Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, refers to a group of mood disorders that varies in the severity of episodes of mania and depression and the predominant type of episode. Certain chemicals, also called neurotransmitters, act as messengers between neurons in the brain.
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Blood ammonia comes primarily from the bacterial breakdown of unabsorbed dietary protein in the intestine. Intestinal ammonia passes into the bloodstream and travels to the liver, which converts ammonia into urea. Urea subsequently passes from the body through the urine.
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Sensory processing disorder, a neurological problem that impacts learning and behavior, used to be called sensory integration disorder. These kids are described as "oversensitive, picky, clumsy, spacey, impulsive, difficult or quirky."
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Simple sugars and starches are both carbohydrates, and both contain the molecule glucose, which is also called blood sugar. Glucose is a very important biological molecule, as it is the brain's primary source of energy and a significant source of energy for all body cells.
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Anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressant medication help treat people with different anxiety disorders. Some drugs that work effectively for patients may have the side effect of sexual dysfunction. Readjusting the dosage or switching to other medications may reduce or avoid sexual side effects.
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Lower leg fractures can occur from trauma, falls, sports injuries or overuse. Fractures of the fibula bone -- the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg -- can be minor hairline cracks or severe enough to interfere with your ability to bear weight and walk.
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Menopause is defined as the date 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. The average age for American women to reach menopause is 51 with a normal range of 39 to 59 years of age.
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A strong, effective cough is the first-line tool for clearing your lungs, according to an article Dr. W. D. Kim in a 1997 edition of the European Respiratory Journal. Coughing is the simplest home remedy, requiring neither drugs nor devices, and one you can make even more effective by learning a few simple techniques.
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Gout, a form of arthritis that occurs when high uric acid blood levels cause crystals to form around a joint, is partially connected to diet. Uric acid is produced as your body breaks down purines, found in foods such as meat, seafood and alcohol.
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Four-square breathing, sometimes referred to as the box breathing technique, is a simple technique that you can do at any time that you feel stressed.
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When you have strep throat, you can blame the Streptococcus bacteria. In addition to a sore, aching throat, these harmful bacteria can lead to symptoms such as nausea, chills, loss of appetite and headaches. When you’re sick, you may wonder if you can continue your once-, twice- or three-times-a-day coffee habit.
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Bringing your baby home is a joyful and exciting experience. You need to monitor your newborn closely so that you can act quickly if she experiences a health problem. Nosebleeds in newborns are fairly common and typically relent following simple measures.
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Pregnancy brings a host of changes to your body. Some, including morning sickness and your swelling abdomen, are well-known enough to be expected by every new mother-to-be. Others come as an unhappy surprise, such as rapidly-growing facial and body hair or pimple-like growths on the chest.
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Yeast, or candida, is a ubiquitous fungus that is part of your normal flora. However, it can cause opportunistic infections if you have reduced immunity. The infection can affect any part of the body, and the symptoms may be mild or life-threatening.
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Your gallbladder is a small abdominal organ that assists with digestion. It releases a compound called bile into the small intestine to aid with fat breakdown and absorption.
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Sensory processing disorder, or SPD, is a condition in which the brain is unable to handle various types of messages received through the senses.
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To gain weight, you must take in more calories than you burn through activity. While this may seem easy, the key to gaining weight healthily and without raising cholesterol is to increase your intake of healthy foods while remaining active and avoiding foods high in trans and saturated fats.
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Severe levels of ankle fractures may need orthopaedic surgery, which involves repairing with a plate and screws. These stabilizing devices play a major role in properly aligning your ankle bones during healing.
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Becoming a new parent is both exciting and frightening. The smallest of symptoms, such as cold feet, may have you concerned. Try to relax, because cold feet are common, especially in an infant. Infants cannot fully regulate their body temperatures, so it becomes your job.
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Fiber is a recommended part of a healthy diet. Getting the proper amount of fiber per day helps keep your digestion running smoothly and can help prevent constipation. If, however, you consume too much fiber in one sitting or add too much fiber to your diet too quickly, it can cause gas and cramping.
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