Posts

Bleeding gums aren't usually serious, but sometimes they can signal an underlying health issue. Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Causes Treatment When to See a Dentist Bleeding gums might not seem like a big deal. But if you notice a red or pink tinge when you rinse after brushing or flossing, it's important to figure out what's causing the problem. Advertisement Bleeding gums are typically a sign of inflammation, explains Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist Matt Asaro, DDS....

Use caution when taking multiple supplements. Image Credit: PeoGeo/iStock/Getty Images Getting too much of certain vitamins can cause adverse and even dangerous side effects. Because of this, the Institute of Medicine establishes something known as a tolerable upper intake level for many vitamins. This is the highest amount you can take without risking side effects in most cases. Check the IOM website for the most current tolerable upper intake level of the vitamins you are taking to ensure you don’t get too much....

A protein shake post workout may include multiple added supplements to help your recovery. Image Credit: Eugeniusz Dudzinski/iStock/GettyImages If you’ve spent any time in the gym trying to make muscle gains, you’ve undoubtedly heard of creatine. This supplement is known as a phenomenon when it comes to getting results from your resistance training because it has positive effects on muscle growth, metabolism, exercise stamina and recovery. Advertisement If you want to add creatine to your post-workout nutrition regimen, you may question whether it's prudent to mix creatine in a protein shake....

Winter squashes. Image Credit: claire norman/iStock/Getty Images Among the many varieties of winter squash commonly available at farm stands and in grocery stores are the butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Both of these varieties provide a high amount of Vitamin A and fiber in a delicious low-calorie package. Because they are both winter squash you may be tempted to substitute butternut when spaghetti squash is called for in recipes, but several factors make this a poor culinary decision....

Causes of Pain in the Thumb and Wrist Image Credit: Srisakorn/iStock/Getty Images Thumb and wrist pain can significantly interfere with your daily activities. The bones, joints, ligaments and tendons in the thumb and wrist can all suffer injury or inflammation that leads to pain. Overuse and repetitive motion injuries, sports-related accidents, falls and aging are among the culprits that cause thumb and wrist pain. As treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis....

Beef Sirloin. Image Credit: Eising/Photodisc/Getty Images Lean cuts of steak contain nearly the same amount of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol-per-serving as boneless, skinless chicken breasts. In addition, lean steak has only slightly more calories in a 3-ounce serving than cooked chicken. The steaks that contain the least number of calories in a serving come from the round or loin section; avoid adding excess calories to these steaks and use a low-fat cooking method such as grilling, broiling, baking or braising....

There's a good reason that common seasonal illness is called a cold. Image Credit: LSOphoto/iStock/GettyImages Here’s the reality your parents may not have revealed when they piled on the sweaters and gloves: Bundling up before you go outside in the winter won’t stop you from getting sick. Advertisement "It's not cold weather itself that makes people get the flu," says David Cutler, MD, family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California....

Most powdered drinks dissolve quickly when combined with water. Image Credit: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/Getty Images Fortified powdered drinks offer a convenient alternative to smoothies and other nutritional beverages. Since most powdered drinks are meant to be dissolved in water, it is possible to meet your recommended daily water intake of 2 to 3 liters by adding water to your powdered drink mixes. For best results, measure the amount of water that you add to each beverage to make sure you are receiving enough water for the day....

Fat burns before protein, but carbohydrates burn first. Image Credit: Matthew Leete/DigitalVision/GettyImages The body uses all three macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat and protein, to handle all bodily functions. When exercising, the fuel your body burns depends on what it has available. You’ll burn fat before protein burn begins, but fat isn’t the first to burn. Advertisement Tip Fat burns before protein, but carbohydrates burn first. How your body breaks each down depends on dietary intake, along with type and duration of exercise....

Gummy bears, made from gelatin. Image Credit: Dana_Zurki/iStock/Getty Images If you have heart disease or poor blood flow to your brain, your doctor may recommend you take blood thinners. Blood thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin, are types of medications that help reduce the formation of blood clots. While certain foods can affect how quickly your blood clots, gelatin is not one of them. Advertisement Gelatin Gelatin is a mixture of proteins that dissolve in hot water and thicken when cooled....

A runner is standing on the beach, holding her chest. Image Credit: Dirima/iStock/Getty Images A regularly occurring dry cough after running is often brought on by exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchospasms. A respiratory infection could also result in a dry cough, so consult with your doctor for proper treatment. Your doctor can diagnose your symptoms by observing your breathing before and after physical exertion. Advertisement Identification The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma, or EIA, typically occur 10 to 15 minutes after you stop running; however, you can experience symptoms during physical exertion as well....

Short term fitness goals can help you reach a bigger long term goal. Image Credit: Mireya Acierto/DigitalVision/GettyImages Creating short-term fitness goals is a smart way to attain big results. Baby-stepping your way toward attainable goals will keep frustration low, allowing you extra time and energy to achieve those big accomplishments, such as losing a significant amount of weight or completing a fitness challenge. Advertisement Writing down short and long-term fitness goals, sticking to a daily plan and being specific will give you the best chance of success....

Lunges are a great exercise to tone the muscles above your knees. Image Credit: nortonrsx/iStock/GettyImages Toning muscle is a term that refers to the building of the muscle. When looking to build muscles of the upper thigh, there are various exercises for above the knee that work the quadriceps and hamstrings. Strength training these muscles will help to build shapely, strong legs. Advertisement Read more: 10 Minute Leg Sculpting Workout Video of the Day Building Muscles Above the Knee The area of the leg above the knee is typically called the thigh....

Hummus and pita bread as a snack can supply long-lasting energy. Image Credit: NatashaPhoto/iStock/Getty Images If you feel as though you need an extra pep in your step, skip the energy drink and instead look at your diet. What you eat affects how you feel, especially your energy levels. To get an extra boost, eat high-energy meals that emphasize whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and lean sources of protein....

To keep histamine levels in check, eat a diet rich in all-natural, whole foods. Image Credit: martinrlee/iStock/GettyImages Dealing with a histamine allergy can be extremely frustrating. A diet rich in histamine-reducing foods can help mitigate your symptoms and keep your body from having a reaction. And sometimes, DAO supplements can help you lessen your intolerance even further. Advertisement Tip To keep histamine levels in check, eat a diet rich in all-natural, whole foods like fresh vegetables and fruit, gluten-free grains, egg yolks and fresh meat....

How Long Before a Workout Should I Take Protein? Image Credit: nortonrsx/iStock/GettyImages Fueling your body before a workout is the best way to help ensure you have the mental energy to stay focused and the physical energy to complete your exercise routine. To figure out how much and what kind of protein to take in before your workout, look at what time you are exercising and what type of workout you have planned....

Close up of a steak with vegetables Image Credit: AmalliaEka/iStock/Getty Images One 3-ounce serving of seared steak tips provides anywhere from 210 to 230 total calories. Between 45 percent and 60 percent of the calories are from protein, and in most cases, the remaining calories are from fat. Sometimes, however, experimenting with other ingredients during preparation can add a few extra calories from carbohydrates. Advertisement Sources of Calories You’ll get 19 to 23 grams of protein from your meaty dish, giving you 76 to 92 calories from protein per 3-ounce portion....

Woman spraying cleaner on bathroom sink Image Credit: diego cervo/iStock/Getty Images The number of calories each person burns during housecleaning varies by individual and is based on weight. The intensity and duration of the activity, as well as the type of activity, also play a role. Advertisement Weight Factors Heavier people burn more calories. According to Health Status, a 150-lb. individual would burn 99 calories doing 30 minutes of housework. A 200-lb....

Eating too much sugar may increase the risk for heart disease. Image Credit: YelenaYemchuk/iStock/Getty Images Sugar, a quickly digested simple carbohydrate, contains 4 calories per gram and provides no essential nutrients. Like adults, teens should limit their daily intake of sugar, especially sugars added during processing to foods such as sodas, candies, pastries and snacks. Advertisement Recommended Sugar Limits The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 tsp....

Daylight saving time can steal your sleep, but there's a way to avoid that. Image Credit: Luis Alvarez/DigitalVision/GettyImages In This Article Springing Forward (March) Tips to Help You Adjust Falling Back (November) Daylight saving time: The reason you wake up twice a year confused about what time it is and generally just feeling...off. Whether it's "springing forward" in March or "falling back" in November, DST can screw with your sleep schedule....