According to the Mayo Clinic, the nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. This same protein is also found in the hair and skin. The nails are made up of several parts, including the nail beds, folds, cuticles and lunula.
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More than a constipation preventive, fiber consists of plant foods that the body can neither absorb nor digest. Instead, fiber passes through your body, but not before it performs a number of healthy functions. Increasing your fiber intake is simple, whether with pills or high-fiber foods.
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Whiteheads are acne lesions that are filled with puss. Though these blemishes are ugly, they are fairly common, and can affect individuals in their teens and into adulthood.
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Some acne sufferers have more than just acne to contend with -- they also have to deal with residual brown or purple spots that remain after blemishes clear. These ugly marks are not scars, though they can take up to a year to disappear, according to TeensHealth.
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The University of Maryland Medical Center describes an eye cold, also called pink eye or conjunctivitis, as an inflammation or infection of the membrane that lines the eyelids. This inflammation can cause the eye's blood vessels to become more prominent, giving the whites of the eyes a pinkish hue.
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Mucinex DM cough suppressant (dextromethorphan-guaifenesin) is an over-the-counter cough remedy for children and adults. By affecting signals in the brain that initiate a cough reflex, the medicine works to suppress coughs. It is also an expectorant, helping to loosen chest congestion and making coughs more productive.
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It may seem odd or even uncouth to examine your stool. Your stools, however, often reveal health problems you might otherwise miss. Before you flush, note changes in your stool and tell your doctor about unusual odors or composition, particularly if you see blood.
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Diets that promise to help you reduce belly fat may actually work, though most often the same effects can be achieved through old-fashioned reduced-calorie, low-fat plans. There is not sufficient research to prove that targeted diet plans work.
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Panthenol is a common ingredient used in skin care products, including cosmetics, hair sprays, shampoos and conditioners. This natural ingredient can be found in plants and is a form of vitamin B5, also referred to as pantothenic acid.
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When a couple is unable to conceive after a year of unprotected sex, infertility is likely the problem. Men are as likely to be sterile as women are, according to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Certain factors can raise the risks of sterility in males.
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Pregnancy equals change, physically, emotionally and in the lifestyle of a woman. She is no longer thinking and acting on her own behalf, but is caring for and nourishing her child as well. Old habits may need to be broken or altered to benefit the baby, including medications taken, alcohol consumed and diet choices.
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Although onions can cause gas, they have nutrients that may be helpful for people with certain stomach ailments, such as gastritis. Many gastritis sufferers do not experience symptoms, but others develop nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion and vomiting.
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Most adults function well on around seven to eight hours of sleep per night. On evenings when sleep eludes you, it is best to abandon your bed, flip on the television or pick up a book, suggests the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria that exists naturally in the human body. Deemed a "friendly bacteria," the presence of acidophilus bacteria is a good thing, as the probiotic protects against disease-causing bacteria. Among the many types of probiotics, acidophilus is the most commonly used.
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Most people are familiar with the health benefits of tea, due to its antioxidant properties. Red tea, however, may not be as widely heard of or used. This red tea, also known as "rooibos," has a host of benefits, including immune system health and aiding with common aches and pains.
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Psyllium, a bulk-forming laxative, is a natural element that is rich in soluble fiber. A widely used colon cleanser, psylluim husks are purported to help rid the colon of excess waste that can build up and cause health complications. Little evidence exists to support the benefits of colon cleansing, however.
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Discover natural ways to alleviate depression symptoms with herbal teas like St. John's Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, and Chamomile. Learn how these plants can enhance your mood and improve mental health.
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Because a healthy diet is about balance, too much wheat bread is not a good thing. To get the most from your wheat bread, eat the recommended portions and choose whole-grain products made from the entire grain kernel over products that say "enriched," which generally means refined. The U.S.
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