The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on your physical health are supported by scientific studies. Omega-3 lowers the risk of heart attack by reducing blood pressure and triglyceride levels. It also helps to prevent strokes by aiding in blood...
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, manufactured in the adrenal glands. Its production is triggered by stressful situations, or situations of increased alertness, such as waking up, according to "Today's Dietitian." While some cortisol in the body is...
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in your body by the adrenal gland in times of stress. Many factors can affect your cortisol level, including your diet; some foods can reduce cortisol levels, while others can increase your cortisol levels....
Carcinoid syndrome is a medical condition associated with carcinoid tumors. A carcinoid tumor is rare, cancerous and slow growing. People who have carcinoid syndrome often have tumors in the intestines, lungs and ovaries. The National Institutes...
Anxiety caused by specific asthma medications may lead to an anxiety disorder, states "A Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs." Moreover, asthma medications can exacerbate preexisting anxiety problems. Alternately, asthma medications in general...
Antidepressant medications are currently the standard treatment for major depression. Ongoing research has not yet proven beyond doubt the effectiveness of exercise in relieving depressive symptoms, but it nevertheless is widely believed to have...
Although they are not welcome, the pimples that appear like clockwork every month in women are totally normal. They are the result of normal fluctuations in hormones that occur during the menstrual cycle, particularly around ovulation. By...
Many women notice that pimples pop up around the time of ovulation, which occurs approximately two weeks before their periods. It's perfectly normal for the hormonal surges women experience around ovulation to exacerbate acne. By understanding the...
AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This life-threatening disease decreases the body's ability to fight off infections from viruses, bacteria and...
Over 30 million men develop a prostate condition, including prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or prostate inflammation called prostatitis. However, yoga might improve symptoms. Check with your doctor before starting a yoga program and before...
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin readily available in many common foods like meats, shellfish and dairy products, as well as by prescription and in supplement form. Vitamin B12 helps the body maintain healthy nerve and red blood...
Exercise has long been advocated as a treatment for depression. A 2000 study published in "Psychosomatic Medicine" found that moderate aerobic exercise was as effective as medication in decreasing symptoms of major depression and that subjects who...
Hatha yoga, the most commonly practiced branch of the discipline in the United States, is beneficial in reducing stress, according to Ohio State University research. Anyone who has practiced yoga can realize the powerful effects that focusing on...
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskirt word "yuj," meaning "to unite" or "to join." Yoga, a religious discipline originating in India, aims to bring together the body, mind and soul. In Western cultures, yoga refers to a set of poses and...
The adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, secrete hormones responsible for dealing with stress. Hormone production by the adrenal glands is impacted by your diet. Food and beverages that contain caffeine have a negative impact on your...
Physical activity is an important component of successful weight loss. It's a simple formula: when your body uses up more calories than you consume, you lose weight. Running, being a rigorous physical exercise, is one of the most efficient ways to...
Yoga, meaning "yoking together," offers a method of aligning your body and your mind to help you conquer stress with a peaceful, positive attitude. More than just a series of poses, yoga includes ancient Indian philosophy, meditation and breathing...
Many people use meditation to reduce stress and improve concentration. While most people are aware of the mental benefits of meditation, fewer know that meditating can also improve your physical condition. You don't have to become a recluse or...
"That cheesecake is going straight to my hips," is not an ideal mindset for healthy digestion. Eating fat might not raise your stress levels, unless you focus about where that fat will end up on your body. Food provides more than just basic...
While food provides energy for the body, it does more than that. Some foods contain substances that work on the neuronal, or brain cell, level. When they are consumed, they work with neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain and can...
Consuming too much caffeine can raise your blood pressure even if you have not been diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure. Although the effect is usually temporary, if you do have hypertension, even a temporary elevation in blood...
The National Coffee Association reports that as of 2010, 56 percent of adults older than the age of 18 drinks coffee on a daily basis. Coffee naturally contains caffeine -- a central nervous system stimulant that gives coffee the ability to...
You may feel the presence of anxiety as a knot in your stomach, tightness in your chest or worry in your mind. It will make you restless, fatigued and irritated and can disrupt your concentration, sleep and health. It's not all bad, though....
Your brain sends a signal that tells your body to move. Exercise stimulates brain function. Your body and mind work together to support each other. You can enhance this connection through regular activity and through choosing exercises that cause...
Testosterone is a chemical that is naturally produced by the human body, although it can be produced synthetically. It is present in males and females, but at higher levels in males. If your testosterone level has increased to a normal level, you...
Cholesterol is a biological molecule that is extremely important for a number of cellular and tissue related functions. According to the American Heart Association, you get about 25 percent of your total cholesterol from your dietary intake and...
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that the body uses to support many processes, from eye sight to blood circulation. These fats must be consumed in the diet because the body is not able to manufacture them on its own. One type...
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bloodstream. The body creates and uses it to function properly. It is also found in certain foods. Cholesterol is transported to and from cells by lipoproteins. There are several types of...
Inflammation, or swelling, warns that the body suffers from injury, infection or disease. Red, inflamed joints sometimes signal the onset of arthritis or another disorder that requires medical attention. Being overweight can directly cause tissue...
