Vitamin B-12 intake can have a significant impact on the everyday function of your body, including nervous system function, DNA replication and mood regulation. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can occur in people who do not eat a significant amount of animal-based foods, such as vegans.

Indian and Asian cooking experts use turmeric in the form of curry powder to add spice and color to their dishes, but this powder is also widely used in folk medicine. Its uses have extended to digestive problems, wound healing, skin diseases and liver conditions.

Sodium is an important nutrient in the diet. However, the modern American diet contains excessive amounts of salt, which can affect many different parts of the body. For example, eating too much sodium in your diet can cause negative effects on the skin that can make you not look and feel your best.

Thyroidectomy is the removal of all, or part, of your thyroid gland. The surgical procedure is performed to address certain diseases, like cancer, a goiter or hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate all aspects of metabolic functioning.

Vitamin B-12 is one of the 13 essential vitamins your body needs to maintain a healthy nervous system and to make blood cells. Although generally considered safe, high doses of vitamin B-12 can cause diarrhea, blood clots, itching and serious allergic reactions.

Sodium benzoate is a preservative found in a variety of foods, beverages and condiments. While it is generally recognized as safe in small doses, sodium benzoate may cause harmful health effects under certain conditions. Learning the facts on sodium benzoate allows you to assess its risks and benefits more accurately.

You may be most familiar with the red beet, but beets come in a variety of colors. One variety is orange, and is known as the golden beet. A descendant of a sea vegetable, orange beets are a nutrient-rich food low in calories and high in fiber and potassium.

Gum diseases range from simple infection and inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, to damage of the tissue supporting the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.

L-arginine is a semi-essential or conditionally non-essential amino acid, meaning that it is not required in a healthy diet. While it qualifies as a non-essential amino acid because it is produced in humans, supplementation is sometimes beneficial, especially for athletes and bodybuilders.

Zinc is an essential mineral needed by the body for growth, immune system function and catalyzing certain enzymes.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects men and women of all ages. It occurs as the pores in your skin become clogged. Symptoms and severity of acne can vary, but typical signs of acne include blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed growths, which are known as pimples or zits.

Creatine, a nonessential molecule that occurs naturally in the body, is known widely for its use as a sports supplement, particularly by bodybuilders and competitive athletes.