What markers define healthy blood function? Key strategies include regulating dietary iron, monitoring hematological counts, and identifying symptoms of vascular clots like DVT.
Your white blood cells are components in your immune system that actively seek out and fight various forms of infection. When you exercise, these cells increase their numbers and circulate more quickly through your body.
Read more →
Warfarin, also known by the brand name Coumadin, is a medication prescribed to treat individuals at risk for blood clot formation. This drug decreases vitamin K activity, which then reduces your body's ability to quickly form blood clots.
Read more →
Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. This process sounds simple, but the details are actually quite complex. During the process of breathing, humans convert sugar into energy. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of this process.
Read more →
Proper circulation is essential for general health and well-being. Healthy arteries and blood vessels carry essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body. Certain natural supplements can strengthen blood vessels and promote healthy circulation.
Read more →
Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. This slightly yellow fluid is made up of 90 percent water, according to the Franklin Institute. Although often thought of as less important than the cells of the blood that carry oxygen and provide immunity, the plasma is equally important.
Read more →
Anything that contains a liquid, including the bloodstream, has a measurable pH level. This level, which determines the potential of hydrogen reactions, or the presence of oxygen, can have significant impacts on the human body.
Read more →
There are two major types of protein in your blood -- albumin and globulin. The majority of blood serum protein is albumin, manufactured by your liver and used for healing, tissue growth and to prevent blood from leaking out of your blood vessels.
Read more →
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the cells your body uses to fight off infections. There are different types of white blood cell, each responsible for fighting different microbes. For example, neutrophils help fight off bacterial infections, while lymphocytes increase during viral illnesses.
Read more →
Follicle stimulating hormone or FSH is one of the most important hormones in a woman's reproductive health, according to Just Mommies, a website devoted to providing accurate fertility information to women. FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and needed for ovulation to occur.
Read more →
Blood potassium levels are closely regulated since both high and low levels can have life-threatening consequences. A normal potassium blood level is typically 3.5 to 5 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. The normal range may vary slightly among testing laboratories, however.
Read more →
A low blood count, also known as anemia, is a lower than usual number of red blood cells in your body. Anemia is particularly common among older individuals.
Read more →
Links have been established between high levels of LDL cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Diet and exercise are the two primary recommendations of ways to lower LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol."
Read more →
Poor circulation most often occurs in the legs and feet but can also affect the arms and hands. Poor circulation can be caused by numerous illnesses, including heart disease, Raynaud’s disease, blood clots and diabetes.
Read more →
Blood circulation is vital for your body's survival. Blood transports oxygen, fuel and nutrients to all organs of the body, including the brain. It also moves toxins and waste products to the appropriate organs for excretion. When blood flow to your brain is disrupted, you can succumb to a stroke.
Read more →
Low blood circulation usually indicates arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis dominates as the most common type of arteriosclerosis. This disease involves stiffening and narrowing of medium and large arteries due to fat-rich deposits called plaques.
Read more →
A blood clot in the thigh disrupts normal blood flow through the affected leg, which can lead to serious complications. Most thigh blood clots occur in the deep veins, a condition known as deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Less commonly, a clot can form in a thigh artery, depriving the leg of oxygen-rich blood.
Read more →
When you travel to high altitudes, the air pressure is lower, meaning fewer oxygen molecules are present in the air.
Read more →
Platelets are cell fragments made by bone marrow that help the blood clot to prevent bleeding and help wounds to heal. While high platelet count can be due to underlying infection, it may also be a sign of a serious bone marrow disorder such as thrombocythemia or primary thrombocytosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Read more →
Poor circulation in the legs can be caused by numerous conditions, such as atherosclerosis, trauma, infection and varicose veins.
Read more →
Gatorade is a blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates designed to protect you from dehydration. Gatorade was created in an effort to help the Florida Gators reduce heat exhaustion and illness on the field.
Read more →