Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate numerous functions in the body. When it produces too little, various symptoms can result, including weight gain, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, depression and joint pain, to name a few....
A decreased appetite is usually a symptom of an underlying condition. A loss of appetite can be the result of stress, certain cancers, chronic kidney failure, chronic liver disease, first-trimester stage of pregnancy, hepatitis, chronic...
There are many programs, products and pills on the market that claim to burn fat and speed weight loss efforts. They often come with claims that you can eat all you want and that there is no need to exercise. However, most fat burners are...
If you have hyperthyroidism, you have an overactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces the hormones called thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3, which help to regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid gland is overactive, it will...
Cilantro is a lacy-leafed herb used to season foods and is popular in Tex-Mex dishes in particular. Cilantro resembles parsley but has a much more pungent odor and taste. Its seeds are known as coriander, and they impart a different flavor than...
Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can sometimes be referred to as an "overactive thyroid" gland. There are several disease conditions that can cause this situation, including...
Heartburn occurs when the tiny muscle (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) that keeps stomach contents from coming up the esophagus relaxes or stops functioning properly. This allows the stomach contents to rise into the esophagus, causing...
More than 5.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ADHD causes an array of troubling symptoms that make it challenging...
Vyvanse, known generically as lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a central nervous stimulant. It is used to treat both the inattentive and hyperactive types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the National Library of...
Low levels of potassium, medically known as hypokalemia, can cause problems with your heart. Hypokalemia occurs when the normal balance between the amount of potassium taken in and the amount leaving your body in urine is disrupted. When you...
Saunas, which are Finnish in origin, and are hot rooms heated by water poured over hot rocks. The high temperature of a sauna can help you relax and soothe your aches. Although saunas can confer these positive benefits, they also can be dangerous,...
The thyroid gland is situated on the front of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. When thyroid hormone production is off, much of the body is affected, including weight management. The gland can...
Iodine is a mineral used by the human body to produce thyroid hormones and so plays a major role in oxygen consumption and normal body function. It is important in brain development and function as well. Low levels can lead to impaired brain...
Fluoride is derived from fluorine, an element with unique properties that are ideal for synthesizing drugs. Fluorine is the most electronegative element and can substitute for hydrogen in medicinal compounds, making the compound stronger and more...
According to Medline Plus, your pulse rate represents the number of times your heart beats in one minute. If your heart beats 90 times in 60 seconds, for example, your pulse rate is 90. Normal resting pulse rates vary depending upon your age and...
Human life begins in water. In fact, water makes up about 60 percent of the body. Without it, your cells cannot function normally. It is essential to stay hydrated, especially if you have a very active lifestyle or if you have been diagnosed with...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines venous thromboembolism, or VTE, as the collective term used to describe two related conditions: deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, and pulmonary embolism, or PE. DVT is the partial or total...
Abilify (aripiprazole), an anti-psychotic medication, is used to treat symptoms of bipolar disease and schizophrenia in adults and children. Abilify works on the neurotransmitter dopamine's receptors, increasing dopamine output when levels are low...
Methamphetamine, an illegal drug, causes a temporary euphoric feeling and increases energy by stimulating dopamine levels in the human body. Also called meth, this drug is smoked, snorted or injected in the form of a clear powder. According to...
Under normal circumstances, average heart rates for non-athletes fall within a relatively narrow range of roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute. Temporary elevations of these rates commonly occur during exercise and other forms of physical activity....
If you work, play sports or exercise outside when it's hot and humid you may be at an increased risk for heat stroke. If left untreated it can be life-threatening. It occurs if you are exposed to high heat and sun for extended periods. It can also...
The kidneys and lungs are responsible for maintaining the proper pH level of acids and bases in the body. Acidosis occurs when the acid builds up in the blood or when bicarbonate, a base, is lost. The body produces lactic acid mainly in the muscle...
Excessive weight loss may be intentional or unintentional. People, mostly female, who suffer from anorexia may deliberately lose excessive amounts of weight. Depression, cancer treatment, HIV and other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can...
Food allergies are a common concern among parents when it comes to their children. Those who are especially at risk are babies and toddlers, who have both a fragile body and still-developing internal systems. As a parent, it's important to...
Problems with work, family, finances and other important areas of life can leave you with significant anxiety. When anxiety becomes severe enough, it can cause pronounced physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders can trigger symptoms of anxiety even...
Fish oil has been the subject of many medical studies that have confirmed its benefits for various serious diseases, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It helps to reduce inflammation and improves symptoms in patients with...
