Swollen joints, such as knees and ankles, are usually the result of edema -- fluid collecting within the joint and surrounding tissue. Medical treatment includes over-the-counter diuretics or prescription diuretics such as Lasix and Aldactone. In...
The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 220,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2010. Unlike most cancers, there are known risk factors that can increase the patient's chance of developing lung...
Your nervous system is made up of about 62 miles' worth of nerves that transmit up to 300 nerve signals per second, each impulse lasting 1/700 of a second. Nerves are vulnerable to injury through mechanical as well as physiological stress. A...
Diabetes, a metabolic disease, keeps your body from using glucose, the body's most important source of energy. According to Tennessee Department of Education, there are about 20.8 million people who have diabetes in the United States. Diabetes is...
Hormones are chemical messengers of the body that function in regulating a variety of body processes, such as metabolism, growth and mood. Specialized cells, called hormone-producing cells, are responsible for the production and release of...
Myositis applies to a rare autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and inflames its own muscle tissue. Inclusion body myositis, or IBM, is a specific form of the disease that manifests with a slow progression and weakening of the muscles in...
Curry is a spice commonly added to dishes in places such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India. Seasoning your food with this spice may provide different health benefits, such as with colon cancer. However, consult with your doctor before trying to...
Sjogren's syndrome is a common, chronic, autoimmune disease chiefly causing dryness of the mucous membranes. Although different parts of the body can be affected, the disease primarily involves the tear and salivary glands. Ten times as many women...
Garlic is a medicinal herb of Asian origin. Today, garlic is cultivated worldwide. In history, garlic has been used in traditional folk medicine as a natural cure for diabetes. Modern scientific research also lends support to this traditional use....
Inclusion body myositis is best described as an inflammatory muscle disease. It causes a progressive wasting of muscle tissue, resulting in weakness and limited mobility. The wasting of muscle tissue is usually isolated to the forearms and thighs....
Cervical cancer risk increases with age. According to the National Cancer Institute, the median age for cervical cancer diagnosis between 2003 to 2007 was 48. Less than 15 percent of women under 35 are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although...
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, close to 20 million Americans suffer from the breathing disorder asthma, which can lead to missed work or school days and visits to the emergency room. Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic...
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors, often found in the uterus. While the fibroids themselves are benign, in some cases they may jeopardize or prevent pregnancy, cause cramping or make sex painful. Western science hasn't conclusively determined...
Molluscum is a viral skin infection that commonly affects children and infants but is also seen in adults. Even though the infection usually resolves within a few months, there are treatment options, but the results are variable. A few herbal...
Fungi have emerged as a major threat to humans, causing a wide range of infections such as oral thrush, vaginitis, nail infections and septicemia. These infections are more common in individuals with reduced immunity, and may even be...
As one of the world's oldest and most enjoyed beverages. second only to water, according to the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, tea has a prominent place in many cultures -- from the British, whose identity is nearly synonymous with the...
As many as 8.3 percent of Americans suffer from diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders 2011 statistics. Growing interest in using alternative medicines to treat disease has led to more research...
Diabetes is marked by a high blood glucose level. If uncontrolled, it increases the risk of heart disease, including plaques and high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous system damage and deterioration in the eyes. Beyond controlling...
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second major cause of American cancer deaths. In 2007, the latest year for which statistics are available, 53,219 people died from colon cancer and 142,672 people were diagnosed with it,...
Gluten, a sticky protein in wheat and related grains, forms the bubbles that cause baked goods to rise and gives pasta its elastic texture. Wheat products provide protein, important vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates....
The seed and flower of the pomegranate fruit may possess properties capable of lowering blood sugar, potentially benefiting patients with hyperglycemia and diabetes. Doctors from India to Africa are studying pomegranate seeds, flowers and their...
Cayenne pepper has been used by native Americans for gastronomic and medicinal purposes for several millennia, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. Cayenne is also utilized as a remedy for digestive and circulatory problems in other...
Despite staples like nan breads, mango-infused sauces, and basmati rice, Indian food does not automatically entail a carb-fest. Whether you frequent an all-you-can-eat buffet, hole-in-the-wall dive, or upscale nouveau establishment, you can easily...
Garcinia cambogia is a plant native to Indonesia and is often referred to as gambooge. The plant bears a yellowish fruit that has a shape similar to a small pumpkin. The fruit and its rind have a folk medicinal use for treating inflammation,...
Citrimax is an ingredient of a wide variety of weight-loss supplements, including Metabolife. Citrimax is extracted from the Garcinia cambogia fruit found in South Asia and used for both appetite suppression and weight loss. Before using any...
Stretch marks occur when the skin is forced to stretch beyond the capacity of the elastin and collagen within it. They appear first as red or purple marks and later fade to a white or grayish tone. The breasts are a common site for stretch marks...
Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis experience symptoms similar to pancreatitis; however, the symptoms are chronic and often less severe than those associated with acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, fever and...
The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as cranial nerve XIII, is a special sensory nerve with two nerve branches. The vestibular branch of the nerve aids in balance control, allowing the individual to ascertain their spatial positioning and...
Flax seeds have become a popular staple in the diets of the health conscious, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. Flax seeds are high in fiber and contain a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens. Flax seeds...
