Health

The blood comprises red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Plasma is the blood’s largest part, consisting of water, salt, enzymes, antibodies, and nutrients like glucose and cholesterol. It also contains carbon dioxide, a waste product created when your body metabolizes food for energy.  Usually, carbon dioxide levels in the plasma are closely … Read more

Cortisol is an important hormone that helps the body function properly. But before we get into the details of low cortisol levels, let’s look at what cortisol is and what it does.  Cortisol is a hormone that’s produced by the adrenal glands, often referred to as the stress hormone. This is because it helps the … Read more

Iron Deficiency anemia is characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. It occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to create adequate hemoglobin, the oxygen-binding component of red blood cells. When there is insufficient hemoglobin in circulation, not enough oxygen reaches all regions of the body. Consequently, organs and tissues may … Read more

Electrolytes are minerals in the body that have an electric charge. They are in every single one of the cells, and they help balance the amount of water in the body, maintain proper pH levels, and support muscle and nerve function.  The three main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Sodium is the electrolyte that … Read more

Low ferritin, also known as iron-deficiency anemia, is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of people with low ferritin don’t know they have it. This means that millions of people walk around feeling tired and weak, not understanding why they’re so tired … Read more

Low sodium or hyponatremia is a condition that results from low levels of electrolyte sodium in the body. Because sodium is essential to many metabolic processes, low levels can lead to muscle cramps, spasms, and fatigue. Severe cases may also result in vomiting, nausea, confusion, and seizures. Symptoms usually appear within one week after consuming … Read more

Lung infection is when an organism, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus, causes a disease in one or both lungs. Lung infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses that spread from the throat to the lungs. Other causes include fungi, parasites, and even cancer cells. The severity of lung infections varies widely. Some … Read more

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium B. burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by infected ticks. Early symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue, and a circular skin rash called erythema migrans. Later symptoms can involve the joints, heart, and nervous system if left untreated. In the United States alone, there are over 30,000 … Read more

Macular degeneration is a severe eye condition that affects the retina and causes impaired vision. About half of all cases of macular degeneration are caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of blindness among people 55 and older. This disease can develop slowly or rapidly depending on the type of macular … Read more

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, or MCAS, is a disorder involving mast cells, a type of white blood cells found in the bone marrow and around the blood vessels. When triggered by allergen exposure, like insect venom, medications, and foods, these cells secrete chemical mediators or enzymes that break up substances. That’s how it helps the … Read more