Food & Nutrition: Culinary Techniques, Diets & Metabolic Health

Nutritional health is achieved through the therapeutic use of whole foods, safe culinary preparation, and understanding the metabolic impacts of specific dietary frameworks and ingredients.

Espresso coffee  cup on wooden table

Caffeine & Costrochondritis

Costochondritis β€” also known as costosternal syndrome β€” is the sharp pain you feel along the costosternal joint, which connects the ribs to the sternum. It’s caused by irritation and inflammation of the cartilage.

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Can Vitamin D Cause Stomach Cramps?

The hormone vitamin D aids in the maintenance of several tissues: it maintains strong bones, helps maintain your body's electrolyte balance and aids in nerve function. Abnormally high or low levels of vitamin D can affect your health, leading to a number of side effects.

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Lonely woman drinking coffee in the morning

Lyrica & Caffeine

LYRICA, the brand name for pregabalin, is a prescription anticonvulsant medication used to treat several disorders, including seizures, fibromyalgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage. Like other medications, LYRICA might cause side effects.

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Can Fish Oil Affect Your Liver?

The human liver is classified as a gland, and it is the largest gland in your body. This vital organ is responsible for a wide variety of tasks, which include controlling the use of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as well as monitoring the secretion of bile.

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Big cup of black tea

Digestive Side Effects of Black Tea

Black tea is better known for its benefits than for any type of side effects. But it contains two natural substances -- caffeine and tannins -- that have the potential to cause digestive problems, such as an upset stomach or nausea. The key is to enjoy black tea but don't go overboard.

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Fresh Soy milk in a glass and soybean seeds

Soy & Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland makes more than the needed amounts of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Too much of the hormones can lead to fatigue, goiter, heat intolerance, sweating, increased appetite, restlessness and weight loss.

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bottled olive oil

Castor Oil or Olive Oil for Constipation

While normal bowel movements differ from person to person, if you are not having at least three bowel movements per week then you are constipated. Constipation is characterized as having dry, hard stool that is difficult to pass and irregular bowel movements.

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Vinegar & Diuretics

Vinegar has been used by natural health care advocates for generations to treat health conditions such as high blood pressure, weight gain and blood sugar control. Diuretics likewise have several uses, including as a treatment for swelling of the limbs not due to injury, high blood pressure and kidney disorders.

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mustard powder with measuring spoons

What Are the Benefits of Mustard Powder?

Mustard powder is finely ground mustard seed, which comes from three species of mustard plants, including yellow mustard, brown mustard and black mustard. Mustard powder contains the same nutrients that are found in the whole mustard seed and has several nutritional benefits.

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potatoes

Types of Starch

Plants produce starch and use it to store carbohydrates for energy. When you consume foods that contain starch, it becomes an important source of energy for your body. Starches, or complex carbs, consist of two molecules -- amylose and amylopectin -- that connect together to form starch granules.

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man hand with jar and bottle preparing protein shake

Long-Term Effects of Protein Supplements

Regardless of the reason you take protein supplements, consuming them long-term may lead to side effects -- both good and bad, depending on the amount you take. Taking protein supplements is a convenient way to meet your daily protein needs.

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Pills scattered on a calendar page

Vitamin B Complex Taken With Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc

While it's always best to get your nutrients from food, vitamin supplements, taken under the supervision of a doctor, can fill in any gaps. B-complex vitamin supplements and calcium, zinc and magnesium supplements each have several health benefits that make them worthwhile additions to your routine.

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grass jelly in glass

Fact About Grass Jelly

Grass jelly is an Asian dessert commonly served in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia. In some parts of Asia this dessert is also known as leaf jelly. Generally, manufacturers sell grass jelly in cans, and you typically cut the grass jelly into pieces prior to eating.

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Upset blonde suffering from headache and neck pain

Potassium & Migraines

The electrolyte potassium is an essential mineral. Your body needs it in small amounts for proper skeletal, heart, muscle and digestive function. Dietary sources of potassium include bananas, some types of fish, meat, dairy products, avocados, citrus fruit, tomatoes, cantaloupes, lima beans and potatoes.

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Bubble gum machines

Does Chewing Gum Cause Intestinal Bloating?

It may surprise you, but chewing gum can cause intestinal bloating and gas. Bloating is the result of trapped gas in your digestive system that can cause your waist line to increase up to three inches, according to ABC’s Good Morning America.

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How Does Caffeine Affect Estrogen Levels?

Your morning cup of coffee may be a pleasant ritual, but the effects of the caffeine in your coffee may not occur to you. Like all drugs, caffeine has a variety of effects on the human body. Estrogen, the best-known female sex hormone, is affected by caffeine.

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SAKE

Is Saki Rice Wine Good for You?

Sake is an alcoholic Japanese beverage made from rice wine. The benefits of sake are due to the fermentation process and ingredients used; it can improve sleep and reduce inflammation.

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What Are the Benefits of Roasted Seaweed?

Nori seaweed, also known as roasted seaweed, often comes in large, flat sheets suitable for use in making sushi. You may also crumble it into your favorite recipes to add flavor without adding fat. Eating roasted seaweed provides you with a variety of nutritional benefits.

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