What markers define healthy blood function? Key strategies include regulating dietary iron, monitoring hematological counts, and identifying symptoms of vascular clots like DVT.
An umbilical hernia is caused by excess pressure at the abdomen, specifically near your navel. Excess pressure causes your intestines to bulge through a weakened abdominal wall, causing swelling and pain.
Read more →
"Eat Right for Your Type," the diet plan and popular book by Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician, recommends people eat according to their blood type. An intriguing approach to food prescriptions, Dr. D’Adamo claims that following his plan is the key to controlling weight and preventing illness.
Read more →
Knee bruises occur when small blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin break, allowing blood to leak into the soft tissue. This leads to discoloration, swelling and discomfort. The amount of pain and length of recovery depend on the severity and location of the bruise.
Read more →
The immune system employs several tactics to protect the body. Phagocytosis is one such tactic wherein special types of cells called phagocytes ingest and kill invading organisms. Phagocytes also ingest dead cells and debris caused by tissue injury.
Read more →
After giving birth, it is normal to experience bleeding for a short time. Often, this bleeding will be accompanied by blood clots. For many women, this is harmless. For others, it signals a medical emergency.
Read more →
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that your body uses to fight infections. High neutrophil levels are often caused by an infection, but other medical conditions and certain drugs can cause them as well. Physical or mental stress, and even smoking, can also increase neutrophil levels.
Read more →
Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis or asceptic necrosis, is defined as bone death due to loss of blood supply to the affected area. It can be caused by long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol consumption and illnesses such as sickle cell anemia.
Read more →
Also known as water pills, diuretics are medications designed to stimulate diuresis, which helps your body release water and salts via your urine.
Read more →
Diabetes causes higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which can damage small blood vessels in the eye. Many people with diabetes suffer vision complications that develop slowly over the course of their disease.
Read more →
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 98.6 million adults over the age of 20 have cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dl, which is the threshold for being diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia.
Read more →
Insulin is a hormone that transfers sugar from your blood to your cells. When you have insufficient amounts of insulin -- or your cells are resistant to insulin -- a you may develop high blood sugar.
Read more →
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develops in the deep veins of your upper and lower legs, an occurrence that can have deadly effects. Those who are immobile for some time, such as after bed rest or failing to move after surgery, are more likely to experience DVT.
Read more →
Hershey's cocoa powder is sugar free and has a rich chocolate taste. Many brownies use both cocoa powder and melted chocolate for depth of flavor. Instead of sugar, you could use a sugar substitute such as Splenda, Equal, erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol, stevia or a combination of these choices.
Read more →
Poor arm circulation can cause tingling, numbness and a sensation of cold in the arms and hands. These symptoms may range in severity from mild and annoying to painful and disabling.
Read more →
Allergic reactions occur when a person’s immune system produces antibodies called IgE against the allergen. The next time the person encounters the substance, IgE tells the white blood cells to produce histamine, which rapidly produces allergic symptoms such as itching, rash, wheezing and edema.
Read more →
Androgens are hormonal agents that stimulate the development of male characteristics. Women and men produce a variety androgens, which include testosterone. Testosterone is one of the most potent hormones and is synthesized by the reproductive organs and adrenal glands.
Read more →
The best way to massage a person's legs for better circulation is to begin with a comprehensive plan in mind and then to work that plan to its completion. Circulation difficulties are common in the leg, since blood and nutrients have to travel such a distance from the pumping heart to reach the entire leg.
Read more →
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that is in many foods such as eggs, meats and dairy products. According to the American Heart Association, high LDL cholesterol is a serious health risk and a major risk factor for developing heart disease.
Read more →
Lowering blood sugar is important because when blood sugar is high, inflammation can occur and destroy tissues. Diabetics and people with hyperglycemia need to be aware of their sugar intake and keep the sugar in the blood at low levels.
Read more →
Increased levels of blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, can be cause for concern. Signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination and high levels of sugar in your urine. High blood sugar occurs when your body produces too little insulin or is not capable of using insulin properly.
Read more →