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A woman is experiencing menstrual cramps. Image Credit: 4774344sean/iStock/Getty Images Though not fully researched, dehydroepiandrosterone, often rendered as 5-dehydroepiandrosterone, plays a role in your menstrual cycle and overall fertility. DHEA is a hormone that contributes to your menstrual cycle and is also used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. DHEA is produced by your adrenal glands and is used to make male and female sex hormones, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains....

Always use proper form on the leg press machine. Image Credit: undrey/iStock/GettyImages Leg presses are a go-to for building muscles in your legs and buttocks. Specifically, the exercise develops your hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteus maximus, or glutes. Your glutes are large muscle groups that contribute to the shape of your buttocks. Advertisement Leg presses are effective, so expect some soreness after your workouts. If you are new to exercise, particularly strength training, or used a weight that's far heavier than usual, you'll likely be aching for the next few days....

Pea protein is a high quality source of plant based protein. Image Credit: Victoria ArtWK/iStock/GettyImages Pea protein is everywhere these days, and for good reason. Like other legumes, peas are a quality source of plant-based protein and rich in other nutrients that can enhance your health. Advertisement However, as a supplement, pure pea protein may have different effects than eating whole foods. While most side effects are benign, all protein supplements carry potential risks, especially in high doses....

Lower back pain could be caused by sciatica. Image Credit: champja/iStock/GettyImages That lower back pain and leg numbness you’ve been feeling may well be sciatica. After your doctor verifies the condition, it’s tempting to want to get stronger immediately. Yet some workouts can make sciatica worse, so it’s important to know which sciatica exercises to avoid. Advertisement Stretching Sciatica Exercises to Avoid Without question, touching your toes and doing other traditional lower-body stretches may be useful as preventative measures for back problems....

A young woman stretching to reach her toe. Image Credit: monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Slight visual disturbances during activity, including stretching, are not usually cause for concern, according to the AllAboutVision.com website. In some cases, however, seeing spots – often referred to as “seeing stars” – can mean a serious problem with your eyes. If you see a shower of spots, particularly if accompanied by light flashes, seek immediate medical attention. Advertisement Blood Flow While engaged in exercise or stretching, the flow to your brain and eyes may temporarily be limited....

Jock strap designs have recently expanded beyond the old standard. The decision to wear a jock strap when you work out depends on your personal preferences, what you are doing, and what other clothing you're wearing at the time. In any activity where there is a reasonable risk that the most sensitive organs of your body might sustain an injury, it makes good sense to practice caution and protect your equipment....

A pitcher of milk and a glass of milk on a checkered tablecloth. Image Credit: neirfy/iStock/Getty Images You probably already know that drinking milk adds protein and calcium to your daily diet, but skim milk, in particular, might be the best choice if you have high cholesterol or are looking for ways to keep your cholesterol in the healthy range. In addition to being rich in certain nutrients, skim milk is also fat-free, which contributes to it’s benefits in terms of cholesterol....

Find out Starbucks nutrition value whether your go-to order is a frap or a tea latte. Image Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/GettyImages Since its opening in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks has served up millions of coffee drinks in a wide variety of flavors. Advertisement Often, these drinks contain high calorie and sugar counts where you may not expect it. In fact, some drinks from Starbucks contain calorie contents equivalent to the recommended amount for an entire meal, and sugar content beyond the recommended amount for an entire day....

Running with a sore superior extensor retinaculum might cause injury. Image Credit: Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images Runners continually place strain on the joints and tissues of the lower body, and an intense or poorly designed training schedule, or improper running technique, might damage the tissues in your feet or legs. Your superior extensor retinaculum is the ligament that runs along the top of your foot, stabilizes other ligaments in you feet, and supports the feet movements that occur during running....

Low-carb doesn't necessarily mean no bread or crackers. Image Credit: Folios Cheese Wraps/Facebook Image Credit: Folios Cheese Wraps/Facebook Track your daily nutrients by logging your meals on the MyPlate app. Download now to fine-tune your diet today! Visit Page https://go.skimresources.com When you're craving something salty and crisp, snack on some Savoritz Parmesan Crisps. Image Credit: Savoritz Image Credit: Savoritz Visit Page https://fave.co You'll feel fancy snacking on this Mediterranean-inspired melange. Image Credit: Bumble Bee...

references & resources U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention: USP Verified Dietary Supplements ConsumerLab: Top-Rated Vitamin and Supplement Brands and Merchants for 2013 Based on Consumer Satisfaction ConsumerLab: Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review ConsumerLab: "Calcium Supplements Review" ConsumerLab: "Is there cause for concern with "gummy vitamins?" There are many different gummies out there. Are some better than others?" ConsumerLab: "Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review" USP: "USP Verified Products Listing" Jamieson Vitamins: Chewable Vita-Vim These chewable supplements are fit for the whole family....

When shopping the best running watches, consider what metrics you want to track, if you plan to do other activities and your budget. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com How We Chose Our Picks Shopping Tips Visit Page https://www.avantlink.com Image Credit: REI/LIVESTRONG.com Image Credit: REI/LIVESTRONG.com ‌Battery life‌: 24 days of regular use, 25 hours full GPS mode ‌GPS‌: yes ‌HR Monitor:‌ yes ‌Sleep Tracking: ‌yes ‌Water Resistant: ‌yes Visit Page Image Credit: Garmin/LIVESTRONG....

You need to create a solid foundation to loose weight. Image Credit: stockvisual/iStock/GettyImages You’re ready to begin a weight reduction program, and you’d like a realistic estimate of your six-month weight-loss results. You know that dropping the weight — and keeping it off — depends on creating a solid foundation that includes healthy and appealing foods and physical activities you actually enjoy. Pair these equally important pillars together, and you’ve set the stage for an optimum outcome....

A 5K is a great race for beginning runners and elite athletes alike. Image Credit: Hero Images/Hero Images/GettyImages It can be argued that the 5K is one of the best distances for a race. For new runners, it poses an excellent — yet accessible — challenge, and for experienced runners it can serve as a tune-up for a longer distance race or a test of your speed. Advertisement There are 5Ks across the United States that offer unique race-day experiences for runners of all levels, making every moment of your 3....

Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over salads, baked goods and oatmeal to boost your antioxidant intake. Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages Rich in vitamin C, manganese and copper, pomegranates are a powerhouse of nutrition. People worldwide use them in both sweet and savory dishes, juices, smoothies and snacks. Dried pomegranate seeds are a popular ingredient in trail mixes, grenadine syrup, sauces, granola bars and salad dressings. This delicious, juicy fruit can keep your bones healthy, reduce inflammation and boost your performance in the gym....

Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. What really sets high-intensity interval training (HIIT) apart from standard circuit workouts is its efficient pace. HIIT has you flowing quickly and fluidly from one exercise to the next, keeping your heart rate high and rest intervals short....

Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. There are many reasons to love at-home workouts, but one of the biggest is the amount of control you have over every aspect of your routine. You decide how long you go, how hard you go, what equipment you use (if any), what modalities you emphasize and so much more....

Headache may be an early sign of high blood sugar. Image Credit: DjelicS/E+/GettyImages If your diabetes goes untreated, you could experience serious complications as a result. These problems could be sudden, emergency effects of diabetes on your body, or long-term complications affecting your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and other parts of your body. Advertisement "Untreated diabetes can cause damage from your head down to your toes," says Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, MD, an endocrinology specialist in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the Cleveland Clinic....

Black dates are a healthier alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Image Credit: LOVE_LIFE/E+/GettyImages When was the last time you ate dates? If you’re on a diet or trying to keep your calories in check, they might not be your first choice. Despite their high sugar content, however, black dates are good for you. They’re chock-full of fiber, minerals and phytochemicals that fight disease and support your health. Advertisement Tip Use black dates instead of sugar in your favorite recipes to boost your antioxidant intake and stay full longer....

Statins can interact with certain foods, including grapefruit. Image Credit: fcafotodigital/E+/GettyImages Your lipids test wasn’t ideal? If so, your doctor may have prescribed a statin medication to help lower your LDL cholesterol. But there’s a catch. Statins, like many medications, can interact with certain foods. In this case, it’s primarily grapefruit. Here’s how to protect yourself. Advertisement Read more: The Effects of Eating Too Much Grapefruit Video of the Day What to Know About Statins Optimally, your total cholesterol level should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter, according to the Mayo Clinic....