Iron deficiency is one of the most common dietary mineral deficiencies in the world, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. The best sources of iron are animal products, which contain heme iron. Plant sources contain non-heme iron, which is more difficult for your body to absorb.
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Ginger, or Zingiber officinale as it's scientifically known, has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years and is still the go-to treatment for motion and morning sickness.
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Numb toes feel like they’ve “fallen asleep,” and there may be tingling or burning, according to a paper published in the journal “American Family Physician.” It occurs when blood supply to your toes is decreased, and can be caused by factors such as infection, inflammation, a degenerative disease or snug shoes.
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Once you give up your daily cigarettes, you significantly reduce your risk of smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart attack, stroke and emphysema. According to the National Cancer Institute, you’ll reap the benefits of not smoking very soon after you stop.
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About 86 million Americans cycle, including 40 percent of adults, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. Cycling provides medical and social benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight control and a stronger family bond. Cycling is also appealing if you’re searching for a low-impact exercise.
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Concerns about over prescription of antibiotics are not new. In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning about overusing antibiotics. In November 2010, the organization urged consumers to learn about the proper use of antibiotics.
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Fiber bars contain ingredients such as dried fruit, bran, granola, rolled wheat, seeds and psyllium fiber. These ingredients provide several health benefits, including improving satiety, keeping blood glucose stable and improving bowel movements.
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Cigarette smoking is one of the most difficult habits to break due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine, carbon dioxide and other toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke take a toll on your health. They reduce lung and heart function, which undermines cardiovascular fitness and exercise endurance.
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Every day your liver performs more than 400 functions. Chief among them are storing vitamins, iron, glucose and fats so your body can use them later, and metabolizing food into nutrients that are vital for health and life.
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Although children have different bowel patterns, your child is considered to have constipation if she has difficulty passing stools or hasn’t been able to have three or more bowel movements a week, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Large, dry, hard stools are also indicative of constipation.
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High blood pressure, or hypertension, is also known as the “silent killer” because there are few symptoms that indicate you have it. Left untreated, hypertension can increase your risk of two of the leading causes of death -- heart disease and stroke.
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The liver is the biggest organ in the human body, weighing about three pounds, states American Liver Foundation. It sits on the right side of your body under your ribs and serves several functions. For instance, it acts as the main detoxifying organ in the body, metabolizes food, stores energy and helps build muscle.
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Smelly feet are common in both children and adults who wear closed shoes daily, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A year-round condition, foot odor might be caused by bacteria or fungus in your shoes.
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The 26 bones, 33 joints and 100-plus ligaments, tendons and muscles in your feet take a beating over the years. Some of the most common foot disorders you may suffer at some point are calluses, corns and foot pain.
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Normally blood sugar levels should be less than 126 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dl. But in cases of high blood glucose, which is also known as hyperglycemia, levels are 160 mg/dl or above.
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Your foot is a complex structure consisting of muscles, tendons and other tissues, as well as over 26 bones, including 19 toe bones or phalanges. Everyday weight-bearing activities such as standing and walking, plus your weight and recreational activities, place tremendous stress on your feet.
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High levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Total cholesterol takes into account levels of both low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol.
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A rash under the breast usually develops when the lower breast rests against the skin below. Trapped moisture, perspiration and friction between the skin of the breast and chest wall causes an inflammatory rash called intertrigo. The affected skin can become secondarily infected with yeast, bacteria, or both.
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On any given day, you may be exposed to any number of the 80,000-plus industrial chemicals in use today. Another 1,000 chemicals or so are introduced every year, according to Brenda Watson, a certified nutritional consultant and author of “The Detox Strategy.
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The knee has more structures than any other joint, making it very vulnerable to injury and pain. It doesn’t help matters that it’s also a weight-bearing joint. Factors that contribute to knee pain include overuse, an unusual motion, abnormal joint structure or a degenerative condition such as arthritis.
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