Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland that results in an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include fatigue, sluggishness, dull or dry skin and hair, constipation, lack of motivation, slow heart rate, inability to...
An antibiotic is a prescription medication used to control or kill a bacterial infection. While antibiotics are effective in killing problematic bacteria, they also kill the body's good bacteria, such as those needed in the gastrointestinal tract...
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, affecting many aspects of the human body's function. On a small scale, hormones help deal with everyday stress, body temperature and the natural sleep and wake cycle. Over time,...
Body pH refers to the pH balance of acid to alkaline in the blood. Foods can have an effect on pH in the body in terms of how hard the body has to work to maintain a safe balance. If the body were for some reason unable to maintain this healthy...
The liver is a vital organ that we rely on for survival. It provides bile for digestion, filters the blood and stores vitamins. Many cleanses and liver support diets are intended to reset or revitalize the liver. Juicing is a method that entails...
HCl, or hydrochloric acid, is a natural digestive enzyme that is secreted by the stomach for the breakdown and digestion of protein. If a person has an underactive stomach, it means that he does not produce enough HCl. Common symptoms of low HCl...
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for producing thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are primarily responsible for regulating metabolism and glucose oxidization resulting in energy for the body to use as fuel. Supporting...
Gallbladder diets are geared towards improving liver and gallbladder health by removing irritants and stimulants from the diet and focusing on foods that strengthen and encourage healing. Gallbladder diets usually involve low-fat and low-protein...
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the throat. This gland secretes two hormones, known as T3 and T4, that are responsible for metabolism in the body. This gland requires sufficient iodine and zinc to function optimally....
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ attached to the liver that exists as part of the digestive system. The gallbladder's job is to store bile that is created in the liver and secrete it into the duodenum of the small intestine to help...
Your body has over 100 trillion living cells in it. Each of these cells are constantly under attack by free radicals and they need protection in the form of antioxidants in order to prevent them from harm and eventual death.
Adrenal exhaustion is often the result of prolonged levels of mental, emotional or physical stress. Danielle Perrault, RHN, says in her book "Nutritional Symptomatology" that stress leads to the 'fight or flight' response in your body, which...
Digestive enzymes are catalysts for every chemical and biological reaction that takes place in your body. Whenever you eat anything, your gastrointestinal tract secretes enzymes to break down the food you consume into vital nutrients your body can...
If you have high blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, it is imperative that you modify your diet in order to address and correct the root cause of your elevated blood pressure. Certain vitamins may also be helpful, but do not take...
The liver and gallbladder are two organs in the digestive system. These organs produce and storing bile, the digestive juice which is secreted to fuel the breakdown of dietary fats. Gallstones are hardened bits of digestive fluid that may form in...
The liver and gallbladder are organs that are connected to each other and serve the digestive system. The liver is a special organ because it also serves the body in many other functions, such as filtering blood and regulating blood sugar levels....
Without trace minerals in the diet, the most simple of functions, such as smooth muscle contraction and maintenance of a strong skeletal system, would not be possible. Trace minerals are made of tiny metal particles and inorganic compounds. They...
Absorption of vitamins and minerals can be a complicated and complex thing for the average person to understand. Many factors, including how well a person chews his food, what time of day he takes his vitamin supplements and what kind of...
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood that has earned a bad reputation because of its involvement with artery-clogging strokes and heart attacks. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is considered the bad kind of cholesterol because it...
Stevia rebaudiana, commonly referred to as just stevia, is commonly used as a zero calorie, sugar-free food sweetener. Agave nectar is also used as a sweetener, but it contains sugar in the form of fructose and 60 calories per 1 tbsp. serving....
Antibiotics are medications that destroy bacteria. Intended to treat bacterial infections, antibiotics are so effective in killing bacteria that they often wipe out healthy bacteria in the colon along with the harmful bacteria. Probiotics are...
Salmonella is a single-cell microorganism, or bacterium, which is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Salmonella poisoning causes symptoms such as gastrointestinal diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever as the salmonella bacteria travel through the...
Sugar cravings are a feeling of urgency to consume sugar or refined foods, which will quickly break down into sugar in the body. When sugar is consumed, it triggers a release of two neurotransmitters in the brain called serotonin and...
Salmonella was first diagnosed 100 years ago and continues to infect 40,000 Americans yearly. This bacterium is transmitted from the feces of infected animals or humans and is highly contagious. Peanuts pasteurized or processed in factories, from...
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the muscle connecting the esophagus and stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The National Digestive Diseases Information...
Vitamin and mineral supplements are unlikely to lower high blood pressure, in and of themselves; nevertheless, they may play an important supporting role. If you have high blood pressure it is imperative, however, that you talk to your doctor...
A steam distillation method is used to extract tea tree oil from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. This pungent smelling oil contains anti-bacterial properties that defeat antibiotic resistant bacterium. Originally used in Australia,...
Cysteine is an amino acid found in proteins that make up hair, skin and nails. Cysteine is also part of an important antioxidant in your body called glutathione. By taking cysteine supplements, you may be able to increase your glutathione levels...
Most conversations about levels of sexual desire focus on how to increase libido, not decrease it. Hypo-active sexual desire -- that is, an abnormally low interest in sex -- is more common than an overactive libido. As more people turn to...
Bursitis is an inflammation of sacs containing synovial fluid called bursae. Learn about bursitis, including treatment options, in this video.
