For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
If you have too much uric acid in your blood, changing your diet may help. Limiting specific purine-rich foods is one step to lowering uric acid levels, and including certain foods and beverages can also help reduce serum levels of this compound.
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If you are having a tough time getting a good night’s sleep, cutting tyrosine-rich foods out of your late afternoon and evening meal plans might help. Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body can manufacture it on its own. You’ll find it in numerous foods and even in alcoholic beverages.
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If you suffer from rosacea, you are not alone – an estimated 16 million Americans experience this skin condition. Since there is no known cure, the goal in treating rosacea is identifying triggers for flare-ups. Triggers vary from person to person.
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Chai tea is a culinary blend of sweetness, spiciness and creaminess that originated in India. In fact, chai literally means tea in that country. You’ll often find chai tea concentrate on grocery store shelves, or you can create your own and store it for up to 10 days before it expires.
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You have numerous foot tendons, but the one that most commonly causes pain is the Achilles tendon. Your Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. If the back of your heel hurts when you squat, Achilles tendonitis is the likely culprit.
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Essential oils for aromatherapy can be mixed with several substances, including other “carrier” oils, lotions, certain vinegars and even alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as "rubbing alcohol," is a denatured substance, meaning it cannot be consumed. It is safe to apply to skin, however.
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If you love spicy food, you're probably well aware that your nose runs and your eyes water when you eat it. In fact, you may eat spicy food when your sinuses are congested in the hopes of finding some relief. Some spicy foods can help you clear a stuffy nose.
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If you suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you must eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet. Gluten is a protein in wheat and other grains. Following a gluten-free diet takes some practice because not every food or food ingredient that contains gluten is obvious.
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If you are taking supplemental lysine and suffer an infection that requires antibiotics, be sure to inform your doctor about your supplement use before starting your medication; using lysine and certain antibiotics can be dangerous. Both lysine and antibiotics also may cause side effects. The U.S.
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Your heart beats fewer than 60 times in a minute if you have bradycardia, or a slower-than-normal heart rate. For some people, such as trained athletes, a slower heart rate does not cause problems.
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Nattokinase is an enzyme that can be used to prevent blood clots that are associated with strokes and heart attacks. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans, while stroke is No. 3. Nattokinase is derived from the Japanese soy food called natto that somewhat resembles blue cheese.
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Your grandmother’s remedy for constipation – prunes – is still an effective remedy today. In fact, prunes may work better for alleviating this condition than fiber supplements like psyllium, according to a study reported in April 2011 in “Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics."
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Abdominal pain can have many sources, ranging from normal female monthly discomfort to more serious conditions requiring a physician's attention. Evaluating your pain in terms of frequency, time of day, and activities that may trigger it will help you determine if you need medical intervention.
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Glutamine is an amino acid that your body makes on its own. Using a glutamine supplement may be helpful when you have certain medical conditions such as surgery, an infection or prolonged stress because your glutamine levels may become depleted.
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Hurdle stretches have been used by sports teams and physical education teachers for years to stretch the hamstring muscle. However, this stretch is falling out of favor among coaches and educators because it poses a higher injury risk than other hamstring stretches.
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Gutkha is another name for betel nut. Small doses may bring about euphoria and increased energy flow, while large doses can cause sedation, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Due to its stimulant activity, gutkha is used in many areas of the world as a recreational drug.
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Kombucha is a fermented tea that is purported to stimulate your immune system, improve digestion, boost liver function and prevent cancer. No scientific evidence backs any use for this drink, which is made by adding a colony of bacteria and yeast to tea and sugar and letting the brew ferment for one to two weeks.
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Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce inflammation as well as your risk for chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease and cancer. It’s also sometimes recommended for digestive issues including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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Bitter melon is best known as an alternative medicine for diabetes, but it also is a folk remedy for treating high blood pressure. You will find this fruit or its juice in Asian grocery stores and on the Internet.
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When the flora in your intestinal tract is out of balance, this can lead to body odor. Probiotics are a good solution because they crowd out bad bacteria and restore balance. Probiotics can help you combat bad breath as well. There are two main types of probiotics; lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
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