Menstrual cramps may make the week of your period miserable and uncomfortable. Cramps occur because your uterus contracts in order to expel your uterine lining and can be quite painful, reports Iris F. Litt, author of "Taking Our Pulse: The Health of America's Women."

Protease enzymes break down or change the composition of proteins or peptides. In addition to being important to the process of digestion and metabolism, some protease enzymes are thought to improve inflammation and strengthen the immune system, according to New York University Langone Medical Center.

Swelling in your feet is known medically as edema. It occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the tissue. Edema is a symptom, and should not be just dismissed. Causes of this swelling vary, but one key component may be water retention. If you are a woman, this retention may occur just prior to your period.

Pollution is a significant problem facing the environment. As the world's population continues to grow, so does the amount of potentially toxic substances that are released into the ecosystem. Environmental pollutants can be derived from a number of sources.

Abdominal pain and soreness can be caused by many conditions. It's often difficult to determine the exact location and cause of abdominal pain. Abdominal pain may originate from organs in the abdominal cavity, or it may be caused by structures outside the abdomen. MayoClinic.

Plantar warts are noncancerous growths occurring on the bottom of the foot, which is also called the the plantar surface of the foot. Plantar warts are caused the by human papillomavirus, abbreviated HPV, which infects people through cuts in the skin.

Anemia occurs when there is a problem with the red blood cells. Women with anemia may lack sufficient red blood cells or their blood cells may contain low levels of the protein hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in the body. The Mayo Clinic says it increases the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream, it enhances the brain’s ability to use glucose and it helps in the repair of tissues.

Peppermint oil is a highly revered herbal remedy used for the treatment of respiratory problems, indigestion, headaches, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, and urinary tract infections. It also contains a significant amount of nutrients including vitamin A and C, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Soda can cause bladder irritation because it contains caffeine. All caffeinated products, and even some decaffeinated products, can cause bladder irritation. Bladder irritation can lead to chronic bladder infections and incontinence, or difficulty urinating.

No mother wants to see her baby in pain. If you or someone in your family contracts a severe sore throat, you may worry that your baby could end up sick with strep throat. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may fear that the frequent contact you have with your baby could increase her risk of becoming ill.

You may know peppermint as a flavoring in gum, toothpaste and tea, but it is also used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments, such as upset stomach, headaches, anxiety, menstrual cramps and symptoms of the common cold, including sore throat.