Probiotics are beneficial microbes, many of which are located in your gut. They're also found in your diet in foods such as miso, yogurt, tempeh and kefir, as well as supplements. While probiotics offer health benefits, taking too many -- or under the wrong conditions -- can cause side effects.
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Manufacturers advertise protein powders as a convenient way to get extra protein to boost fitness. These supplements are marketed to everyone from moms to bodybuilders. But recent clinical research has raised some questions about the safety of getting extra protein from such supplements.
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Carbohydrates serve as your body's preferred fuel source for everything from exercising to completing mental tasks. When you follow a low-carbohydrate diet, the goal is to control your carb intake to encourage your body to utilize stored fat for energy.
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Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a marker of your metabolism, which refers to the rate at which you burn calories. A lower TSH indicates your metabolism is optimal, while a higher TSH represents a sluggish metabolism, according to "The Fast Metabolism Diet" by nutritionist Haylie Pomroy.
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Sweetened condensed milk is used for everything from making key lime pie to giving your coffee a sweet, creamy boost. It's basically a sweet, concentrated form of milk -- think sugary, syrupy milk. The problem is, the carbohydrates from the sugar make it a no-go for dieters following a low-carbohydrate meal plan.
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While your immune system works hard to keep harmful bacteria out, many species of "friendly" bacteria live in harmony within your digestive system. Known as probiotics, these helpful microorganisms contribute to the health of the "host." Some strains of probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt and miso.
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Despite being composed mostly of sugar, natural honey has properties that make it a better sweetener than table sugar.
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When your physician orders certain tests, you may need to fast for several hours prior to the test assure accuracy. Nutrients in the foods you eat and beverages you drink can influence test results. For some tests, even the stimulation of digestion enzymes interferes with test results.
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Gaining an edge is something athletes of all ages are interested in. However, because children and adolescent's bodies are still developing, there is a growing concern over whether it's safe for them to use sports supplements.
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Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil promote healthy cholesterol, which helps protect your heart. The best way to get fish oil in your diet is to consume at least two servings of fatty fish each week. Fish oil supplements can become rancid and must be stored properly.
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If you experience heartburn as a result of eating gluten, it may be an indication of gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found not only in wheat but also rye, barley and any foods made from these particular grains. Contact your doctor and work with him to rule out other potential causes.
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Gastritis occurs when the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed. This includes sudden inflammation or chronic inflammation that lasts for a long time and can cause stomach pain and discomfort after eating.
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Millions of Americans experience hyperacidity, more commonly known as acid reflux. Heartburn and indigestion are typical symptoms. You may have noticed that certain foods you eat trigger burning sensations in the chest, bloating or abdominal discomfort.
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When your digestive system is healthy, it effectively processes the nutrients from the foods you eat and produces consistent bowel movements that are soft, bulky and easy to pass. If your digestive system becomes sluggish, first see your doctor to rule out more serious causes such as inflammatory bowel disease.
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When it's working properly your gallbladder -- a small organ below your liver -- releases bile into your small intestine to help digest fat from the foods you eat.
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If you're like most people, your gallbladder goes unnoticed until problems arise. It's a small sac situated beneath your liver that collects bile, or juice necessary to digest fat from your diet. Bile contains a mixture of cholesterol, salt and other substances.
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Your body needs glucose, which you get from carbohydrates in your diet. However, eating foods high in refined carbohydrate, such as cookies and white bread or rice, can trigger a large release of the glucose-regulating hormone insulin. This leads to abrupt rises in blood sugar followed by steep declines.
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Kelp is a type of seaweed known for its rich iodine content. It is available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powder and teas. It is commonly marketed for thyroid support. You should use caution when taking kelp supplements. Excess iodine from kelp can cause adverse health effects.
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Unless you have a weak immune system, fungal infections rarely cause serious health problems. These infections usually go away on their own, as your body has its own defense system. Certain vitamins exhibit potent anti-fungal activity and may help prevent and treat fungal infections.
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Probiotics are living microorganisms found naturally in your digestive system. These microorganisms live primarily in your gut and work synergistically to help your body function properly. Probiotics are also available in some foods and as commercial supplements for digestive health.
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