Baby with Phototherapy

How Phototherapy Works on Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellowing of the eyes and skin as a result of the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is part of red blood cells and is typically broken down for excretion by the liver.

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Pink grapefruit juice

Grapefruit Juice & Beta Blockers

The effects of some medications can be increased or decreased when they are taken with certain foods. Although grapefruit juice interacts with many medications, it does not affect beta blockers.

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Estradiol

Symptoms of Low Estradiol

Estradiol is the most common form of a type of hormone known as estrogen. This hormone is present in both men and women but has most of its function in women. Estradiol helps drive the menstrual cycle and is also involved in bone strength and in puberty.

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How to Read Arterial Blood Gases

Arterial blood gasses are a common test done to measure the acidity and gas content of the blood, primarily the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Arterial blood gas levels are typically done in pulmonology, because it can give information on lung function.

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In the pharmacy

Thyroid Supplement for Weight Loss

The thyroid gland helps regulate the body's metabolism and as such can affect your weight. Although supplemental thyroid hormone may help with unwanted weight gain caused by thyroid dysfunction, synthetic thyroid hormone is a prescription medication that should only be taken by people with a documented thyroid problem.

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Constipation

Can Constipation Cause Blood in Stool?

One of the more common causes of blood in the stool is the development of anal fissures. Anal fissures are very small tears (usually less than 1 1/2 inch) that occur in the skin of the anus (which is where the bowel movements leave the body).

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Young woman with eyes closed and fingers on her temples

Blood Clot in Brain Symptoms

A blood clot in the brain can originate within blood vessels in the brain or can be due to a clot forming elsewhere and traveling to the brain, resulting in an embolism. Blood clots in the brain can result in an ischemic stroke, which is the result of obstructed blood flow to part of the brain.

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Laboratory Request

Blood Tests for Adrenal Gland Function

The adrenal gland makes many different hormones and is divided into two distinct zones: the medulla and the cortex. The medulla makes hormones called catecholamines, such as adrenaline. The cortex primarily makes the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

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Holding a capsule

The Dangers of Water Pills

The majority of the body is made of water, which is contained in blood as well as fluid found inside and outside of cells. Consequently, much of the body's weight comes from water. It is possible to lose weight by eliminating some of the water from the body through the use of "water pills,"

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Make-up products

What Is Olefin Sulfonate?

Cosmetic products often contain a variety of compounds with unusual names. These chemicals, such as olefin sulfate, typically work to tweak the underlying chemistry of the soap or beauty product and generally are present only in small amounts.

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Nail clippers

What Is Keratin Debris?

Hair and nails are made predominantly from proteins. Depending on the type of protein used, the structures made can be soft and pliable, like hair, or be designed for sturdiness, as is the case with nails. Some conditions, such as a fungal infection, can break down these proteins.

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overweight woman running outdoors

PCOS & Weight Loss Medication

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition marked by changes in hormone levels. Many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS suffer from obesity. Losing weight is an important part of treating PCOS but it can be difficult for women with this condition.

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medical examination

Actinic Keratosis Vs. Seborrheic Keratosis

The appearance of skin growths or lesions can be frightening because they may look like skin cancer. Not all skin problems are cancerous, however. Some, such as seborrheic keratosis, are benign. Even the precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratosis, can be treated before they progress to cancer.

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Loss of Pigmentation Due to Scarring

The color of the skin is due to the presence of a protein known as melanin. Melanin is made by cells known as melanocytes, which are present in the deeper layers of the skin. In some cases, an injury to the skin can cause patches of abnormally light skin, also known as hypopigmented regions, to appear.

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Athletic man working his chest

What Should a Man's Body Fat Percentage Be?

Your body fat percentage indicates how much of your body weight is fat. Body fat percentage helps you determine your overall fitness level, regardless of your size or body type. For men, the ideal percentage of body fat depends on their activity level and age.

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Japanese tea

Effects of Green Tea on Belly Fat

Losing fat, particularly in the abdomen, can be a challenging process that often requires significant changes in diet and exercise habits. Although some foods and beverages, such as green tea, may help speed this process by boosting metabolism, they are unlikely to cause a significant loss in belly fat when used alone.

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Closed up of small yellow medicine tablets (or pills)

Is It Possible to Overdose on Amino Acids?

Amino acids in the diet either come from protein or from amino acid supplements. Amino acids are important for the health of the body, but consuming too much protein or amino acids can put a strain on your kidneys, because amino acids can be metabolized and have potentially toxic byproducts.

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Man squeezing pimple

How to Fill in Acne Scars With New-Skin Liquid Bandage

Acne is the result of pores in the skin becoming clogged or blocked, resulting in oil becoming trapped underneath the surface of the skin. This can cause swelling, inflammation and pain or tenderness of the affected skin. In some cases the inflammation can occur deep within the skin, resulting in cyst formation.

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Woman measuring waist line

Is the Cambridge Diet Safe?

The Cambridge Diet was originally conceived in the 1970s by Alan Howard, who was a chemist at Cambridge University in Great Britain.

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