We are well into the age of the information explosion, and information technology is no longer a novelty.

One of the liver's primary functions is to act as a "filter" and remove and breakdown toxins in the blood, in addition to metabolizing drugs and alcohol ingested by the body. This is not easy on your liver, which is why liver cleansing is so popular. One way to cleanse the liver is by employing an

Nasal irrigation is a centuries-old practice that has been practiced in India as part of the teachings of yoga. The practice is growing more popular in the West, as well. The practice of nasal irrigation involves using a mild saline solution and a vessel (usually a neti pot) to wash the nasal passa

Many people have experienced a problem with constipation. It is an uncomfortable feeling, and mineral oil is used as an aid for mild to moderate stomach discomfort, bloating and constipation. It's an all-natural product that typically does not cause side effects or create more problems for upset st

Zinc is a very important nutrient to the body. It helps with cell growth, it helps detox the liver, it aids the digestive process and it also boosts the body's immunity. When it comes to bodybuilding and gaining muscle, zinc helps to synthesize protein and it is also instrumental in the actions of t

Ivy is traditionally used as a climbing plant to adorn the sides of buildings and homes; however, the distinctive vine with deep green leaves also has a number of health-promoting properties. Standardized extracts of ivy leaf have been used for centuries to treat common health conditions. Ivy is an

There are many diet supplements for weight loss, and these different supplements affect the body in different ways. Keep in mind that for optimal weight loss, supplements should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

While it's necessary for some sodium to be included in any diet, there are definite dangers of having too much sodium, including increased risk for high blood pressure and heart disease as well as stroke and kidney problems. Therefore, it's important to be able to recognize foods that are high in so

The herbal genus Stevia includes more then 300 species of plants. The most widely publicized, S. rebaudiana, is used as a natural sweetener because it does not increase blood glucose levels, has zero calories and is gram for gram sweeter than sugar. There is controversy surrounding the safety of the

Can adding a pharmacist to the primary care team significantly improve blood pressure control in patients with diabetes?

Many time,s when over-the-counter pain relievers are not able to take the edge off severe pain, a doctor may prescribe prescription painkillers to do the trick. Prescription pain relievers work by reducing the pain messages sent to the brain and relaxing the brain's response to those messages. While

Topamax is a brand name for the generic drug topiramate. Topiramate is a prescription drug used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy and other disorders. The drug is also used to prevent migraines. Unfortunately, Topamax can have some severe side effects, especially when taken by children.

Most of the time, FDA approved drugs are used without ill effect. However, any drug has the potential to have an adverse effect on a particular patient. Reporting these effects is instrumental in ensuring the safety of future patients by demonstrating if a pattern of reactions is emerging. The FD

Jiaogulan (pronounced jow-goo-lawn) is a Chinese herb that is similar in many ways to the more popularly known herb Ginseng. In fact, due to this similarity and the fact that it grows wild in Southern China, it is sometimes referred to as Southern Ginseng. Its biological name is Gynostemma Pentaphyl

There are many reasons why you should take vitamins. First of all, vitamins are needed in order to maintain good health and prevent disease. Every cell in the body thrives on nutrition to be healthy. Your body uses calcium to strengthen your bones and teeth. B vitamins are needed for a healthy nervo

What common events precede development of Guillan-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder?

Bodies need vitamin B6 to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues through red blood cells. This vitamin also is important for protein metabolism, cellular growth and for strengthening the immune system. It helps maintain the health of organs which produce white blood cells, including the

Crestor is a cholesterol lowering medication that blocks the production of cholesterol in the body. The medication works by reducing the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), while simultaneously raising levels of HDL (good cholesterol). As with most cholesterol medications, there are a number of side ef

You see them at almost any pharmacy; you probably even have a few of them in your medicine cabinet: orange prescription bottles that contain anything from antibiotics to painkillers, antidepressants to anti-inflammatories.While orange is not the only color of prescription bottles--there

Initially developed and still used to treat a number of cancers, Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medication for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It is often the last prescription treatment for acne, and the flip side of its strength is that it can cause both minor and major problems. Users sh