Internal Organ Health: Colon Care, Abdominal Pain & Biomarkers

Symptoms of colon cancer and causes of abdominal pain require clinical evaluation. Review biomarker levels like A1c and alkaline phosphatase for internal organ health.

Causes of Left Side Abdominal Pain in Females

Causes of Left Side Abdominal Pain in Females

A woman may experience left-sided abdominal pain for a variety of reasons. Some are bothersome but harmless. Others, such as a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, can be immediately life threatening. Your age and medical history can play a major role in helping you determine the most likely causes.

Read more →
applesauce

Can I Eat Applesauce Before a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a testing procedure designed to give doctors a clear view of your colon and rectum. Doctors use this procedure to diagnose the presence of potential tissue abnormalities such as polyps, inflammation, ulcers and colorectal cancer.

Read more →
Bowl of raisins on dark background

Foods to Avoid Before a Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death, affecting more than 100,000 people each year, according to 2010 information provided by the American Cancer Society.

Read more →
Young woman stretching before her run

Can Running Cause Spotting?

Running and other forms of aerobic exercise can promote a number of important benefits, including improved heart health and the prevention of some types of cancer. Exercise is not without its drawbacks, however, especially when performed to excess.

Read more →
High angle view of a young woman standing at a checkout counter in a store

The Best Way to Clean Out Your Colon at Home

Colon cleansing, which is also called colon hydrotherapy, is generally not required or recommended for healthy people. Using enemas or colonic irrigation, taking herbal supplements with laxative effects or over-the-counter laxatives may be used to partially cleanse the colon in certain situations.

Read more →
Green gloved hand holding blood sample in test tube

Causes of High Blood Levels of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is important for the development of healthy red blood cells and proper nervous system function. The main dietary sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy and fish. While doctors are often more concerned with low vitamin B12 levels, high levels might also signal a serious medical problem.

Read more →
Mature male doctor talking to female patient in wheelchair

10 Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is associated with symptoms that most people have experienced at one time or another, such as diarrhea, constipation or fatigue. These common symptoms become worrisome when they persist or are associated with more specific signs of colon cancer, such as bloody bowel movements and bleeding from the rectum.

Read more →
Person Hands Holding Glucometer

Reasons for Elevated A1c Without Diabetes

An A1c blood test, also called hemoglobin A1c, is recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for prediabetes and diabetes screening, and recommended for routine monitoring of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Read more →
Blueberry smoothie

Health Benefits of Blueberry Juice

Blueberries are a tasty fruit that have recently gained fame for their numerous health benefits. While some people may prefer to eat fresh blueberries, blueberry juice is also a healthy option.

Read more →
Doctor's medical notes and blood samples.

What Is a Normal Level of Alkaline Phosphatase?

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in many organs, including the liver, bone, kidney, intestine and placenta. The highest concentration of alkaline phosphatase comes from the liver and bone. A routine blood test detects the total amount of alkaline phosphatase in the blood.

Read more →
Bunch of carrots in basket, wood

Vitamin A Vs. Beta-Carotene

A vitamin that your cells and tissues use for many essential functions, vitamin A is found in ready-to-use form in animal-based foods, but your body can also convert beta-carotene from plant-derived foods into vitamin A when needed.

Read more →
Red chili peppers

Cayenne & Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves upwards into the esophageal tract, leading to a burning sensation and feeling of irritation. Cayenne pepper, with its spicy taste, can trigger acid reflux.

Read more →
Woman with stomach pain

Causes of Pain in the Lower Right Quadrant

Pain in the right lower quadrant -- the lower right area of the abdomen -- can arise from a variety of causes. These underlying causes range in severity from minor to potentially life-threatening, possibly requiring emergency surgery.

Read more →
Cell

3 Properties of a Cell

The cell is the basic unit of life. Organisms can consist of one cell, known as unicellular organisms, or many cells. There are two basic classifications of cells: prokaryotes, which mostly consist of bacteria, and eukaryotes, which are more advanced.

Read more →
Two glasses with red pomgranate juice, lime and mint.

Pomegranate Juice for Enlarged Prostate

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It surrounds a portion of the urethra and makes some components of semen. As a man ages, the prostate sometimes enlarges in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a noncancerous condition.

Read more →

Medications That Will Test Positve for THC

The American Council for Drug Education reports marijuana, also known as THC for its active ingredient of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, as the most commonly used illegal drug.

Read more →
Woman hand with Cod liver oil and supplements

Signs and Symptoms of Taking Too Much Iron

While most people take iron safely, excessive amounts of iron can be toxic. Symptoms may range from fatigue to life-threatening shock. The signs and symptoms of acute iron toxicity are different than those of chronic toxicity.

Read more →
Senior Man Getting MRI Exam

Bone Scan Vs. MRI

Bone scans and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, are tools used to determine the presence of certain diseases in bones. Both imaging tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of infections and cancer in the bones.

Read more →