Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. This condition produces a gradual, age-related deterioration of joint cartilage. As the disease progresses and the cartilage continues to break down, exposed bone ends rub together and may develop growths, called spurs. Then, when the joint moves, the spurs grind against…
Asthma
This chronic breathing disorder and lung disease affects as many as 15 million Americans. In an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes that feed air into the lungs become swollen and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. The narrowing of these airways triggers the release of compounds called histamines and other chemicals into the body. This…
Water
Water makes up 60 percent of our bodies, and yet many do not scrutinize the water they drink as much as they scrutinize foods they eat. Similar to food nutrition, water contains many of the same essential elements to benefit and charge our bodies. As demand for bottled water waxes and wanes, billions of dollars…
Muscle Aches/Spasms/Cramps
When muscles feel pain, soreness, or stiffness, it’s usually due to one of two reasons: overexertion or a cramp. Overexertion, or overdoing some physical activity, can bring on what doctors call delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. A cramp (involuntary spasm) comes on suddenly and unexpectedly. Unable to relax, it causes severe pain that usually…
Weight Loss
Technically, a person tips the scales into the overweight category when his or her body mass index (BMI) is 25 or higher. BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height. It usually reflects the amount of body fat a person has. To figure out your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 704…