Coconut water is the liquid found inside unripe coconuts that eventually forms the familiar white pulp as the fruit matures. Natives have consumed coconut water for centuries, knowing it is helpful for building a strong immune system. In addition,...
Patients who have suffered large blood loss from trauma or surgery--or who have a low hemoglobin level because of a disease process--may receive a blood transfusion. When to transfuse blood depends on several factors such as the person's vital...
All blood is not created equal. It all serves the body, it delivers oxygen and nutrients. It polices, attacking what it perceives to be invaders. But what it perceives to be invaders changes from person to person. The immune system is complex,...
Neural tube defects are the result of failed development of the brain and spinal cord during embryonic development. These defects include spina bifida (literally, open spine) and anencephaly (no head). A considerable number of human studies have...
In 2009, 38 percent of the 16,830 kidney transplants were made possible by the bravery and generosity of living kidney donors. In that year, 6,388 lives were changed because of this life-saving act. All of those donors were willing to undergo...
After donating blood, most medical professionals will tell you to abide by certain restrictions when it comes to physical activities. Normally, you're giving a pint of blood during your visit, and it takes time for the body to replenish this loss....
Egg donation is the medical harvesting of fertile egg cells from a healthy donor. These cells are then fertilized and implanted into the womb of another woman who wants to get pregnant but can't use her own eggs. Egg donation helps thousands of...
If you have a relative or friend who needs a kidney and you're considering becoming a kidney donor, you almost certainly realize you're facing a major decision with potentially long-term consequences for your own health. You likely wonder whether...
Blood is the component of the circulatory system that is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and cells, removing waste and fighting infection. Blood is a tissue and is made up of 80 percent liquid and 20 percent solid,...
More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day, according to the American Red Cross, and just one blood donation can save the lives of up to three people. Blood cannot be manufactured and must come from voluntary donors. If you would like to...
Sometimes doctors must remove a kidney because of damage, disease or defect, or you might voluntarily opt to donate one of your kidneys to someone in need of a transplant. While it will take several weeks or months to recover from the surgery, you...
Hemangioma on the liver, also referred to as liver hemangioma, hepatic hemangioma and cavernous hemangioma, is a benign tumor that develops on the liver. The tumor consists of irregularly formed blood vessels. MayoClinic.com states liver...
Providing the gift of organ donation does not mean you can never return to exercise, activity and sports. Your one remaining kidney will pick up the slack of the now missing kidney and provide the functions necessary to resume an active lifestyle....
Trimethylglycine, commonly called betaine, is a nutrient known as a methyl donor. Methyl donors carry and donate methyl molecules, an activity important for cellular reproduction and chemical processes in the body, explains the University of...
Organ donation can take two different forms. In one instance, the individual receives an organ that has been donated after the donor has passed away, also called a cadaver donation. In the second instance, an individual receives either an organ or...
Because there are over 15,000 people on the waiting list for a liver, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), and many more not listed but also in need, there aren't enough donated livers for everyone. Medical centers that do...
Donating eggs for an infertile woman, couple, or for an egg donation center can be an emotionally and financially fulfilling process. Strict screening rules mean that egg donation isn't for every woman, though, and even if you are able to donate...
Between 3,000 to 4,000 people die of severe burns each year in the United States, reports The Merck Manual. Heat, electricity, radiation and chemicals can all cause third-degree burns, the most severe type of burn. The very young and elderly are...
A bite to eat and refreshing drink are an important part of your recovery after you donate blood. That light meal may be a small token, but it accomplishes several important tasks. It keeps you sitting still, mitigates the light-headedness you can...
Despite the fact that there are over 300 banana varieties, to Americans, Canadians and Europeans, there is only one type of banana, the Cavendish banana. According to Juan Fernando Aguilar, the chief banana breeder for the Honduran Foundation for...
