Blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, is the waste by-product of metabolized protein. The ammonia your liver produces during protein breakdown contains nitrogen. The nitrogen combines with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in your body and forms urea, which then travels from your liver to the kidneys by way of your bloodstream.
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Learn how blueberries, a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants and fiber, can impact your blood glucose levels. Understand the carbohydrate content, protein, and vitamin K in blueberries and discover ways to incorporate them into your diet while managing blood sugar.
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The liver protects your body from harmful substances that enter your body through ingestion, breathing or absorption through your skin. Your liver acts as a filtration system to expunge toxins while simultaneously storing important nutrients needed for normal biochemical functions.
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Jalapeno peppers are spicy and can actually cause pain, or a burning sensation, in your mouth, down your throat and in your stomach, and they can cause painful bowel movements and urination.
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Enjoy spaghetti as a versatile food that goes with a variety of sauces and toppings. Prepare spaghetti simply by tossing it with garlic and olive oil, or create a more elaborate dish with tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese and fresh garden vegetables.
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Bronchitis can be painful and difficult to treat. The ginger rhizome is a well-known traditional remedy for coughs, cold and flu, and may help boost your immune system and soothe a sore throat, tight chest and cough, the symptoms common to bronchitis.
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Stomach and back pain can be caused by many different things, some of which can be life-threatening. Whenever you have unexplained pain, call your doctor. Symptoms of pancreatitis, for example, are a sudden pain in the abdomen – or stomach – that reaches to the back, and the pain can be worse after eating.
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Diarrhea is a condition characterized by the production of at least three loose, watery stools in the span of a single day. Depending on the cause and severity of your diarrhea, you can potentially ease your symptoms by taking preparations of a fiber-containing plant called psyllium.
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Your blood contains several types of proteins that serve different functions. Albumin is the most prevalent protein in your blood, and without it, you can experience a number of symptoms.
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There is a fine line between lengthening muscles by gently stretching them, and elongating them to the point of triggering the stretch reflex, a protective response that contracts the muscle, causing the undesirable effect of tightening the targeted muscle.
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The thyroid is a gland found on the front of the neck. It is responsible for secreting hormones that help to regulate body temperature, use energy and keep the organs functioning properly. The thyroid secretes several types of hormones.
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The ingredients in food often have a similar effect on your brain and its chemical reactions as drugs, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
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GERD refers to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease and is characterized by heartburn, chest pain, sore throat and reflux. Some foods are common triggers of the disease and you should avoid them whenever possible. These include chocolate and mint, which are often used to prepare dessert.
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Cleansing detox diets have become increasingly popular as a quick weight-loss method for improved health. A detox involves eliminating the toxins that accumulate daily in our bodies from what we eat and drink, our environment and the chemicals we use.
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Most knee pain can be attributed to damage to the ligaments and tendons which connect to the knee joint, notes MayoClinic.com.
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Active people may encounter groin strains or hip injuries as a result of certain high-intensity sports such as hockey or squash, although these injuries can occur during any activity, from running to Pilates.
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Cholesterol is an important substance in the body and is needed to build cells; however, elevated cholesterol can lead to heart disease or strokes. Medications can be used to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. One class of drugs is the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
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Hemorrhoids are swollen, sensitive veins in the rectum most often caused by straining during bowel evacuation or pregnancy. Half of those over the age of 50 have suffered from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives, so it is a common if embarrassing problem.
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Uric acid is the byproduct of protein digestion, and in healthy individuals, it is removed from the blood stream and excreted by the kidneys. Excess uric acid is deposited in the joints in crystal form and creates a painful arthritic condition known as gout.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 652,000 Americans died of heart disease in 2005. In fact, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United states.
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