The spleen is a small, fist-sized organ located below your left rib cage, and is a significant part of your body’s immune system. It helps fight infection by producing white blood cells called lymphocytes as a defense against invading pathogens.
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Ginseng is a herb that originated in northern China more than 5,000 years ago. Medicinal use of the herb began over 3,000 years ago. Its use spread to North America among Native American tribes who used ginseng for its healing abilities. Ginseng’s many reputed health benefits are derived from the root.
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Food poisoning is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, parasites or viruses. Food can become contaminated during processing or production or as a result of improper handling or cooking.
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A peptic ulcer is a lesion or sore in the lining of the duodenum or stomach where pepsin and hydrochloric acid are present. Ulcers forming in the stomach are gastric ulcers and those forming in the duodenum are duodenal ulcers.
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Your body needs sodium to maintain the balance of fluid in your body, influence muscle contraction and relaxation and transmit nerve impulses. It’s easy to think of salt and sodium as being the same, but they’re not.
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Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of your stomach to reduce food intake and promote weight loss. The procedure is permanent and requires a lifetime commitment to a maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The most common types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass, lap-band and gastric sleeve.
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You can achieve naturally thick eyelashes safely and inexpensively without even leaving your house. The ingredients for naturally thick and longer eyelashes are right inside your medicine cabinet -- or at your nearest health food store.
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Running helps you burn calories and build cardiovascular endurance. It's an activity that requires maintaining a high level of endurance for a long period of time. It also places you at a greater risk for developing anemia.
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Cutting back on calories also means cutting back on essential nutrients. Eating too few calories and nutrients can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems that make weight loss the least of your concerns. Every bodily function requires a certain amount of calories to perform smoothly.
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A normal heart beats at a rate from 60 to 100 times a minute, according to the Heart Rhythm Society website. Your heart rate can increase to 160 to 180 or more beats per minute during intense exercise. Variations in diet, medication, activity and age all affect heart rate.
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Heart palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is fluttering, skipping a beat, racing or pounding. Palpitations are felt in your neck, chest or throat. They are usually not serious; however, they may create some anxiety--which actually aggravates the problem.
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Iron and vitamin D are essential nutrients to ensure that your blood, cells, bones and muscles remain in good health. Iron is crucial for the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
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Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and heart-healthful benefits. You can get fatty acids either from food or fish oil supplements. Fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines and halibut are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as are plant oils such as flaxseed and canola oil.
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Vitamin B12 is essential for healthy red blood and nerve cells and is also necessary for the formation of DNA. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin B12 deficiency is rare due to the fact that your body can store several years’ worth of vitamin B12. However, deficiency can occur due to a number of factors.
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Eating healthy does not mean you have to give up your favorite pastries. Sweets can be a part of your diet if eaten in moderation. If sour cream donuts are your weakness, you can still indulge without sacrificing your waistline.
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Chinese food is a nice alternative to pizza, and it can be delivered to your door just as readily. The Center for Science in the Public Interest gives Chinese restaurants credit for dishes with healthy fare, such as vegetables, seafood and poultry, as well as using unsaturated fat in the preparation of some dishes.
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Popcorn is a delicious low-fat, low-calorie food that is a popular snack to munch on while watching your favorite movie or to stave off hunger pangs in between meals. According to the Popcorn Board, just three cups of popcorn equal one serving of whole grains.
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The amount of calories you need per day varies according to your gender, age and body weight, according to the American Heart Association. Eating significantly fewer calories than your body needs over a long period of time can seriously endanger your health.
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