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Elderly patient walking with a doctor inside a hospital Image Credit: ERproductions Ltd/Blend Images/Getty Images Bell’s palsy is a condition characterized by facial paralysis. It is usually one-sided and comes on abruptly. Typically, the face feels stiff and pulled to one side, and it may be difficult to close your eye. Though the cause of Bell’s palsy is unknown, an inflammatory reaction involving the facial nerve may be involved. Reactivation of the herpes virus may be involved as well....

When you hear the word glutamine, you might automatically think about muscle building. Glutamine is one of several amino acids, which are building blocks for protein in your body. But glutamine has other functions as well, including the ability to alter blood sugar levels. The effects are complicated, however, as glutamine can act in various ways to both increase and decrease blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, the few research studies that have been conducted so far in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) suggest that the overall effect of glutamine supplements may be a slight lowering of blood sugar levels....

A woman is exercising in a gym. Image Credit: VladimirFLoyd/iStock/Getty Images The long-used formula for determining a person’s maximum heart rate, 220 minus age, is still considered useful for estimating a man’s rate, but it tends to overestimate the maximum heart rate of women. A new formula presented in the article “Heart Rate Response to Exercise Stress Testing in Asymptomatic Women” by Martha Gulati and colleagues, published in the July 13, 2010, issue of “Circulation,” offers a more accurate way to estimate maximum heart rate in women....

A womanu is drinking a glass of orange juice. Image Credit: 4774344sean/iStock/Getty Images Carbohydrates constitute a quick source of energy for the human body. Although solid foods, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, breakfast cereals and desserts, are the main sources of carbs in the American diet, many Americans also consume a significant portion of carbs from liquids. Liquid carbs are in juices, energy drinks, soft drinks, specialty coffees, chocolate milk and yogurt drinks....

Two women are on a jogging path. Image Credit: Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images If you run at a rate of 4 mph for 30 minutes, you will cover two miles. The number of calories that you burn will depend on your body weight. Advertisement 125-Pound Person A 125-pound person burns 142 calories while running two miles in 30 minutes. Increasing your speed to 5 mph, or running two miles in 24 minutes, burns an extra 113 calories....

It is important to make sure you have enough water with your protein powder. Image Credit: itakdalee/iStock/GettyImages Protein powder can be an excellent addition to your diet for a convenient post-workout supplement or if you just can’t get enough whole-foods protein in your day-to-day eating plan. But because a high intake of protein can cause dehydration and optimal hydration is always so important, remaining aware of how much you get of each is crucial....

A bacon hamburger. Image Credit: Frederick Barr/iStock/Getty Images Bacon is a pork product use to enhance the flavor of various foods, including hamburgers, according to world renowned chef Bobby Flay. The salt and fat from the bacon can also keep your hamburger well seasoned and moist throughout the cooking process. Bacon is a “cured” pork product that has been heavily salted; however, it must be cooked thoroughly and should not be consumed raw....

Steamed dungeness crabs. Image Credit: Kung_Mangkorn/iStock/Getty Images Dungeness crabs are a variety of crab that is found in the waters of the West Coast of North America. The name of the crab derives from the name of the city Dungeness, Washington. The crab is harvested using a variety of methods, including using nets and special-made crab pots. This crab is considered a delicacy, and there are very stringent regulations in place that must be followed before harvesting....

Most green beans are frozen right after being picked. Image Credit: danny4stockphoto/iStock/GettyImages The best way to cook frozen green beans is to boil them on the stove until they are tender and delicious. You will never believe they weren’t cooked fresh! Get tips on perfecting this cooking method, as well as recipes for Southern-style green beans and green bean casserole. Advertisement Are Frozen Green Beans Nutritious? Whether you buy green beans frozen, fresh or canned, these veggies are full of nutrients and pack a lot of flavor....

The easiest way to cook sliced bell peppers in the oven is to place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Image Credit: MariaUspenskaya/iStock/GettyImages Looking for new recipes to improve and diversify your diet? Try stuffed bell peppers or roasted peppers and onions. Rich in fiber, potassium and vitamin C, these veggies are just as healthy as they are delicious. Advertisement Tip The easiest way to cook sliced bell peppers in the oven is to place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil....

A woman is drinking a supplement drink. Image Credit: Starcevic/iStock/Getty Images Muscle Milk is a supplemental protein drink marketed by Cytosport, and drinking it immediately after working out is recommended for maximum benefits. It comes in a powdered mix or ready-to-drink bottles and cartons. Cytosport maintains that the product provides energy, lean muscle growth and exercise recovery. One 14 oz. ready-to-drink bottle provides 25 g of protein, and two scoops of the powdered mix provide 32 g of protein....

Raw garlic is good for your health but its odor can linger long after you eat it. There's no denying garlic is beneficial to your health, but you may be hesitant about eating raw garlic. Side effects include the dubious distinction of causing terrible breath. Fortunately, there are some ways to minimize some of the consequences of enjoying this pungent vegetable. Advertisement Health Benefits of Garlic Garlic is nutrient dense and has compounds that may be beneficial for treating many conditions, including high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer and even the common cold, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health....

Once the macaroni and cheese is frozen, you can keep it in your freezer for up to three months. Image Credit: AlexPro9500/iStock/GettyImages Macaroni and cheese is the comfort food of all comfort foods, but making your own homemade mac and cheese can be pretty time consuming. Because of that, you may want to double up on your recipe and save half for later by freezing the mac and cheese. Advertisement But how do you freeze homemade macaroni and cheese?...

A woman is standing by a heavy bag. Image Credit: BartekSzewczyk/iStock/Getty Images For those who are serious about getting or staying in shape, having equipment at home – including weights and punching bags – is the way to keep up a certain level of fitness. Punching bags are one thing, but installing a heavy bag in your home is a more serious matter. In your basement, you should use the overhead floor joists to ensure you’re securing your bag to the sturdiest architecture possible....

references Office on Women's Health: "Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)" U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Premenstrual Syndrome" Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital: “42% Percent of Americans Are Vitamin D Deficient. Are You Among Them?” Obstetrics & Gynecology Science: “A systematic review of the role of vitamin D and calcium in premenstrual syndrome” Penn State Behrend: “Premenstrual Syndrome” Cochrane Library: “Vitamin or mineral supplements for premenstrual syndrome” BMJ: “Calcium reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle” Obstetrics & Gynecology Science: “Effect of calcium on premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial" The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: “Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome” Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research: “Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome” Nutrients: "Premenstrual Syndrome Is Associated with Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Sharjah, UAE" Some research suggests that nutritional deficiencies may play a role in PMS symptoms....

Want to sculpt gorgeous lean muscles? Strength training is key. Image Credit: Tone It Up Strength training is key to sculpting gorgeous, lean muscles and majorly boosting your metabolism for long-lasting results. We know weights can be a little intimidating, but we’re here to show you that amazing results don’t require a ton of equipment or a weight room — all you need is a pair of dumbbells. Today, we’re sharing five dumbbell moves you haven’t tried before....

Waking up with heartburn in the morning could be a sign of stress. Image Credit: eggeeggjiew/iStock/GettyImages In This Article GERD Stress Hiatal Hernia Pregnancy Medications There's nothing crappier than waking up to a burning pain in your chest. Yep, when heartburn hits in the morning, it's pretty unpleasant. Advertisement But if you notice your chest is on fire frequently first thing (or you have a bitter taste in your mouth, which is another telltale sign of acid reflux), you might be wondering what's going on and whether you should worry....

You don't need to eat turkey to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast. Image Credit: VioletaStoimenova/E+/GettyImages When you’re preparing for a holiday that’s based around turkey, cooking appetizing dishes for the vegetarians on your guest list can be quite the challenge. Advertisement But there are plenty of crowd-pleasing plant-based dishes that satisfy and add some festive flair to your table. We've got you covered with five delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes — including appetizers, entrées and desserts — that will have both your meat-free and meat-loving friends and family going in for seconds....

Coffee could be the culprit behind migraines that seem worse with age. Image Credit: Halfpoint Images/Moment/GettyImages In This Article Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Does it seem like your headaches get worse the older you get? Aging itself doesn't increase your risk for migraines, but some lifestyle factors can — which means adopting certain changes or habits as you get older might result in more debilitating head pain. Advertisement Most people who get migraines first recall being affected in childhood or adolescence, says Janet O'Mahony, MD, a primary care doctor who sees patients at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center....

1 of 8 Overview Called "brinner," breakfast for dinner is a fun once-in-a-while tradition. But we're calling for a new routine -- dinner for breakfast. From breakfast pizzas to morning tacos, you'll stay satiated until lunch with these fun twists on favorite suppers. Even better, the recipes include more protein than your typical bowl of oatmeal, and they also offer creative ways to pack even more veggies and greens into your diet....