Is Okra Good for You?
Gumbo is the Swahili word for okra -- a podded green vegetable that came to America from Africa during the slave trade. As a plant derived from the hollyhock family, it grows annually in warm weather.
Read more →Gumbo is the Swahili word for okra -- a podded green vegetable that came to America from Africa during the slave trade. As a plant derived from the hollyhock family, it grows annually in warm weather.
Read more →Your kidneys are paired organs that keep your blood chemically clean and balanced. Each day, they sift water and waste from about 200 quarts of blood, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Read more →In Greek, the word "apnea" means "without breath." Sleep apnea is a condition that causes precisely that -- repeated interruptions in your breathing during sleep. More than 18 million American adults have it, according to the National Sleep Foundation, many of whom are overweight.
Read more →Bulimia is a serious illness that involves cycles of binging (consuming excessive amounts of food) and purging ("getting rid of" food, through self-induced vomiting or other means). Symptoms of bulimia often go unnoticed, because people with the disorder hide their behaviors and usually maintain average body weight.
Read more →Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, refers to uncomfortable respiratory sensations. Numerous factors may contribute to or cause shortness of breath after eating, including heart problems, digestive problems and anxiety disorders.
Read more →A panic attack is an episode of intense fear that comes on suddenly, often for no apparent reason. In addition to emotional symptoms, panic attacks may cause a rapid heartbeat, sweating, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain and nausea.
Read more →Discover how your diet can impact your menstrual cycle and learn which foods may help alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding, cramping, and mood swings. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for menstrual health.
Read more →Ocular migraines are migraines that affect vision. An ocular migraine generally starts as a blind spot in one's peripheral vision that increases over time. Although triggers and causes of migraines vary, certain foods have been shown to trigger or worsen migraines more than others.
Read more →Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside your ovaries. Although most are harmless and resolve on their own, some can cause pain or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Read more →Your respiratory system is responsible for supplying your blood with oxygen. Your lungs allow you to absorb oxygen and breathe carbon dioxide out. Your trachea filters air you breath, while your diaphragm -- a rounded muscle -- supports healthy breathing.
Read more →Steroids, also called anabolic-androgenic steroids, or AAS, are synthetic reproductions of the sex hormone testosterone. Though other steroids provide useful medical treatments for people with diseases such as AIDS and cancer, AAS are used illegally by people hoping to enhance exercise abilities and muscle mass.
Read more →Dehydration occurs when your body doesn't have as much fluid as it needs. You lose fluid through breathing, sweating, urinating, bowel movements and, when you're sick, through vomiting or diarrhea.
Read more →Passing loose stools at least three times daily means you have diarrhea. Acute diarrhea -- which is common, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse -- typically lasts one to two days and alleviates on its own.
Read more →Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a condition that affects how your body reacts to and utilizes glucose, or blood sugar--the body's main energy source derived from food. Numerous diabetes symptoms occur after eating, when glucose levels are directly affected in response to food.
Read more →The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces hormones important for a healthy metabolism, energy levels, body temperature and moods. If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid produces too few hormones, causing lethargy, weight gain and depressive moods.
Read more →Your stomach's lining is like a home security system; it provides protection only when it functions well. Cells in your stomach lining produce acid and enzymes, which help break down food and mucus -- a slippery substance the protects the lining from acid.
Read more →Pressure in your chest may occur with or without pain and arise at various times for various reasons. Some people describe chest pressure as the feeling of a band tightening around the chest or a heavy object sitting atop it, according to BetterMedicine.com.
Read more →Creating meals that are rich in nutrients and flavor yet relatively low in calories can help ensure lasting weight control and overall wellness. And while that sounds like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be!
Read more →Looking for boosted energy, mental sharpness, workout efficiency and/or weight control? Adding healthy carbs to your diet (in moderation) could help you achieve those goals. These nutritious carbohydrates contain fiber, which your digestive system works to break down before they can be absorbed.
Read more →A healthy appetite can serve as a positive sign of wellness. Numerous factors can contribute to loss of appetite, such as emotional disturbances, mild illness or serious health problems. Appetite can also be reduced as a side effect of certain medications or medical treatments.
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