When your physician orders certain tests, you may need to fast for several hours prior to the test assure accuracy. Nutrients in the foods you eat and beverages you drink can influence test results. For some tests, even the stimulation of digestion enzymes interferes with test results.
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Traditional Chinese dishes consist of readily available ingredients flavored with ginger, garlic and other seasonings. In the United States, Chinese restaurants often use recipes adapted to suit Western tastes.
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Control of your muscles requires the proper function of both your nerves and your muscles. If you are shaking uncontrollably, it is a sign that either your nerves or your muscles are not working properly.
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All potatoes are carbohydrate-rich, but not all potatoes are exactly the same. You can find a number of different varieties just by taking a trip to your local grocery store. Among the most common are Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes.
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Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride fat derived from coconut. Most saturated and unsaturated fats that we consume are long-chain triglyceride fats. Because coconut oil is medium-chained, it is easier for the body to metabolize than long-chained triglycerides.
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The sight of blood in your stool can be alarming. Common causes, however, such as constipation and hemorrhoids, are typically mild and no cause for alarm. A nutritious, fiber-rich diet can help manage or prevent your symptoms. Discuss dietary changes with a qualified health-care professional for best results.
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The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, better known as "DHA," is available in fish oil capsule supplements and baby formulas. DHA is found naturally in foods like coldwater fish, but some health-conscious individuals take additional DHA in an effort to promote general health.
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If you're looking to get rid of your constipation, your diet is your starting point. A dip of creamy ice cream tastes good, but it might be a bad idea if you are constipated. Constipation can have a number of underlying causes, with diets high in sugar and low in fiber as primary culprit.
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Whey protein is a nutritional supplement valued for its amino acid content. In addition to protein, it provides calories to your diet. Therefore, if you consume more whey protein than your body needs, the excess may convert to fat and be stored in various parts of your body, including your face and stomach.
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People have been eating pork since 7,000 B.C., according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Pork comes from hogs and is made into ribs, pork chops, loin, shoulder, sausage and bacon.
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If you're like most Americans, you eat more peanuts than any other type of nut, says the National Peanut Board. High in protein, B vitamins and minerals like manganese, peanuts are also a source of the type of fiber that can help prevent and relieve constipation.
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Bloating results from a buildup of gas in your gastrointestinal tract. Likely culprits of bloating include poor eating habits -- such as eating with your mouth open -- a fatty diet, sudden increase in fiber intake, stress or smoking.
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Psyllium husk is the gel-like coating on seeds of the plant species Plantago ovata. It is used by itself or as part of whole seeds to prepare the bulk laxative commonly known as psyllium.
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Although the debate about the link between food and acne rages on, there’s growing evidence that some foods, such as citrus fruits, can help to improve acne, or make it worse. Citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, grapefruit, clementines and kumquats.
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Raw kefir is a fermented drink made from the milk of cows, goats or sheep. Raw kefir is not subjected to pasteurization or other filtration methods, so it contains more bacteria than milk that that has been pasteurized.
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Excess belly fat doesn't just poke over your waistband: It poses a serious health risk. People who carry weight in their midsection have visceral fat, the type of fat that surrounds your internal organs, pushing your abdominal wall out and creating a "beer belly"-type appearance.
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A good source of protein and calcium, yogurt is a healthy addition to your diet. Like most things, however, moderation is key when it comes to eating certain types of yogurt.
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Simple sugars, such as those found in cookies, candies, cakes and soft drinks, have been implicated in the growing incidence of obesity and diabetes in the United States.
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Having clogged arteries puts you at a high risk of developing heart disease and even suffering a heart attack or stroke. Though medications exist to reduce clogged arteries and regulate cholesterol, some people seek a natural approach with apple cider vinegar.
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Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in both animals and plants. It is a major component in the oils from palm trees, such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil.
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