish found mostly in the North Pacific, but also in the North Atlantic and Arctic...