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You may have even heard about phentermine — better known by such brand names as Adipex-P or Lomaira — which works as an appetite suppressant. Image Credit: Moussa81/iStock/GettyImages If only there were a magic pill for weight loss. It’s normal that anyone would be curious about any type of medication that could help you lose weight. You may have even heard about phentermine — better known by such brand names as Adipex-P or Lomaira — which works as an appetite suppressant....

A bowl of banana oatmeal. Image Credit: minadezhda/iStock/Getty Images Lymphocytic colitis occurs when all or part of your large or small intestines becomes inflamed. Symptoms include fecal incontinence, abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, weight loss and nausea. After performing a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to properly diagnose you with this condition, your doctor will recommend that you to alter your diet in addition to treating you with anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-diarrhea medications....

Alpha-lipoic acid is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Image Credit: milosducati/iStock/Getty Images Antioxidants in your body are important to prevent damage from normal biological processes and environmental dangers. Alpha-lipoic acid is a natural chemical that functions as an antioxidant throughout your body and helps regenerate other natural antioxidants. Supplements containing ALA are used to improve glucose use, neuropathy and other conditions, and are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach....

Knit and crochet swimwear using cotton yarn. What to Look For When you knit or crochet a swimsuit you require yarn that holds its shape and is colorfast. Many people crochet and knit swimsuits as stylish wear for sunbathing, however if your intention is to swim in your swimsuit, you will need to ensure that the yarn does not stretch or shrink when it is wet. Advertisement Common Pitfalls Yarn used to make swimwear is subject to harsh conditions....

A ZMA supplement is unlikely to cause side effects, but there are some risks you should consider before you start using it. Image Credit: wundervisuals/E+/GettyImages ZMA is a popular dietary supplement for athletes and active individuals. Its main ingredients — zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6 — support overall health. This formula is marketed as a natural energy booster, recovery aid and even fat burner. While most claims lack scientific evidence, ZMA may help prevent nutrient deficiencies....

You shouldn’t have to fit into a diet and fitness plan. The plan should have to fit you. Click here for all the details on our January challenge. Like peanut butter and chocolate, some things get even better when they're combined. That's the case for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that blends cardio and strength training — you burn calories and build muscle in a single sweat session. It gets better: Because HIIT is so intense, you continue to burn calories even ​after​ your workout is complete, per the American Council on Exercise....

These Blue Zones breakfast recipes for longevity feature a slew of plant-based ingredients. Image Credit: Arx0nt/iStock/GettyImages It’s no wonder we look to people in the Blue Zones — regions in the world with the longest life expectancy rates — for clues on how to live longer and age gracefully. While there’s no simple or singular secret to longevity, one habit that all Blue Zone folks have in common is starting the day with a big, balanced breakfast....

Isometric exercise benefits include improved joint stability, lower blood pressure and decreased overall pain, just to mention a few. Image Credit: FatCamera/E+/GettyImages Although it may appear somewhat insignificant at first, there are many important isometric exercise benefits that make this activity appealing. Whether you’ve just had surgery or you’re simply looking to vary your fitness routine, isometric training is worth a second look. Advertisement Tip Isometric exercise benefits include improved joint stability, lower blood pressure and decreased overall pain, just to mention a few....

A long, sweaty workout can put you at risk for low sodium and chloride levels if you don't rehydrate properly. Image Credit: Geber86/E+/GettyImages Sodium and chlorine are two electrolytes — minerals with an electric charge — that are required for the proper functioning of your cells. There are a range of conditions and medications that can cause abnormally low chloride and sodium levels in the blood. Advertisement Sodium and chloride levels can be measured through a blood test....

A spoonful of red crushed pepper flakes. Many people think of crushed red pepper as a simple spice. It's a pizza topping, stored alongside the oregano and Parmesan cheese shakers, or an afterthought, something to shake on dishes that have turned out a little bland. However, the health benefits of crushed red pepper extend beyond its use as a flavoring. These spicy little flakes can also boost metabolism, decrease hunger, decrease pain and possibly fight prostate cancer....

It's hard to tell which cheeses are vegetarian by their type or looking at them. Image Credit: Liudmila Chernetska/iStock/GettyImages Traditionally, cheese enzymes or rennet were derived from the stomach lining of young cows. It was a labor intensive process and contained animal-based ingredients, which excluded vegetarians. Advertisement But more recently, around 90 percent of cheeses contain vegetarian enzymes, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Through food production innovations, it's become the least expensive option; and therefore, it's the most attractive option for cheese manufacturers....

Recipes like stuffed squash and butternut squash soup are popular and simple to make. Image Credit: sveta_zarzamora/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Squash Side Dishes Recipes That Go With Squash Squash Cooking Ideas Squash is a low-calorie, low-fat way to add essential nutrients to your diet. Advertisement While squash is often treated like a vegetable, it's technically a fruit because it has seeds. Still, the USDA lists zucchini and other squash varieties in the vegetable food group....

Elevated lactate levels can affect your heart rhythm. Lactic acid is a by-product of the process cells use to produce energy. As cells convert glucose to energy, they use oxygen. If there is not enough oxygen within the cell, the cell is still able to produce energy, but also produces lactic acid. The cells releases lactic acid into the blood, where it is converted to a similar molecule called lactate. High lactate levels within the blood can harm your cells, the University of New Mexico warns....

A slow walk is light exercise. Image Credit: Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts physical activity on a spectrum based on heart rate and physical exertion. Light exercise is the lowest end of the spectrum, but is still good for your health. Advertisement Methods The simplest method for determining the intensity of your workout is the talk test. You should be able to sing while performing light exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....

TreadClimber machines can provide a good workout if you are consistent with it. The Bowflex TreadClimber is a hybrid cardio machine that combines the benefits of a treadmill with those of the stair stepper machine. Bowflex claims that the hybrid technology built into the TreadClimber allows you to "get the body you want in half the time," but there's no scientific research to prove this statement. As of 2011, there are three Bowflex TreadClimber models on the market: TC1000, TC5000 and TC5500....

People who feel more anxious about what others think of them are more likely to blush easily, but stress-management techniques can help minimize blushing. Image Credit: JGI/Jamie Grill/Tetra images/GettyImages Ever felt embarrassed and tried to save face, but your cheeks begin to warm and turn red? And then you blush more because you’re even more embarrassed that you’re blushing? If you’re prone to blushing, you might be wondering why it happens so easily for you and seemingly not for others....

Knee pain can quickly sideline your weight loss efforts. Image Credit: nebari/iStock/Getty Images Weight loss, according to the American Council on Exercise, can significantly improve your health by lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Additionally, the loss of a few pounds can improve your appearance, boosting your self esteem. While weight loss is generally positive, there can be unexpected consequences including joint or knee pain. If your knees hurt when you lose weight, there can be a number of causes....

Why Would I Crave Fruit? Image Credit: Linda Raymond/Moment/GettyImages While any kind of food craving can be uncomfortable, a fruit craving actually is one of the best kinds you can have. Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and most people don’t eat nearly enough. As long as you don’t eat enough to raise your overall caloric intake to unhealthy levels or skip other nutrients in favor of fruit, it’s OK to indulge....

A split toenail may be due to a nutrient deficiency, but is more likely due to infection, trauma or another physical stress. Image Credit: ho ura/iStock/GettyImages You want to sport a pair of flip-flops or sandals in style, but have to cover up your toes due to split toenails. Usually, a split toenail is due to injury or wear and tear, but can sometimes be a sign of a nutrient deficiency....

A plate of cooked catfish. Image Credit: anandaBGD/iStock/Getty Images Tender white-fleshed fish are the seafood equivalent of chicken, a mild and tasty ingredient that lends itself to a remarkable range of preparation methods. The best of them, such as catfish, have a moist and delicate texture that’s equally at home in the finest of restaurant meals or the simplest homestyle fish fry. Unfortunately, like a chicken breast, catfish can quickly become dry and chewy if it’s overcooked....