Diabetes and Water Retention: How Are They Related?

If you have diabetes, or if someone close to you does, perhaps you've noticed some swelling in the ankles where fluid has built up, causing a puffy appearance. This is typically water retention, also called edema, and is relatively common among diabetics. Let’s take a look at how diabetes and water retention are related.

Wheezes and Sneezes Just From Fresh Breezes?

It has been allergy season for me, and recently, it all came to a head. I came home late one night. I had been gone all day. Looking for a nice fresh breeze to air out my home, I opened two doors to the outside – my mistake. I started sneezing like crazy almost every few seconds with seemingly no end to it for some 10-15 minutes. I had to do something. I could have taken antihistamines or cortisone nose sprays (helpful for nasal congestion, but weakens the nasal mucosa and can cause dryness and even nose bleeds), but I don't like to take medicine if I don’t need to. So I did the most practical thing I could think of.

Lyme Disease: A Small Tick Bite Can Cause Big Problems

Lyme disease starts with a simple tick-bite, and it’s been on the rise in the United States. This bite introduces bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi into the skin, which can cause a round, gradually expanding rash (Erythema migrans). If left untreated, these bacteria may travel throughout the body, causing a variety of symptoms involving the joints, nervous system and heart.

Methylation Made Simple and Why You Should Care

“Methylation” is a word you probably have not heard of before. The first time I heard it, I had no clue what it meant. What I now know is that it is one of the very important chemical processes that our bodies use to ensure our genes work properly. Moreover, this methylation process requires optimal levels of B vitamins to function efficiently.

Fatty liver disease: I in 4 Americans has it and doesn’t even know it

Many people who consider themselves healthy are walking around with a disease — fatty liver disease. First described in 1980, fatty liver disease, sometimes referred to as FLD or NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), is the condition of fat infiltrating the liver tissue. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis refers to a fatty liver that has become inflamed, with injury to the liver cells. According to the American Liver Foundation, fatty liver disease affects up to 25 percent of Americans.

Minty guacamole! A healthy guac for your Cinco de Mayo festivities

Minty guacamole! It’s healthy, it’s tasty, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family this Cinco de Mayo. Let’s guac and roll!

How do you know if you have hemorrhoids?

Perhaps you're constipated, and lately, you've been spending a little more time in the bathroom. You've been pushing harder to have bowel movements, and eventually, you begin to notice droplets of blood in the toilet. You might have anal pain too. So what is going on?

All burnt out? Check your hormone levels

There can be a multitude of reasons why your energy has gone from zip-zip to zero. You might be juggling a few more things than you want to. Your job or personal life may be sucking up all your energy. Or perhaps you’re lacking in the sleep department, or making food choices that are making you more sluggish. In some cases, you may have an undetected disease that’s draining you.

Health effects of late-night meals

Do you eat a good portion of your daily calories at night, when you finally have time to wind down? If so, you’re not alone! Most of us know that we should be eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. But we don’t. So what are the consequences if we don’t?

Let it go: The health benefits of leisure time

So many articles harp on how much TV Americans watch, and how we should better spend our time exercising. And, while there is no question that exercising is important because it improves your physical health and reduces stress, studies show leisure activities – including watching TV – also have health benefits.

Keep your sodium and potassium in check

Sodium and potassium are electrolytes. They drive many of the chemical reactions that occur in the body, causing everything from heartbeats to nerve impulses to digestion of food. And although both sodium and potassium are important, too much of one isn’t a good thing. While the body can usually balance these electrolytes itself, it doesn't take much to disrupt their balance and cause health problems.

Quick facts on vitamin D

Vitamin D: You know you need it, but where do you get it? Here’s your “sunshine vitamin” cheat sheet with quick facts you need to know about sun exposure, vitamin D-rich foods, recommendations and signs that you have too much D.

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