What are Hiccups? Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm — that flat, dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. During a bout of hiccups, the diaphragm contracts and the vocal cords suddenly close, which creates the repeating “hic” sound. Hiccups seem to arise out of nowhere and scientists are still trying to […]
What Are Irregular Periods? The menstrual cycle is powered by hormones, and it involves a regular period of bleeding in women from puberty to menopause. During the monthly menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus builds up in preparation for a possible pregnancy. If a pregnancy does not occur, the hormones progesterone and estrogen decrease, […]
MWhat is Hematuria (Blood in Urine?) Hematuria is the medical term used to describe the occurrence of red blood cells in the urine. These red blood cells can come from the kidneys (which make urine) or from anywhere in the urinary tract. Seeing blood in your urine can be frightening, but most of the time […]
What are Food Allergies? A food allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to a certain food that has been eaten. Normally, your immune system destroys harmful germs and viruses. However, the immune system sometimes mistakenly detects and attacks a food protein as an invader. The body makes its own proteins (IgE antibodies) to attack […]
“It is universally well known, that in digesting our common food, there is created or produced in the bowels of human creatures, a great quantity of wind.” — Benjamin Franklin What is Flatulence? Whether you call it farting, flatus, breaking wind or the technical term flatulence, what causes this bodily phenomenon? Why the variance of […]
What Are Blood Clots? Blood clots are accumulations of blood that have changed from liquid into a semisolid state. Clotting is a normal function that is essential for injuries. It ensures that you don’t lose too much blood when you cut your finger or scrape your knees. But not all clots are a good thing. […]
What is Black Radish Extract? Black radish extract comes from the root of the black radish plant. The black radish, or the Black Spanish radish, is a member of the Cruciferae family and has been in use for centuries, both as a medicine and as food. It is scientifically known as Raphanus sativus L. Var. […]
What is Calcium Pantothenate? Vitamin B5, or calcium pantothenate, is part of the B vitamin family — a water-soluble group of eight essential vitamins that are necessary for the human body’s proper functioning. Also called pantothenic acid, this vitamin comes from the Greek word pantothen, meaning “from everywhere.” This reflects the abundance of vitamin B5 […]
What is Vitamin B3? Vitamin B, also known as niacinamide, is an essential, water-soluble vitamin made naturally within the body. It’s a useful antioxidant, providing benefits such as: Boosting skin health Easing arthritis Repairing DNA Preventing pellagra, the niacin deficiency disease Vitamin B3, like other B vitamins, helps convert food into energy. It does this […]
What is Reishi Mushroom Extract? The reishi mushroom has been in use for centuries in Japan and China for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to promote longevity. Reishi mushroom gets its scientific name lucidum from the Latin word lucidus, which means “shiny.” This is because the surface of the fungus is very smooth […]
