Any illness can throw your workout schedule into disarray, but inner ear infections can disrupt an element essential to many physical activities: your sense of balance. Complex activities rely on feedback from your inner ear to give you positional awareness.

Estrogen is the term used to describe a group of essential steroid sex hormones present in both men and women. Although estrogen has no known functions in men, it is essential for women. Estrogen promotes the development of the female sexual organs and supports a healthy reproductive system.

Mints are herbs long known in folklore for their ability to calm an upset stomach. While the mint family includes many culinary herbs such as rosemary and oregano, digestive remedies, such as mint candies, teas and oils, most often use peppermint and spearmint.

If you've had gallbladder removal -- a cholecystectomy -- you know that diet was a pivotal cause of inflammation and gallstones. A balanced diet is still important, and some types of foods may need to be limited.

If you have a disorder that causes your blood to develop clots, you may need to take low-dose baby aspirin during pregnancy. Often prescribed in conjunction with heparin, another drug that prevents clotting, baby aspirin reduces the ability of platelets to stick together.

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing sounds in your ears when no outside source is present. It affects one in five people, and may be caused or worsened by age-related hearing loss, earwax buildup, loud noise and various medical conditions. Tinnitus that occurs after eating may be influenced by your food choices.

The meniscus, which is a structure located within the knee joint, is a common site for injuries. Treatment for a damaged meniscus depends on the severity and cause of the injury; your physician can help determine the best course of treatment.

Along with cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and green peppers, cucumbers are frequent culprits for gas and indigestion.

Eating usually brings enjoyment and pleasure, but if you notice that your gums swell after eating, you might think of meals differently. Swollen gums after eating are not normal and need to be looked at by your dentist or doctor.

Muscular dystrophy, MD, is a condition in which the muscles in the body are weakened. Exercise can provide many benefits to those suffering from MD, although it is not appropriate for everyone with MD.

High blood pressure puts you at risk for developing heart disease as well as other serious health conditions including kidney disease, memory loss, vision impairment, angina and fluid in your lungs. Losing weight, reducing sodium in your diet and adding potassium and fiber can help lower your blood pressure.

Used in moderation, alcohol appears to confer some health benefits. The American Heart Association reports that moderate intake of alcohol, 1 or 2 drinks daily, increases HDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of coronary heart disease. However, the adverse effects of excessive use of alcohol are well-documented.