Vitamins and supplements like melatonin and fish oil offer health benefits but can cause side effects if misused. Learn about the impact of saw palmetto on blood pressure and find the best multivitamins for young women and adults over 50.
Oral thrush refers to an overgrowth of fungus called candida or candida albicans. It can be seen as white lesions on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth or the throat. Dryness, or the feeling of "cotton mouth," may accompany these white lesions.
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If you suffer from asthma, you’re familiar with the frightening sensation of not being able to breathe properly. While chances are you have an inhaler or medication, you may be looking for a natural way to treat your asthma.
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Both magnesium and vitamin B6 are essential nutrients for proper body function. Each nutrient plays a role in different body processes. Their chemical differences determine how each will be used by the body.
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Mucous membranes are tissues that line organs and entrance points to your body including your nasal cavity, eyelids, windpipe and lungs, nose, mouth, urethra and genital organs. These areas are the first to be hit by invading parasites and microbes.
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Sodium chlorite is a salt-based chemical that also features the element chlorine. It has several practical uses and is very similar to sodium chlorate, a common food additive. Most people interact with sodium chlorite frequently but do not realize it, because the chemical is rarely interacted with in large portions.
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As the structural units or building blocks used to make proteins, amino acids are necessary for efficient functioning of the body. Some amino acids such as glutamine can be made by the body.
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Bitter melon is also known as Momordica charantia and grows in tropical climates such as Asia, South America, Africa, parts of the Amazon and the Caribbean. Bitter melon resembles a small cucumber with a warty gourd appearance. Immature bitter melon is green in color, then turns yellow-orange as it ripens.
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If your ear feels uncomfortable, itchy or painful, it may not be a serious condition. In some cases, ear discomfort may be caused by wax blockage, getting soap or shampoo in the ear, or an accumulation of water from swimming or showering.
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Apple cider vinegar is renowned as a folk remedy, offering host of health benefits. These include lowering cholesterol, fighting cancerous cells, regulating blood sugar, hypertension prevention and as a weight loss aid. This substance is rich in vitamin and mineral content, as well as enzymes and amino acids.
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Lemons, limes and oranges are vibrant citrus fruits used in many dishes, beverages and desserts. The tart, sharp flavor is no surprise to those who take a bite and neither is the “pucker face” of someone who has just bitten into a lemon.
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A numb feeling in your fingers is not only irritating, but it could signal an unknown condition, injury or nutrient deficiency. Check with your practitioner about tests to determine where the problem lies. Your doctor may find that boosting your intake of vitamin B12 through food or supplements may solve the problem.
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According to MayoClinic.com, normal fasting blood sugar levels are between 70 and 99 mg/dL; fasting blood sugar levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL are classified as pre-diabetes; and fasting blood sugar levels over 126 on two consecutive tests are consistent with a diagnosis of diabetes.
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Emulsifiers keep the cream in your coffee and the dressing on your salad together. Emulsifiers such as lecithin stop oil and water from splitting. Lecithin occurs naturally. Wheatgerm and eggs contain lecithin.
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Vitamin and mineral consumption is important at any age, and older adults face unique difficulties in maintaining appropriate nutrient levels. Medications and chronic medical conditions may diminish your ability to absorb certain vitamins from even vitamin-rich foods, according to the website HealthTree.
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Chlorella and spirulina are both types of algae that are commonly marketed as supplements. Chlorella is a form of green algae, and spirulina is a type of blue-green algae. Chlorella is a rich source of chlorophyll, and spirulina provides a variety of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
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Vitamin B6, known as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin the body needs for metabolism, nervous and immune system functions, and conversion of amino acids and other vitamins. Vitamin B6 is water-soluble, but that does not mean it is safe to give to children.
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Aloe Berry Nectar, marketed and manufactured by Forever Living Products, contains aloe vera gel, apples -- including the pectin -- and cranberries. Lightly sweetened with fructose, each 8-oz serving has 120 calories, 60mg of sodium and 30g of carbohydrates.
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There is an abundance of Internet forums that tout silica’s positive effects on hair and nail growth. However, not many people understand what silica is, why you need it and where to get it.
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Leucine and isoleucine, along with valine, make up the branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids are of interest to athletes, as they may aid in muscle recovery after a strenuous workout, according to Dr. Yoshiharu Shimomura in the February 2006 volume of “The Journal of Nutrition.
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Self-injecting vitamin B12 can become a necessity if you have serious anemia. While you could visit the doctor every day for a shot, it’s simply cheaper and more practical to learn how to do it yourself. If you’ve never given yourself an injection, have a doctor or nurse show you how to do it right the first time.
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