Food & Nutrition: Culinary Techniques, Diets & Metabolic Health

Nutritional health is achieved through the therapeutic use of whole foods, safe culinary preparation, and understanding the metabolic impacts of specific dietary frameworks and ingredients.

Hummus with vegetables and snacks on a wooden board

Vegetarian Foods Rich in Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is utilized by the human body to maintain normal brain function and to generate both red blood cells and DNA. Health professionals with the Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, recommend that adults consume at least 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 each day.

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Side Effects of Kelp Tablets

Kelp is a nutrient-rich vegetable, commonly called seaweed, found in the ocean along the coastline. Treatment with kelp tablets may be beneficial if you have iodine deficiency, digestive disorders or joint and bone problems.

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Lysine Overdose Symptoms

If you have oral or genital herpes, your doctor may recommend treatment with a lysine supplement. Though additional research is necessary, lysine may help reduce the replication of the herpes virus in your body, which may help reduce outbreak symptoms.

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Mangosteen

Side Effects of Mangosteen Extract

Native to Southeast Asia, the Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen plant produces fruit that may yield health benefits when used medicinally. Extract from the mangosteen fruit has been used traditionally to alleviate symptoms associated with diarrhea and skin infections.

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chicory

Side Effects of Chicory Root Extract

Derived from the root of the Cichorium intybus plant, chicory root extract may impart health benefits when used as a medicinal treatment. Historically, chicory root has been used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.

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Mature woman crying, side view, close-up

The Effects of Too Much Acid in the Body

If too much acid accumulates in your body, your doctor may diagnose you with a condition called acidosis. There are two major forms of acidosis: metabolic acidosis, which occurs when there is too much acid in your body, and respiratory acidosis, which occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide in your body.

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Organic Dried Red Hot Peppers

How Much Cayenne Pepper Should One Take?

Cayenne is both a spicy food additive and natural medicinal supplement derived from the red pepper, or Capsicum annuum. The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which may be used as an herbal treatment to alleviate pain and inflammation.

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Hawaiian spirulina powder

How Much Spirulina Should I Consume?

Spirulina is the most commonly used type of blue-green algae, a nutrient-rich aquatic plant. Health supplements containing spirulina are purported to boost immune function, increase protein intake and protect against liver problems.

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Fresh turmeric rhizome

How Much Turmeric to Take?

Turmeric is a plant most commonly used as a flavorful spice in Indian cuisine. When used medicinally, the root and stem of the Curcuma longa plant may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion. The amount of turmeric you can take depends on a variety of factors, including your age and health status.

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Who Should Not Take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a medicinal supplement derived from the Withania somniferum plant, a member of the pepper family commonly found in Africa and India. Ashwagandha contains a class compounds called withanolides, which may help reduce stress and inflammation while boosting immune system activity in the body.

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Image of pregnant woman touching her belly with hands

Safety of Licorice Root During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you should not use licorice root, despite its purported medicinal properties. None of these properties are proven, and licorice is potentially damaging to both mother and developing fetus. In addition, licorice root may cause health problems even if you are not pregnant.

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Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs 2

How Much Panax Ginseng Is Safe?

Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, is a commonly used herbal supplement purported to boost immune system function, regulate blood sugar levels and reduce erectile dysfunction symptoms, among other things.

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How Much Fish Oil Can My 5 Year Old Take?

Fish oil is a popular supplement that contains high levels of two omega-3 fatty acids: DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid. Though treatment with fish oil is usually associated with heart disease prevention in adults, children may also benefit from taking fish oil.

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melon

Dosage of Bitter Melon for Diabetes

Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear or kerela, is a plant widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America. The fruit, seeds, leaves and roots have long been used in traditional remedies, including some for diabetes.

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Indian spices-Fenugreek.

Dosage of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is both a spice and a medicinal supplement commonly used in regions of the Middle East, Egypt and India. As a supplement, fenugreek has been used historically to treat stomach problems, bronchitis, arthritis and constipation. Fenugreek may also improve breast milk production in lactating women.

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American Coffee and Sandwich, Full Frame

Interactions With Iron Supplements

For people who struggle with anemia -- a condition characterized by low red blood cell levels -- iron supplements can help alleviate the severe fatigue, weakness and breathing difficulties associated with this condition.

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Valerian root, Valerianae radix

Dosage of Valerian Root to Help Sleep

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night is a problem that can severely affect your ability to function normally during the day. If you experience recurrent sleep problems, talk with your medical provider about using a natural herb called valerian root to help you sleep.

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What Is a Safe Dosage of Biotin?

Your body requires small amounts of biotin -- also called vitamin H -- to convert the food you consume into energy. Biotin also supports the healthy growth of your nails and hair. If you're uncertain how much biotin you need each day, seek additional guidance from your medical provider.

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Salvia officinalis 'Purpurea'

How Much Sage Tea to Drink?

Also used as a flavorful herb in cooking, sage is an herb commonly used as a digestive aid. Although more research is needed to examine the purported benefits of sage, alternative medicinal uses of sage include sore throat relief, reduced sweating and anxiety, and enhanced mental function.

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