Moderate-to-severe pain in the right upper quarter of the abdomen may be a sign of cholangitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine’s cholangitis definition is “an inflammation of the bile duct system that is usually related to a bacterial infection.” Symptoms of cholangitis generally range from moderate to severe, and if suspected, you should seek medical attention as soon…
Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices on the planet. It's valued not only as a flavoring agent in our meals, but also for a variety of other purposes, such as medicinal uses, as a preservative and in perfumery. In recent decades, scientific research has explored the many possible benefits of black…
Dramatically clutching the chest and slowly sinking to the floor is often how heart attacks are presented in television and movies. And while heart attack symptoms can arise suddenly and be quite intense, more often the symptoms start more slowly and are milder, according to the American Heart Association. (1) Heart attack symptoms can present…
Most of us know gardenias as the big, white flowers that grow in our gardens or the source of a strong, floral smell that is used to make things like lotions and candles. But did you know that gardenia flowers, roots and leaves also have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine? Gardenia…
Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a bitter herb that has been used in traditional systems of medicine practiced throughout Europe for over 2,000 years. As a liver tonic and digestive aid, it also has a long history of use in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). What is gentian root used for today? Many of this…
Autism is a developmental disorder that initially occurs in early childhood. It generally affects a child’s language, behavior and social skills in development. The exact cause of autism is unknown, but some reasons may include medications (specifically valproic acid and thalidomide) taken during pregnancy, exposure to toxins, infections, inflammation, leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, food allergies and…
Have you ever heard of the French paradox? It's a well-researched phenomenon that refers to people who live in certain parts of France where red wine is commonly consumed during meals having fewer cases of death from coronary heart disease, even though these people live a lifestyle that's considered to have higher risks than those…
Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are one of the oldest consumed crops in the world. In fact, they have been a part of certain traditional diets for over 7,500 years, and it's not hard to see why when you take into account the benefits of chickpeas nutrition. Today, chickpeas remain one of the most popular legumes…
As we age, there are a few telltale signs of scary medical conditions it’s normal to observe — one of which is the sharp chest pains signaling a heart attack. But what if you’re young and healthy? What happens when your doctor observes your symptoms and sees no risk factors of heart disease and chooses…
Do you know what’s hiding in your favorite meat substitutes? Few people realize that mycoprotein, the ingredient often found in popular vegetarian products like chicken nuggets, cutlets and burgers, is actually a type of single-celled fungus that’s been heavily processed, mixed with other ingredients and texturized to mimic the taste and texture of meat. But…
