Magnesium and potassium are elements in the body that are important for muscle and heart function. Certain conditions can cause the blood levels of either or both of them to be low. Low levels can cause muscle spasms or abnormal heart rhythms.
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Athletic differences between men and women have much to do with innate characteristics determined by genetics and hormones. These include height, weight, muscle mass, body fat and aerobic capacity. As a group, women do not run, jump or swim as fast as men.
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The terms "lean body mass" and "fat-free mass" are used to describe body composition. Although they may be used interchangeably, they are not the same. Lean body mass includes fat that acts as fuel for energy production and other processes that are part of normal metabolism.
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L-arginine is an amino acid that your body converts to nitric oxide, which boosts circulation and blood flow by dilating your blood vessels. L-arginine also participates in urea formation, which eliminates ammonia from the body. The amino acid also stimulates the release of hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone.
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Sugar can dehydrate you if it gets to very high levels in your blood. This can happen if you are a diabetic, take certain medications or have an infection or certain organ diseases. If your kidneys start producing more urine to try to eliminate the sugar and you lose enough fluid, dehydration can result.
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Metformin is often one of the first medications prescribed to people with diabetes, according to the Canadian Diabetes Association (see reference 2 under Highlights of Revisions). It helps lower your blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose, or sugar, produced by your liver.
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Pronation, or flattening of the arch of the foot, occurs every time you take a step. Overpronation, or excessive flattening of the arch of the foot, can lead to poor posture and pain in the foot, leg, hip, and spine.
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Millions of men and women worldwide enjoy weight training as a form of exercise. Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle gets pinched in the upper posterior shoulder. The origin of shoulder impingement syndrome is often poor upper body posture because of strength imbalances.
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The wobble board is an effective tool to strengthen and stabilize the ankle. The wobble board can be used in conjunction with a rocker board and a balance ball. You can utilize the wobble board as a preventative and rehabilitative tool to develop strength, stability and proprioception in the lower leg. Dr.
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Sweet almond oil, made from pressed almonds, is an odorless, pale-yellow liquid with a nutty taste. It's similar to olive oil in composition and can be used as a substitute. It's not, however, to be confused with bitter almond oil, which has a pungent flavor and is typically used as a flavoring agent.
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Your body needs both calcium and iron to maintain optimum health -- and some foods, such as oysters, contain both. Consuming calcium and iron in a way that ensures adequate absorption, however, can be tricky. According to an editorial in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,"
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Curcumin, the substance that imparts a golden color to the spice turmeric, plays a starring role in several global cuisines. It's also known for its therapeutic properties.
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After hiking all day, a hearty meal cooked over a campfire is comforting and satisfying. Preparing the meal, however, is often time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when you're tired after a long day.
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Although dandelions grow wild, and gardeners consider the plant to be a nuisance, dandelion is one of the most nutrient-rich herbs in the plant kingdom. Because of dandelion's versatility, many cultures have used its roots and leaves for centuries to treat medical conditions and for culinary purposes.
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A type of black tea, orange pekoe refers to the tea's high quality, not its flavor. Leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are harvested and fermented, which results in black tea's color. The three grades of black tea are orange pekoe, pekoe and souchong.
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If you're a fan of garlic, there's good news for you -- and your brain. Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, is full of healthful benefits. This pungent herb has been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
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Indian cuisine, known for its spices, chutneys and curries, is also a gold mine of fiber-rich foods. Because of its variety of ingredients and appealing flavors, it's a good choice for both vegetarians and meat eaters.
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Coconuts are famous for their flavorful white meat and milk. These fruits are not only delicious, but they're packed with fiber and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. They also contain vitamin C and folate, an especially important nutrient during pregnancy.
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Sipping black tea with a little dairy or soy milk is the way millions of people start their day. Each of these ingredients is packed with powerful health benefits. The idea that milk or soy milk may reduce the potential benefits in black tea, however, continues to be a topic of debate.
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Eating a nutrient-poor diet is a lifestyle choice than can have dire health consequences. On the other hand, a balanced diet furnishes your body with a variety of foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, poultry, nuts, legumes and unsaturated fats.
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