Maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii, is a perennial plant native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. The hormone progesterone is important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation and plays a role in maintaining pregnancy. Maca and...
Lecithin smoothies are a type of dietary supplement that contain a lipid material called lecithin granules. These granules come in a powder variety that, like whey protein, can be added to smoothies made of fruits and other ingredients. While...
After giving birth to your baby, resuming your exercise program or starting one for the first time can help you get back into shape. An exercise program has been associated with reduced postpartum depression when it relieves stress. If you had...
Lower leg muscle pain can arise with a variety of abnormalities and conditions. The causes commonly involve the muscle tissue itself or the blood vessels and other structures associated with the muscles. Many causes of lower leg muscle pain are...
HIV-infected individuals may develop malnutrition leading to losses of subcutaneous fat tissue and bone density, and they may have a greater risk for the development of metabolic syndrome associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes...
It takes only one sperm to fertilize an egg and start a pregnancy. However, to overcome the daunting odds of a sperm successfully navigating the female reproductive tract to penetrate the egg, a man must contribute tens of millions of sperm to the...
Bacteria refer to single-celled microscopic organisms. Bacteria exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are measured in micrometers (a millionth part of meter). These tiny organisms can be found anywhere in the environment. Before the advent...
Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after one year of trying to conceive without the use of birth control, according to FamilyDoctor.org. The site adds that approximately 15 percent of couples experience this problem, with almost...
Sperm abnormalities can be due to sperm production or final maturation errors resulting in defects in sperm quantity and quality. Exposure to environmental toxins can also induce sperm abnormalities.
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion family and has been used throughout history for medicinal purposes, including a treatment for systemic yeast infections. Candidiasis is a term describing infections by yeasts that...
BioSil is a supplement containing silica, which studies reveal is essential for health, even though daily intake requirements have not been established as of 2010. Clinical studies have shown that silica can benefit hair, skin and nails. Since...
In most anaerobically competitive sports, athletes need strong, explosive muscles to achieve optimum performance. Muscular endurance and plyometrics aid muscles in achieving this ideal and require strong maintenance and care to function,...
Banderol is an herbal supplement that may be effective in fighting Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, according to an article entitled "In Vitro Effectiveness of Samento and Banderol Herbal Extracts on the Different...
Zinc and selenium are metallic elements that are essential for good health. Your body only needs small amounts of these nutrients. They are considered microminerals or trace elements by nutritionists, but significant health problems can arise in...
The human body is made up of trillions of cells that work together to allow for tissue development and maintenance, organ functioning, locomation, and a range of other functions. Almost all cells contain thousands of genes, and the combined...
Breast tissue consists of fat and connective tissue, blood vessels and lymph nodes. The breast has a branched morphology made up of specialized cell types. The lobules consist of highly arranged rings of cells, which make and secrete milk, which...
Sucralose is a non-nutritive sugar substitute, meaning it adds sweetness to food without providing calories. Certain foods and food additives that are considered safe when you're not pregnant may have adverse effects on your developing baby, and...
Several sports involve lifting heavy objects, including strongman competitions, Highland games, Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting. On initial examination, these sports can seem very similar, but in actuality, weightlifting and powerlifting...
Many women would love to show off their smooth, healthy skin, but instead find themselves hiding beneath slacks and skirts due to cellulite, an inherited condition where the connective tissue fibers under the skin are disorganized and irregular,...
The influenza virus is the second most common respiratory illness in the world, next to the common cold, according to 2005 information from Florida State University, with an estimate that 25 to 50 million Americans contract the flu each year....
For most people, memory loss is a natural part of the aging process. However, some individuals experience more significant memory loss starting in their early senior years. Impaired brain function and memory loss can make normal activities...
Weight lifting causes a profound affect on bones and muscles. These structures get stronger and bigger as a result of the stresses placed on them. In addition to these morphological adaptations to exercise, the components of the nervous system...
Anemia means a low red blood cell count. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are normally made in the bone marrow in adults and largely function to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Low red blood cell counts can cause such...
Meat is a rich source of complete protein, vitamin B-12, iron and zinc. It is also high in cholesterol, sodium and purines, substances that can aggravate gout. Before deciding whether to replace meat with meat substitutes, it is important to weigh...
Mint is a hardy plant that grows all year round in full sun or partial shade. As an herbal tea, mint eases indigestion, aids digestion by promoting the breakdown of fats and acts as a diuretic. Packaged mint tea bags and dried mint tea leaves are...
Early language development has been a subject of controversy since the early 1960s. Apparently, no one can quite figure out how language develops in the minds of our children. Of course, quite a few people have some compelling ideas and theories...
Reproduction is necessary for all living things to continue the species. For reproduction to occur in humans, both a man and woman must be involved. Adequate nutrition is essential for the development and maturity of both the male and female...
Bacteria reside in great numbers in many places, both inside and on the surface of the human body. In many cases, like in the gut, the presence of bacteria is beneficial. Bacteria in the mouth causes the formation of cavities, and can increase the...
Anemia is a decrease in overall mass of circulating red blood cells from the normal limits. This coincides with a decrease in the amount of oxygen being transported to the tissues. Testing for anemia involves a complete blood count (CBC) and...
