Your menstrual cycle is a bodily process that is healthy and normal; unfortunately, it is not always painless. Cramps, bloating, headaches and muscle stiffness are just some of the possible side effects of menstruation. Regularly eating a balanced diet can greatly improve these symptoms.
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Tea tree oil, which is an essential oil extracted from a small Australian tree of the same name, is used in many cosmetic and health applications. The oil is naturally nontoxic, antifungal and antibacterial, and is effective against many infections. Its properties make it a popular treatment for dandruff and head lice.
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A healthy resting blood pressure, less than 120/80 for adults, is essential for heart health. Unfortunately, both age and sedentary living increase blood pressure. More than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
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One of the newer forms of medication designed to treat mental depression, the brand-name drug Pristiq is classified as an SSNRI, or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
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A callus is caused by frequent skin friction and is a lump of dead skin cells. It occurs as a bump and is common on feet, hands and fingers. Although it is usually not painful, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable.
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Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. When this occurs during pregnancy, but not prior to pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Hyperglycemia that exists before and during pregnancy can cause health risks to the mother and the unborn baby.
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Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that controls movement, emotional responses, pleasure, pain and motivation. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to ensure that the brain works properly with your body. Therefore, creating a balance of dopamine is essential to your mental and physical health.
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The human hand is a picture of complexity and balance. The muscles that control the hand allow it to be strong and refined. Muscles that influence hand movement either originate on bones outside or inside the hand.
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Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that causes permanent scarring, leading to severe complications such as fluid imbalance, bleeding, and infection. Learn about end-stage cirrhosis symptoms and treatment options, including liver transplantation.
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Acupressure originated in Asia thousands of years ago as a form of healing that involves using the fingers to firmly press specific points on the body.
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Peanuts make convenient and delicious snacks on their own or in trail mixes, and they are full of essential nutrients. They may even have benefits in managing fatty liver, which is a common condition. For the best results, eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
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Turmeric is a popular food ingredient that also has a long history of traditional use as a medicinal herb in Southern Asia. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin.
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High blood pressure is often described as a chronic condition. Most people develop high blood pressure gradually, experiencing a slight increase in the force of blood along the arterial walls year after year. Treating this condition often comes down to lifestyle changes, mostly involving diet and exercise.
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The limbic system represents the part of your brain devoted to the most basic survival structures that protect and regulate emotions and reactive states. Interconnecting pathways link the limbic system, located deep within your brain, to the hypothalamus, which controls thinking, behavior and hormonal functions.
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Most rashes appear in one localized area on the skin, but one rash moves from place to place on the body. Known as hives, or urticaria, this moving rash is generally harmless in babies. However, only a doctor can diagnose the rash and determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
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Metamucil is a brand-name fiber supplement that provides typical fiber-related benefits to your digestive system. Your colon is the final part of your small intestine, and Metamucil helps to keep food moving through the colon so that you don't become constipated.
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According to the National Institutes of Health, urinary tract infections cause an estimated 8.3 million physician visits every year.
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A lumbar disc herniation occurs in the lower back and results in symptoms such as sharp or dull back pain, muscle spasm, leg weakness and sciatica. Lumbar disc herniations are common problems, affecting an estimated 1 to 2 percent of Americans, according to a September 2006 article in "
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Taro has been a staple of the Polynesian diet for over one thousand years. The heart-shaped leaves, called lu'au, were the inspiration for the Hawaiian celebration of the same name. You cannot eat taro in raw form because its high calcium oxalate content makes it toxic.
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Although soccer can be an entertaining form of exercise, the running and jumping involved can put you at risk for injuries and conditions that cause heel pain. It can vary in severity, ranging from a mild ache to a debilitating pain that keeps you from playing or practicing.
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