The use of hot tubs and steam baths for health and wellness dates back thousands of years. Before you dip your toes into a hot tub, however, know what some of the pros and cons of using one are. And remember, everyone's body is different, so discuss your use of a hot tub with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Sleeping difficulties such as insomnia, nightmares and waking up frequently can dramatically decrease your quality of life. Prescription sleep aids frequently have undesirable side effects, causing many people to decide to just live with their insomnia.

Most people can live easily without a gallbladder if they need to have it removed due to recurrent gallstones or gallbladder disease. But you may find you no longer digest fats as easily following gallbladder removal surgery.

The combination of caffeine and birth control pills may generate a few mild side effects, including headaches, jitteriness and insomnia. Caffeine and birth control pills may also interact with other prescribed medications.

Dating back to before the 18th century, many cultures have been using garlic for both medicinal purposes and food, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In modern times, garlic is still used for eating as well as a tool to help prevent many diseases and illnesses.

For some, plastic surgery is a way to regain a normal appearance after an accident. For others, plastic surgery is a way to correct perceived cosmetic flaws. Regardless of the reason for the plastic surgery, there are serious disadvantages of the procedures that must be considered prior to having surgery.

Not only are organic multivitamins more appealing overall because they are not produced by using chemicals, vitamins made by synthetic means are only about 50 percent as effect as organic multivitamins, according to Jon Barron, a nutraceutical researcher and Director of the Baseline of Health Foundation.

All surgery carries some level of post-surgical infection risk. Infection can occur directly at the incision site or within surrounding areas of the body. Many surgical patients are discharged shortly after undergoing surgery, so be aware of the earliest symptoms of infection. According to Dr. Frederick R.

Most birth control pills contain estrogen, which disrupts the female body's hormonal cycle. When present in low levels, estrogen prevents the body from making two different hormones, called follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.

Ionic foot spas are supposed to neutralize and remove charged toxins from the body through pores in the feet.

Peppermint is not only one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs, but it is also one of the most versatile. The essential oil -- derived from its leaves -- has long been valued by herbalists and natural healers for its wealth of therapeutic effects, including antispasmodic and pain-killing properties.

Your kidneys filter your blood and remove wastes and excess water from your body, notes the National Disease Information Program. When kidney disorders prevent your kidneys from functioning properly, wastes from the foods and beverages you consume can build up and damage the body.