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Electrolytes lost during exercise can be replenished through a sports drink, but they can also be found in healthy foods. Image Credit: Minerva Studio/iStock/GettyImages Whether you were refueling after a hot and sweaty workout or recovering after a night on the town, electrolytes — delivered via sports drink or powder packet — have probably revitalized you in some way in the past. You might know they’re key to hydration, but have you ever wondered: What ​are​ electrolytes, exactly?...

DGL licorice interferes with several other drugs, such as insulin. Licorice is an herb that lends flavor to many foods and beverages. The plant's roots are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of disorders, including gastrointestinal complaints, bronchitis, tuberculosis, malaria, osteoarthritis, liver disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, while licorice contains beneficial phytochemicals, it also contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is associated with side effects. To counter this, a modified form of the botanical medicine, known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL licorice, is available....

Water retention after working out is a normal part of muscle recovery. Image Credit: VioletaStoimenova/E+/GettyImages When you first start working out, it can be surprising to see the scale moving up. But know that your sudden weight gain is probably due to nothing more than water retention. Advertisement "I would not fuss over water-weight gain, as it's common and expected after a hard session," says New York-based certified personal trainer Carolina Araujo, CPT....

Carbonated water in a glass garnished with a lime wedge. Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/Getty Images Whether or not you can find a soft drink without acid depends on how you define a “soft drink.” Some people immediately think of carbonated beverages when they hear the term soft drink. Since the carbonation comes from an acid, those drinks are by nature acidic. Other people consider a soft drink any drink that doesn’t have any “hard” liquor....

Boxing class makes for a great workout — even if you wouldn't consider yourself a fighter. Image Credit: Courtesy of TITLE Boxing Club You probably associate boxing with HBO fight nights, black eyes and intense corner conversations — but the latest boutique boxing studios are different. These workout classes offer an intense full-body workout for people of all shapes, sizes and ability levels — no hand-to-hand fighting required. Advertisement What Is a Fitness Boxing Class?...

A scoop of whey protein powder. Image Credit: ogichobanov/iStock/Getty Images Whey is a type of protein that comes from cow’s milk. Although whey protein supplements and drink mixes are a quick way to consume protein, they may not be suitable for individuals with certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease. Like other milk products, whey protein isolate may increase your risk of certain symptoms. Advertisement Crohn’s Disease Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in your gastrointestinal tract....

references Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: "A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men" Mayo Clinic: "Ingrown Hair" Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. One pit with stinkier BO usually isn't a big deal. Image Credit: LaylaBird/E+/GettyImages...

Image Credit: Diana Taliun/iStock/Getty Images While eating peanut butter is not a treatment for high blood sugar, including natural peanut butter in a healthy diet may help lower and stabilize your overall blood sugar levels. It may also help prevent blood sugar spikes. This is good news, especially if you have diabetes or a risk of diabetes. Advertisement Natural Is Best While some commercial peanut butters contain added salt, sugar and hydrogenated oil, which is an unhealthy trans fat, natural peanut butter contains only nutrients from peanuts....

Walking with crutches provides an increased cardio workout. Image Credit: apeyron/iStock/GettyImages Crutches, used for balance and stability after a leg injury or surgery, may seem like an intimidating addition to your fitness routine. Don’t despair! By modifying your cardio and strength training practice to a crutches workout, you can rest and heal while staying on track with your fitness goals. Advertisement Warning While on crutches, it is vital to consult a doctor or physical therapist to plan your rehabilitation and post-rehab fitness....

One of the best ways to use up leftover chicken from the previous night’s meal is by cooking up a tasty, hearty stew. Image Credit: Lisovskaya/iStock/GettyImages Yesterday’s leftover chicken can be transformed into tonight’s dinner by using it to make a delicious, comforting stew. And because the chicken is already cooked, this meal comes together quickly and almost effortlessly. Advertisement Chicken stew can be made in one pot using leftover baked or broiled chicken breasts, thighs or other parts, and supplies a host of nutritional benefits....

Overdosing on NSAIDs like ibuprofen can lead to ulcers and GI bleeding. Image Credit: Guido Mieth/DigitalVision/GettyImages Popping an ibuprofen is one of those no-biggies. You have a headache? Ibuprofen. Sore muscles? Ibuprofen. Period cramps? Ibuprofen. Advertisement Ibuprofen falls under a class of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin and naproxen (Aleve) are other common NSAIDs. Video of the Day And while they're easily available over-the-counter and are safe, they're not risk-free....

While losing weight is simple – take in fewer calories than you eat – that doesn’t mean it’s easy, and it’s tempting to look for the “magic bullet” for weight loss. Bee pollen can fit into a weight-loss diet, but you’ll still need to eat healthy and get active to see real results. Check with your doctor before taking bee pollen because it can have life-threatening side effects in some people....

Castor oil is extracted from the castor bean. Castor oil is a compound that comes from the castor bean. According to TourEgypt.net, the medicinal use of castor oil dates back to ancient Egypt. Applying oil to a scar will not promote new skin growth or remove the scar completely. Scars form to heal areas of the skin that have injury due to illness or accident. At best, oil will soften the area and possibly smooth out some of the fibrous tissue....

Cilantro features distinctive, jagged leaves and a strong flavor that is often present in Mexican dishes, but the fresh herb pairs well with a variety of foods. Try cilantro in soups, on sandwiches, in sauces and in your casseroles. Growing your own cilantro gives you constant access to fresh leaves. If you purchase your cilantro at the store, however, avoid leaves and stems that are limp, wilted or uneven in color....

Jumping rope strengthens the calf muscles. Image Credit: Anchiy/E+/GettyImages Pain in a calf muscle can leave you struggling to walk, much less able to complete an exercise like jumping rope. Most calf pain is the result of strains or contusions in the calf. Advertisement You can take certain measures to relieve your pain based on the severity of the injury in addition to adding a few stretches and exercises to prevent calf pain from coming back....

A close-up of a mountain biker on a nature trail. Image Credit: Warren Goldswain/iStock/Getty Images A pulled a muscle can be painful and frustrating and can interfere with your favorite physical activities. This can be especially difficult for a biking enthusiast, since the hamstrings are key muscles used in cycling. While you may be eager to get back to pedaling after suffering a pulled hamstring, it is important to properly treat the strain and allow it sufficient time to heal to avoid further damage and prolonged pain....

Ensure may be able to help you reach your weight goals. Image Credit: MurzikNata/iStock/GettyImages Whether you’re trying to lose weight or gain weight, Ensure — a nutritional supplement made by Abbott Nutrition — may help you. The drink can help control your calorie intake to lose weight, or it can be a convenient way to add calories to help you gain weight. Before making changes to your diet, however, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of using Ensure, to help you reach your weight goals....

Research on pomegranate juice for kidney stones is not conclusive. Image Credit: serezniy/iStock/GettyImages Pure cranberry juice may be beneficial for your kidneys, according to the National Kidney Foundation, but what about pomegranate juice? The evidence is less conclusive, even for kidney stone treatment at home. Although there might be some benefits, people with kidney disease should be wary. Advertisement Tip Research on pomegranate juice for kidney stones is mixed, but this natural remedy may benefit patients on dialysis....

Greasy foods can be harmful to your health. Image Credit: Shaiith/iStock/Getty Images You’ve just finished a greasy meal with all your favorites – fried chicken, French fries, potato chips and pizza. You may feel something more than a full stomach after you finish a meal: You also may experience kidney pain or pain in your lower back. While this is not always a symptom of something more serious, it’s important to consult your physician to ensure your kidney pain does not require immediate treatment....

The lats are the broadest muscles of your back. Image Credit: zwawol/iStock/Getty Images Chin-ups have long been the go-to exercise for people looking to strengthen their latissimus dorsi. These broad, flat muscles sit along the lower and middle part of your back and assist with moving and stabilizing your shoulders. Advertisement Many people, however, do not have the luxury of having a chin-up bar to use at home. Fortunately, you can still strengthen your lats with many different and convenient exercise techniques....