If you have had your cholesterol checked at a hospital or lab, it is likely you were also given your triglyceride number. Although not as well-known as cholesterol, your triglyceride count is an important number. High triglyceride levels are often...
Fiber is a key part to any diet. In addition to keeping the digestion system regular, it helps fill you up with fewer calories. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating 20 to 35g of fiber a day to look and feel your best. However,...
Polycystic ovary syndrome -- PCOS -- is a reproductive disorder in women that causes infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Many of these problems are increased in people who consume a bad diet or who are...
Psyllium husks are obtained from the seed of Plantago ovata, a plant native to India. Psyllium has many physical benefits and has been shown to prevent and help in the treatment of many conditions such as cardiovascular disease, colon cancer,...
Running is an effective way to train for sports, but it offers other benefits, such as aiding in weight loss. Though running does not require any complex fitness equipment or added resistance, it can burn a significant number of calories, which...
A Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and mortality, according to the American Heart Association. Research published in "Maturitas" in 2009 discovered that a Mediterranean diet extends life-span; reduces mortality from heart...
While chocolate is not exactly considered a "health food," and when eaten in excess it can contribute to obesity, high blood sugar levels, heart disease and tooth decay, small amounts of certain kinds of chocolate may actually provide health...
According to "Beverage Digest," diet soda sales totaled 30 percent of the U.S. $74.2 billion soda market in 2010, gaining in market share even as total soda sales declined. Many people drink diet sodas hoping to lose weight and improve their...
As men age, they are more likely to experience problems with their prostate gland. The prostate is a gland found in the male reproductive system located under the bladder. The prostate helps store and secrete hormones found in semen. A few...
Diet soda, also known as diet pop, is a popular choice for people who enjoy the sweet taste of soft drinks but worry about their health effects. Instead of sugar, diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K...
Cortisol is a naturally-occurring hormone released when the body is under stress, which regulates the function of a number of tissues throughout the body. Cortisol production is tightly regulated, and too much or too little cortisol in the blood...
The 10 deadliest diseases in the U.S. in 2007 were heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, unintentional injuries, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, flu and pneumonia, kidney disease and septicemia, according to the...
Cortisol is a stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands in response to emotional or physical stress. Exercise, eating, a bad day and even waking up increase cortisol production. While cortisol is necessary to help the body deal with stress,...
Carbs constitute the main source of energy for Americans, corresponding to more than 50 percent of their calorie intake. Carbs are present in a variety of foods -- from fruits, milk, yogurt and whole grains to refined grains, starchy vegetables,...
Liquid calories count just as much as solid calories and must be taken into consideration when dieting. While black coffee has very few calories, as little as two per cup according to the Mayo Clinic, the sugar and other condiments in specialty...
Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder characterized by the body's not properly using glucose, or blood sugar. A major feature of type-2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Abdominal obesity, or excess fat tissue in the abdomen, predisposes...
Scuba diving combines the health benefits of swimming with the excitement of an underwater adventure, but the exertion that diving requires means that you’re at risk as soon as you strap on your tank. Any medical problems can be potentially...
The Mayo Clinic defines yoga as a mind-body type of alternative medicine practice that combines physical and mental exercises that result in a sense of peacefulness, relaxation and calmness. Practicing yoga regularly improves both mental and...
Cholesterol and sweating provide an all-natural way to improve your heart health. The two can work in a synergistic manner to not only improve your cardiovascular functioning, but also your overall level of health and longevity. In order to...
Metabolic syndrome is prominent in more than 45 million American adults and more than 100 million people worldwide. This condition is linked to the rise in obesity rates and presents a serious risk in the development of heart disease. Overweight...
Excess consumption of refined carbohydrate foods, such as sweets and white bread, can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, elevated bad cholesterol and plaque formation in the blood vessels. Carbohydrates with a high...
If your doctor has told you you have fatty liver disease, you're far from alone. According to the Veterans Health Administration, the condition might affect up to one in every five people in the United States. Although all the medical evidence...
High-fiber dog food is often recommended for dogs suffering from health issues, including anal gland problems, constipation, obesity, diabetes mellitus and high blood sugar. The term "fiber" refers to insoluble carbohydrates in dog food that...
Before you get all wrapped up in the hype regarding carbs, get to know your complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are those which not only contain carbs but also fiber and vitamins and minerals. Complex carbs take longer to break down, meaning...
Gestational diabetes is a serious condition that is characterized by high blood sugar levels during the second half of your pregnancy. Three to eight out of every 100 pregnant women will acquire gestational diabetes. If left untreated, gestational...
High-density lipoprotein or HDL, nicknamed the "good" cholesterol, protects the body from the accumulation of fats. HDL captures low-density lipoprotein or LDL and triglycerides, transporting them to the liver to be stored or excreted. The...
The average American adult consumes the equivalent of 22 teaspoons of sugar each day, the American Heart Association reported in 2009. Excess amounts of sugar link to problems such as tooth decay, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia and...
The National Institutes of Health, the NIH, is a government agency dedicated to enriching public knowledge about health-related issues. Each year, the NIH puts out dozens of evidence-based reports to provide information on the latest science so...
Olive oil has long been used as a healthy ingredient in many dishes. The "Mediterranean diet" is known to be particularly high in olive oil and foods rich in essential nutrients. The many benefits of olive oil make it a good addition to your diet....
