Breadfruit got its name from the smell of the fruit itself, as many say that the smell resembles freshly-baked bread. Breadfruit is an oval-shaped, bright green fruit. There are multiple nutritional benefits to adding this brightly-colored fruit to your daily diet.

The teenage years can be fraught with angst: peer pressure, academic pressures and often familial problems. When pregnancy occurs in adolescents, sometimes it is the result of these problems and sometimes it facilitates them. The result is frequently depression.

Many parents are understandably concerned when their infant is vomiting. Many childhood illnesses cause vomiting, and during a child’s early years it will happen many times. It is important to keep a vomiting infant as hydrated and as comfortable as possible.

There are many funguses that are toxic to humans–they easily enter our bodies through the air we breathe and the foods we eat. They are kept in check by the healthy bacteria in our system, but the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, alcohol and additives and preservatives in our food destroys the healthy bacteria, making our systems out off balance and allowing fungus to grow unchecked. A fungal overgrowth–often called candida–will cause numerous health problems, making it necessary to cleanse the fungus from the body.

Herbal therapies and remedies can help to boost the immune system and may help relieve symptoms of chronic health problems as well. Many herbal remedies are available through your local health food store and can come in the form of dried herbs, tinctures, essential oils and extracts. You can also grow your own herbs at home for a more organic approach to treating and boosting your own immune system.

The Neem plant (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) has been used for centuries as a mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. In many parts of the world, Neem is known as “the village pharmacy” because of its varied therapeutic uses. A tropical evergreen native to South Asia, Neem is related to Mahogany. Neem twigs, bark, leaves and seeds are used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and its active ingredients are popping up in many natural products for the home and garden.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to adopt a rabbit-like diet of nothing but fruits and vegetables once you’re diagnosed with diabetes. A proper diabetic diet relies on smart food choices, sweets included.

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. The viruses that cause flu are airborne and can be serious or deadly for newborns, the elderly and people with some chronic conditions. Flu symptoms such as head and body aches, persistent cough, fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat can cause great discomfort. They may also stop you from performing your normal everyday activities. Fortunately, there are some homemade treatments you can utilize to ease your flu symptoms.

When it comes to suicide there are numerous signs to watch for, partly because it is triggered by a variety of factors. Some of those factors are easy to spot and based on everyday behavior. Other factors, however, are much harder to pick up on and can be based on mental illness, changes in a person’s life or even the perils of growing up.

Brethine is a brand name for the medication terbutaline, a bronchodilator prescribed to treat asthma and other lung disorders. A beta adrenergic receptor agonist, Brethine expands air passages in the lungs so the person can breathe more easily. Several side effects are possible.

Any damage to the head by a traumatic blow affects the brain and its electrical nerve signals. As a consequence, it is possible for those signals to be interrupted briefly, causing a seizure.

Suicide is a disturbing event that claims the lives of thousands of people each year. It not only destroys the life of the person involved, but can devastate the lives of others who are close to that person. Luckily, some suicides can be prevented through speedy intervention. Intervention depends on being able to recognize risk factors and warning signs that a person may be suicidal.

Different fungi can cause an infection of the toenail, but most come from a specific family known as dermaphytes. Dermaphytes thrive in relatively warm, damp environments, like the floors and showers of your average locker room, making it quite easy for anyone who frequents the gym to contract a fungal infection. All it takes for this type of infection to affect the nail is a small cut, tear or separation within the nail bed. Regardless of how you fell victim to this condition, treatment is readily available.

Coconut oil is valued worldwide for its health, beauty and healing properties. The coconut is even considered a divine plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Generations of folk remedies have recommended the use of coconut oil to treat a wide variety of illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis, flu, gingivitis, skin conditions and even sexually transmitted diseases.

Gout is a form of arthritis ,which may cause joint tenderness and occurs when the human body absorbs too much uric acid produced within the bloodstream. Purines may be located primarily in animal protein and converted into uric acid within the body. A gout purine diet allows for managing your health condition by recommending food low in purines ,while minimizing high-purine foods and drinks.

Purified water has two major benefits. Consuming purified water is healthier for your body, as it does not contain many of the contaminants that are in non-purified water. Additionally, many people believe purified water tastes better, whether consumed alone or in coffee, tea, or other beverages and foods. There are several ways in which water can be purified.

For most people who are healthy and have no chronic medical problems, influenza is not harmful and will go away on its own in just a week or so. However, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that those with flu-like symptoms see their physician within 48 hours to determine the appropriate course of treatment. For those wanting to relieve their flu symptoms naturally, there are several ideas that are sure to help you feel better soon.

The exact cause of acne on the scalp is not known. Some cases may be due to an allergic reaction to shampoos and similar products. Others may be caused by micro-organisms such as mites, yeast or bacteria on the scalp. Regardless, the pimples can be itchy, painful and difficult to treat topically as they are usually buried under the hair.

Liquid diets consist of liquids only–no regular meals. While some liquid diets have nutritional value, many are devoid of the daily recommended nutrients. As a result, they should only be followed for a short time and ideally under the close supervision of a doctor.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition where the body produces too many skin cells. As the skin cells pile up on the outer layer of the skin, they get red and inflamed. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, nearly half the people who have psoriasis, have it on their scalp. There are a lot of ways to treat psoriasis of the scalp including topical treatments, medications and UV rays.

The lemon is not only one of the most popular fruits worldwide, but it’s also a priceless marvel of nutrition and health benefits. There’s so much more to this powerhouse fruit than a delicious summer drink.

Gallstones occur when fluid from the gallbladder hardens and forms small pebble-like formations. It is believed that this occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the bile. After forming, a gallstone may move beyond the gallbladder and block a bile duct, causing pain and discomfort in separate portions of the body. There are several cures available, both surgical and non-invasive, for the elimination of gallstones.

A seizure is an episode of involuntary contractions of muscle and an alteration of the state of consciousness that occurs suddenly and without control. Seizure medications are frequently prescribed for individuals with recurrent seizures or epilepsy. While all medicines have the potential to cause side effects, many individuals have little or no side effects.

Eating highly refined, processed foods can lead children on a path to obesity. One in three children in the U.S. is obese. Unchecked, overconsumption of refined, “empty calories” can result in high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.Eating high-fiber foods will help regulate blood sugar levels and contribute to feelings of satiety to stem overeating. Insoluble fiber found in the skins of fruits and vegetables will help your children remain regular in bowel habits. Soluble fiber found in whole grains such as brown rice, millet, oats, quinoa and other grains, provide complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest—keeping energy levels from spiking.

Neoprene back supports are normally worn to provide compression and support to prevent or reduce low back pain. People may use these back supports after an injury from an accident or heavy lifting. Physical therapists and chiropractors often recommend back supports in addition to a specific set of exercises to reduce neck or low back pain. Body builders may use a variation of a neoprene back support for very heavy lifting but this can backfire if they lift beyond their means, as a back support may offer false confidence and become a prelude to injury.

Ischemic optic neuropathy refers to damage of the optic nerve due to a restriction in the blood supply of the optic nerve. It is characterized by a loss of vision over a period of a few days accompanied by a swelling of the optic disc. The loss of vision is usually permanent although some recovery is possible in the early stages with appropriate treatment.

People have been using this Mediterranean herb for more than 2,000 years for the protection and healing of the liver, for diabetes control and as an antidote for mushroom poisoning. Milk thistle has been standardized and is available commercially in capsules and extracts. Although there is some scientific evidence to support claims of its benefits, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects and to work with your physician on your treatment.

Potassium enriched foods are developed to fortify the nutritional value of a product, to prevent deficiencies and to reproduce the nutrient content of potassium, which may have been lost during food processing.

Over-the-counter allergy treatments are available in three primary forms–nasal sprays, antihistamines and decongestants. They come in many forms and with a variety of price tags. Always notify your health-care provider when taking these types of medications. Never use more than the recommended dosages on the labels of the treatments.

Losing weight and snack foods don’t sound like phrases that belong in the same sentence. For many, healthy eating conjures up thoughts of foods they dread—perhaps Brussels sprouts or broccoli—but short of consuming what you really don’t like, there are ways to snack that are healthy and will help you lose weight.

Children who test positive for high blood pressure (or hypertension) have blood pressure that is the same as or higher than 90 percent of children within the same age, height, and gender group, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no standard blood pressure reading for all children as there is with all adults because children’s bodies have different “normal” blood pressure ranges at various stages of growth. However, since some factors make certain children more likely to develop high blood pressure than others, it is important to know if your child is at risk.

Cellular respiration is the natural metabolic process in which living cells break down a molecule of glucose into water, carbon dioxide and energy. The energy is stored in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), sometimes referred to as the “energy molecule” of the cell. However, this natural and necessary process spins off some by-products that, while essential to good health, in excess can be harmful to the body.

Every toddler needs fiber as part of a well-balanced diet. Encouraging healthy eating at an early age will benefit your child for a lifetime. Lack of fiber in your toddler’s diet can lead to digestive problems and constipation. As your child gets older, the lasting benefits of proper fiber intake are a reduced risk of heart disease and lower blood cholesterol.

Foods are determined to be alkaline or acidic based on the pH effect they have on urine. A healthy diet balances the intake of alkaline foods and acidic foods, preventing bodily fluids from becoming too alkaline or too acidic.

Kwell is a poisonous medication that can be fatal if swallowed and can cause irritation if it comes in contact with the eyes. Kwell contains lindane, an insecticide that must be used according to the doctor’s directions to rid the body of lice or scabies.

Hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles, are a medical disorder characterized by inflammation of the veins located near the anal and lower rectal regions. Straining during bowel movements is one of most common factors in the development of hemorrhoids. A Mayo clinic study estimates that 50 to 60 percent of individuals suffer from hemorrhoids during their life span. Various options are available to cure the condition effectively and completely.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children can suffer from depression.Depression, caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, is a treatable mental illness.

A diagnosis of lung cancer can cause abundant stress and anxiety for the patient, not to mention her family and friends. Massage therapy can help create a state of calm and well-being so that the patient is better prepared to fight the cancer, both psychologically and physically. In addition, there are some specific massage techniques that can help deal with the side effects of cancer treatment.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in two forces. The first is the force the heart creates as blood is pumped into the arteries and on through the circulatory system. The second measures the arteries’ force as they resist the flow of blood, or when the heart is at rest. Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers. The force of the heart beating represents the systolic pressure, or the top number. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is when the heart is at rest.

Bladder infections are the second most common type of infection and account for over 8 million doctor’s visits a year, according the National Kidney Disease Clearinghouse. Catching a bladder infection early is the key to quick recovery, so it is important to know the symptoms.

Colds and congestion are common. And although both conditions aren’t serious, they can impact your normal routine. But fortunately, there are ways to achieve quick relief from a cold and congestion. There’s no cure for the common cold. However, medications and other simple strategies can speed your recovery and get rid of congestion.

Irritations of the skin can be bothersome and embarrassing, especially when they are visible to other people. Skin problems can cause itchiness, redness, blistering, flaking and more. There are a number of different types of skin irritations, most of which can be treated with modern creams and medicines. In the following article, a few of the most prevalent skin irritations along with their treatments will be discussed.

When skin stretches due to accelerated weight gain, such as during pregnancy, stretch marks may occur. While the skin is very elastic, there are certain limits to which it can stretch, and the addition of 25 to 35 pounds brought on by pregnancy can cause stretch marks both on the stomach and the breasts. While purple or red stretch marks may fade to white or silvery streaks over time, there are some more immediate treatment options available to new mothers.

Increasingly, people are seeking alternative remedies for dealing with their asthma rather than dealing with the expense and side effects of prescription medicines. Homeopathy is beneficial for many people, including children, who suffer from symptoms of asthma. A homeopath will recommend the appropriate homeopathic remedy based on an individual’s specific symptoms and health condition.

Urinary tract infections can be simple issues that can be resolved with antibiotics. They can also be serious medical conditions that require immediate treatment. UTIs have recognizable symptoms and are typically easy to diagnose. They are far more common in women than in men.

Perhaps the most common concern about vegetarian diets is how to make sure you’re getting balanced nutrition. Most people wonder how vegetarians get enough iron and protein. There are other important facets to vegetarian eating besides these common issues, such as getting enough vitamin B12 and making sure the diet doesn’t rely too heavily on any one type of food.

Health insurance plans provide individuals and their families with medical coverage. The insurance industry is competitive, so various commercial insurance providers compete against one another when it comes to cost, deductibles and covered services. As such, no two health plans are the same.

Light therapy is used by mental health providers to assuage some conditions that have proven responsive to light exposure. Light therapy involves full-spectrum light, UV light or bright-light.

Although tanning beds are known to contribute to skin cancer, many people don’t consider the harmful effects that these booths can have on their eyes and overall vision.

Spider veins, which are also known as “varicose veins,” occur in the feet and legs, and can cause embarrassment and physical discomfort. This condition is common in pregnant women; pregnancy increases the amount of blood in the body, while the blood flow from the legs to the pelvis is decreased. This condition is also common as women age and in people with a family history of spider veins. Fortunately, there are many treatment options.