Cholesterol blood tests are used to determine an individual’s risk of developing heart disease. Such tests typically look for the total quantity of cholesterol in your blood as well as your levels of good HDL cholesterol and bad LDL cholesterol.
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Unlike more common calcium kidney stones, struvite stones are formed by bacterial waste products during a kidney or urinary tract infection (UTI). Struvite stones are more common in women, infants and the elderly as such individuals are more likely to have UTI.
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A variety of prescription antidepressant drugs are available to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While these drugs are highly effective in treating depression, they are often associated with side effects such as headaches, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
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Ritalin and Adderall, known generically as methylphenidate and amphetamine, respectively, are commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. When used as directed under proper medical supervision, Ritalin and Adderall have limited side effects.
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Many health experts consider garlic to be a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. Garlic is rich in healthy compounds known as allicins that can help to protect against cancer and heart disease.
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Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant drug commonly known by its brand name, Prozac. Fluoxetine belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Fluoxetine and other SSRIs are highly effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
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Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that your body uses to fight infections. High neutrophil levels are often caused by an infection, but other medical conditions and certain drugs can cause them as well. Physical or mental stress, and even smoking, can also increase neutrophil levels.
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High blood glucose may be the signal of a developing medical condition or may simply be a short-term response to recent eating or stress. Diabetes, including gestational diabetes associated with pregnancy, is a prevalent cause of high blood glucose test results.
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Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful brain stimulant with tremendous potential for addiction and abuse. In its crystal form meth is typically smoked but can also be snorted or dissolved and injected. Crystal meth can have a number of dangerously negative effects on the body and brain.
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White blood cells play a key role in defending the body against invading bacteria and viruses. When white blood cell levels become too low, a condition known as neutropenia, an individual may become more susceptible to infection. A number of diseases are known to lower white blood cell numbers.
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Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant popularly known by the brand name Prozac. Individuals taking fluoxetine can experience side effects upon abruptly stopping fluoxetine use, a general condition known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
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Low white blood cell counts, a condition known as neutropenia, can occur as a result of certain diseases or as a side effect to medications, particularly cancer chemotherapy. Fortunately, several drugs have been developed that safely and effectively increase white blood cell levels.
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White blood cells are produced by the bone marrow and have an important role in preventing infection. White blood cells and the bone marrow are very sensitive to toxins, as well as a number of prescription medications that can also kill white cells.
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Many factors, such as stress, aging and genetics can cause your hair to lose its color and turn gray or white. Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals can also have a role in hair color loss.
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Caffeine pills are available without a prescription for a number of indications. Most commonly, they are used to promote wakefulness. Your doctor may tell you to take these pills for more specific health or psychological conditions. Talk to your doctor to learn more about how caffeine use can affect your health.
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Probiotics are living microorganisms such as the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria species of bacteria that may have beneficial effects on human health. Higher dose probiotic preparations typically have 50 billion to 1 trillion living probiotic organisms per serving or per dose.
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Diet Rite Cola is a zero-calorie soft drink made by the Royal Crown or RC Cola Company. Diet Rite was introduced in 1958 as the first diet soda. Diet Rite is described as a cola for people pursuing a healthier lifestyle as it contains no sodium, no caffeine and has no calories.
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Worcestershire sauce is a complex sauce typically used to provide an array of sweet, sour and salty flavors to cooked meats. There are many ingredients in Worcestershire sauce, such as Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce. It is important to note that this sauce is not vegan as it contains a substantial amount of fish.
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Lipase is a digestive enzyme made by the pancreas that helps to break down certain fats. Most people do not need to take lipase supplements because our bodies naturally make ample lipase, but some people with cystic fibrosis or celiac disease may benefit from taking lipase.
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Decaf coffee is unlikely to be harmful for your health if you drink it in moderate amounts and without an excess of cream or sweeteners. However, decaf coffee can raise cholesterol levels, which may be of concern to people at risk for heart disease.
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