Chronic myeloproliferative disorders is a term used to describe a group of diseases that cause the body to produce unusually high levels of unhealthy or nonfunctional white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets. These rare disorders most...
Chelation therapy, a natural therapy developed in the early 1900s, incorporates amino acids into a cleansing agent for the body. With sodium and calcium as the chelation agents, they remove metals such as iron and cooper when at or near toxic...
The human body has a rapid and effective mechanism to deal with the unexpected loss of blood. Called coagulation, or blood clotting, this process depends on a series of events and the presence of several different proteins, enzymes, calcium and...
In the event of an injury, such as a cut, a blood clot will allow your body to begin the healing process. In other instances, a blood clot can become life threatening, particularly when it occurs in the brain or lungs, Mayo Clinic reports. It is...
When tobacco users smoke, they inhale both their mainstream smoke through the cigarette plus their own secondhand airborne smoke in between puffs. Other people who don't choose to smoke also inadvertently breathe secondhand smoke and contact...
The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the cells that line the esophagus change from the normal esophageal cells to cells that resemble intestinal cells. This change in...
The vitality of the body depends on a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered by the blood via the circulatory system. As such, the structural integrity and function of the circulatory system is the keystone of health. Diseases that...
Inhaling nicotine and other chemicals in cigarette smoke creates changes in the cardiovascular system that can affect other areas of the body. Because heart health problems arise gradually and may be overshadowed by respiratory symptoms, many...
Platelets, irregularly shaped sticky blood cells, clot blood to stop bleeding in the case of injuries. Platelets can also form clots in unwanted situations, such as when blood vessels become damaged due to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of...
Endovenous ablation is a form of therapy used to treat varicose veins, a condition primarily characterized by enlarged or painful veins in the legs. This form of varicose vein treatment utilizes energy in the form of radiofrequency or laser light...
If you have been diagnosed as iron anemic or deficient, improve your status as soon as possible to alleviate the fatigue and weakness you have likely been feeling. However, it may take months to get your iron levels to a healthy point while taking...
The aging process has pros and cons. You may gain wisdom, experience and value each day as a gift. Your body also begins aging and may no longer live at optimal functioning. Carmia Borek, Ph.D., Professor at Tufts University in Boston, Department...
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are two forms of traditional Chinese medicine that are often administered together. While acupuncture treats energy flow blockages along the body's meridians, Chinese herbs are used to pinpoint particular conditions...
Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to your cells and transporting some of the carbon dioxide away from them. Lysing, or complete rupture, of red blood cells results in release of hemoglobin into the...
Leg pain can be the result of a pulled muscle, a decrease in blood flow or other conditions such as restless leg. Leg pain affects your daily life as you need to walk everywhere. Eating foods rich in vitamins B3, E and D may help treat and prevent...
Plaque is a hard substance that forms and grows inside arteries, causing blood vessels to become clogged and hardened. Arterial plaque formation often leads to heart attacks and strokes by slowly cutting off the blood supply to vital organs. Blood...
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the back portion of the vertebra, or spinal bones, called the lamina. Removing this portion of bone reduces pressure along the spinal cord, which helps alleviate sensations of back or...
A colectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a person's colon, or large intestine, is removed by a surgeon. Typically, this type of surgery is used to treat patients with an intestinal blockage, unusual bleeding, cancer,...
Circulation problems may be the result of underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis--buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that may contribute to a stroke or heart attack. Luckily, consuming certain foods can...
Among the most trusted herbs used to promote and increase blood circulation, ginger root, salvia or sage leaf and gingko biloba leaf top the list. Herbal remedies have little or no side effects and are inexpensive to acquire compared to their...
If you are looking for a natural way to lower your blood pressure without the use of prescription medication, be aware of the many herbal supplement options available. Widely found in most local supermarkets and drug stores, these supplements are...
Cayenne is a member of perennial and annual shrubs in the potato and tomato family. The pepper has been used medicinally for at least 9,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The Ayurvedic and Asian traditional...
According to the Mayo Clinic, varicose veins are enlarged veins that mostly affect your legs and feet. Varicose veins are a common condition among many individuals, causing discomfort when walking or sitting for a long period of time. Luckily,...
Through research, chocolate has been found to contain several important attributes that contribute to heart health due to high flavonoid content and powerful antioxidants. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the best choice is dark chocolate...
Coconut oil is a versatile oil with numerous uses ranging from the practical to the unusual. It is high in both capric and lauric acid, two medium-chain fatty acids that are transformed into monocaprin and monolaurin in the body. These compounds...
Circulation refers to the movement of blood through the body. Good circulation is needed for oxygenation of organs and tissues, including the brain, heart and skin. Many diseases and conditions, including Raynaud's phenomenon and intermittent...
Flaxseed supplements are taken in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules and oil. In oil form, the benefits of flaxseed are mostly limited to those associated with its omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid content, for which flaxseed oil is one...
The National Library of Medicine says that blood vessels are a network of interconnecting veins, capillaries and arteries that provide a pathway for blood from and to to the heart. There is a number of herbs that can help to promote growth and...
Sickle cell anemia or sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that causes some of the red bloods to assume a sickle or elongated shape, resulting in poor blood flow and improper oxygen delivery. Get expert tips and advice on preventing,...
