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Dr Kristie

Dr Kristie

Kristie a medical doctor with a concentration in family practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology as well a master's in Clinical Pathology. She has been a published writer for the last two years and was named one of Associated Content's top 1,000 writers for 2007. 

How to know if you have copper deficiency?

How to know if you have copper deficiency?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals create stress in the body, which can lead to a variety of serious symptoms. Because most vitamins and minerals take part in critical reactions, it’s important to correct a deficiency state. One mineral that’s integral to good health that most people fail to consider is copper. What are the symptoms of copper deficiency in humans – and why is copper so important?

Causes of Vitamin C deficiency

Causes of Vitamin C deficiency

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Vitamin C is most commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, so it’s not surprising that people who eat diets devoid of produce are more likely to have low vitamin C levels. In its most extreme form, inadequate amounts of this vitamin lead to a vitamin C deficiency disease known as scurvy. What are the causes of vitamin C deficiency - and do some people need more of this vitamin in their diet?

What is Megarexia?

What is Megarexia?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

People who have the eating disorder anorexia believe that they’re too fat and often restrict food and calories in hopes of losing more weight. But there’s another type of eating disorder that’s not as well understood or recognized called megarexia or bigarexia. People with bigarexia, usually men, have the opposite problem of a person suffering from anorexia...

Where and How to Store Vitamins?

Where and How to Store Vitamins?

Sun, May 30, 2010

More people than ever are taking vitamin and nutritional supplements of some type - and most store them in the kitchen or bathroom to make them more accessible when they need a glass of water to swallow them. On the other hand, according to a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, storing vitamins in the kitchen or bathroom may not be such a good idea.

How much to exercise? How to Measure?

How much to exercise? How to Measure?

Sat, May 29, 2010

There’s more emphasis on higher intensity workouts these days since studies show that they may be more effective for conditioning the heart and boosting metabolism. On the other hand, high intensity workouts aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re just starting to exercise. When starting out, it’s important to have a way to measure exercise intensity to gauge how hard you’re working out. What are the best ways to do that?

What to drink after exercise?

What to drink after exercise?

Sun, Jun 13, 2010

In a study published Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, researchers gave young women either fat-free white milk or a sugar sweetened energy drink after completing a resistance training workout that involved upper and lower body pushing and pulling exercises. It was anticipated that the women would gain weight due to an increase in lean body mass from the resistance training. But...

How good is Melatonin for Jet Lag & sleep problems?

How good is Melatonin for Jet Lag & sleep problems?

Mon, Jun 14, 2010

More people are taking melatonin supplements these days to treat jet lag and to help with sleep. According to the Cochrane database, melatonin improves the symptoms of jet lag – although whether or not it helps with insomnia is less clear. What are the side effects of taking melatonin for jet lag or for sleep – and is it safe?

Which rice is better to reduce diabetes risk?

Which rice is better to reduce diabetes risk?

Fri, Jun 18, 2010

Want to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes? Start by changing the way you eat. Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes doesn’t mean giving up all the foods you love – simple substitutions can make all the difference. Why not start by substituting...

Running can increase the risk of heart disease?

Running can increase the risk of heart disease?

Tue, Jun 22, 2010

Most men who run do it because they enjoy the sport, but some also “pound the pavement” to reduce their risk of heart disease. Long distance runners and male marathon runners may want to rethink how long and hard they run. A surprising new study shows that men who run marathons may actually be at a higher risk for heart disease. Read more...

Broccoli in Cancer?

Broccoli in Cancer?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Eating broccoli with yogurt sounds like an improbable combination, but new research suggests that eating the two together could boost the cancer-fighting health benefits of broccoli. If you’re worried about cancer, there’s now a good reason to pair up these two superfoods - and enjoy them as a team.

Exercise and Appetite

Exercise and Appetite

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Most people already know that exercise helps with weight loss by burning more calories - but is it also a good way to suppress appetite?

How many repetitions in workout?

How many repetitions in workout?

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

If your goal is to build lean body mass, it’s important to do some type of resistance training to challenge the muscles and cause them to grow. The most effective way to do this is by lifting weights or by using resistance bands. How to do this effectively?

How to take a fat burning walk?

How to take a fat burning walk?

Fri, Jul 30, 2010

Do you take a brisk walk every day in hopes of shedding some body fat? Walking is a good way to burn fat and calories, but over time your body becomes accustomed to the same, old routine – and fat loss slows down. If you’ve reached a fat loss plateau, there’s a simple way to jump start your metabolism. If you’re walking to burn fat, try changing....

Benefits of Garlic without bad breath?

Benefits of Garlic without bad breath?

Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Garlic has many health benefits, but some people are reluctant to eat it for fear of offending people with their garlic breath odor. These fears may be justified since garlic can give off an unpleasant aroma for up to three days. Garlic oils are absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the lungs where they’re exhaled with every breath – and it takes several days for the lungs to completely clear them. Of course, you can mask garlic breath odor by chewing on mints or a sprig of parsley, but there’s a better solution.

Fruits for diabetics!

Fruits for diabetics!

Tue, Aug 31, 2010

One myth that many new diabetics embrace is the idea that fruits are off-limits. While it’s true that fruits are higher in natural sugar than most vegetables, fruits are also a good source of fiber, which helps to moderate the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal. On the other hand, some fruits are naturally low in sugar and may be a better choice, since you can eat more of them. What are the best diabetic-friendly fruits?

Yoga for better mood

Yoga for better mood

Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Are you looking for a natural way to reduce stress? Studies show that exercise helps to lower anxiety levels and improve overall outlook - by altering levels of hormones and brain neurotransmitters that play an important role in mood. But what type of exercise is best for boosting the spirits?

How yoga can help in Fibromyalgia?

How yoga can help in Fibromyalgia?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Is yoga a natural treatment for fibromyalgia? The pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety that people with fibromyalgia suffer with daily gradually take its toll on body and spirit. Some people with fibromyalgia can’t work a regular job or even leave their home because of the chronic pain, stiffness, and extreme fatigue they experience. Even more disturbing, a recent study showed that fibromyalgia sufferers have a ten-fold higher risk of suicide compared to the average population. Is there a natural solution to this problem? Is yoga for fibromyalgia good medicine?

How much iron supplement for infants?

How much iron supplement for infants?

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

Infants have higher iron requirements than adults, and it’s vitally important that a growing baby get enough iron for normal growth and development. During the first six months of life, babies generally get enough iron from their moms - through breastfeeding. In addition...

Good salt for Heart diseases...!

Good salt for Heart diseases...!

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

From potato chips to salted peanuts, Americans love salty foods. Good thing since most processed foods are loaded with sodium. Not surprisingly, most people far exceed the recommendation of less than 2400 milligrams of sodium a day – the equivalent of about a half-teaspoon of salt. Unfortunately, this love affair with sodium increases the risk of heart disease for many Americans. Now, a new study shows...

Raw spinach or cooked?

Raw spinach or cooked?

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

Popeye knew the health benefits of spinach. He ate it raw – to become big and strong. Was Popeye right, or are you better off cooking spinach to maximize its health benefits?

Is it better to exercise on an empty stomach?

Is it better to exercise on an empty stomach?

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

Is it better to exercise on an empty stomach? Many fitness gurus recommend working out without eating - first thing in the morning – to burn more fat. But...

Tomatoes good or bad in Gout?

Tomatoes good or bad in Gout?

Thu, Sep 30, 2010

Once a person experiences an agonizing attack of gout, they’re usually eager to find ways to avoid another encounter with this painful condition. Gout occurs when uric acid in the blood crystallizes out into joints or other bodily tissues – causing inflammation.

Apple for exercise fatigue !

Apple for exercise fatigue !

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Whether you’re a runner, a cyclist, or engage in any high-intensity sport, exercise fatigue can limit your performance. You’ve probably heard the old saying about an apple a day, but apples may do more than keep the doctor away – they may fight off exercise fatigue too. Here’s why an apple could be an amateur athlete’s best friend.

Weight training for weight loss?

Weight training for weight loss?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Is weight training good for weight loss? Most people believe you burn more calories doing aerobic activity such as fast walking, jogging, or the elliptical machine. There’s no doubt that these exercises burn a significant number of calories, but don’t underestimate the power of weight training for burning calories. Can you lose weight training – without cardio?

Black rice bran for asthma and allergies?

Black rice bran for asthma and allergies?

Sun, Oct 31, 2010

Asthma and allergies are two health problems that many Americans wrestle with. The change in seasons, temperature fluctuations, and humidity play a role in asthma and allergy symptoms – but so does what you eat. Now, a new study shows that eating black rice bran can reduce inflammation naturally – and ease the annoying symptoms of allergy and asthma so many people experience.

Too little fat in food is unhealthy...!

Too little fat in food is unhealthy...!

Tue, Nov 30, 2010

Do you always choose the low-fat option, because it’s better for you? Some people follow a very low-fat diet, because they believe fat is the “enemy” that’ll give them heart disease and make them fat as well. Too much fat is certainly not a good thing, but is it possible to get too little fat?

Are eggs good for protein?

Are eggs good for protein?

Fri, Dec 31, 2010

Eggs are so versatile. They taste great scrambled, poached, hard-broiled or fried – and you can combine them with antioxidant-rich veggies as an omelet for a balanced morning meal. Eggs are filling and low in fat, but what about their protein content? Are eggs high in protein?

Married people are physically less fit!

Married people are physically less fit!

Fri, Dec 31, 2010

Marriage may be good for you mentally, but it could make you a loser from a fitness standpoint. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who are married are less likely to be physically fit than single or divorced people.

Exam fear? Try this!

Exam fear? Try this!

Mon, Jan 31, 2011

Do you suffer with test anxiety? Many people do, and it can decrease their performance and their test scores. There may be a simple solution to this frustrating problem....

Weight gain by birth control pills, fact or myth?

Weight gain by birth control pills, fact or myth?

Mon, Jan 31, 2011

They’re a popular form of contraception, but some women hesitate to take birth control pills for fear of gaining weight...what does the study say?

Allergic to own semen?!

Allergic to own semen?!

Mon, Jan 31, 2011

An orgasm is supposed to be a pleasurable sensation – not one that’s followed by fatigue, chills and muscle pain. But for men who suffer for post-orgasmic illness syndrome...

How accurate are fitness machines?

How accurate are fitness machines?

Mon, Jan 31, 2011

When you exercise, it’s natural to want to know how many calories you’re blasting as you sweat away on the elliptical machine or treadmill. Most exercise machines have a read-out that tells you how many calories you’ve burned exercising, but are they accurate?

How good is too much exercise?

How good is too much exercise?

Mon, Feb 28, 2011

Your body is made to move, and working out is one of the best things you can do for it. Exercising at a moderate intensity at four days a week reduces the risk of a multitude of diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension obesity – and it even gives you a mental boost. But what about people who exercise three hours a day? Are there risks to too much exercise?

Weight training can make you more intelligent!

Weight training can make you more intelligent!

Thu, Mar 31, 2011

Weightlifters are depicted in cartoons as being all brawn and no brains, but this may be far from the truth. People who train with weights or do other forms of resistance training may actually be boosting their brain capacity while building muscles. Does training with weights make you smarter?

Your dog can make you healthier!

Your dog can make you healthier!

Thu, Mar 31, 2011

Owning a dog has lots of benefits. Who doesn’t enjoy coming home after a long day at work to a wagging tail and an enthusiastic bark? Canine companions bring such joy – and, according to a new study, there’s another benefit. They help you get fit.

What could moldy bread do to your health?

What could moldy bread do to your health?

Thu, Mar 31, 2011

Hunger strikes and you open the refrigerator - eager to make a sandwich. Mustard in hand, you reach for the bag of bread, and peek inside. Much to your dismay the bread is moldy. Hunger wins out, and you decide to eat it anyway. Smart or not? Is it dangerous to eat moldy bread?

Optimized walking to burn more fat

Optimized walking to burn more fat

Sat, Apr 30, 2011

Walking is an exercise you can do almost anywhere. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a little motivation. A walking routine can be as hard or easy...

Stay fit without a gym!

Stay fit without a gym!

Mon, May 30, 2011

Does the thought of going to a crowded gym with loud music and sweaty bodies make you want to toss aside your exercise shoes? Health clubs aren’t for everyone. They’re expensive, overpopulated and you have to wait to use the equipment during peak hours. Fortunately, you have another option...

Meditation for pain reflief

Meditation for pain reflief

Mon, May 30, 2011

Pain medication has many unpleasant side-effects and popping pain pills for too long can become addictive. This is why more people are seeking natural treatments for pain relief – including meditation.