Nutrition
Nutrition focuses on eating a healthy and balanced diet. Food gives us the energy and nutrients we need to be healthy. Poor nutrition can lead to all sorts of problems from obesity to diabetes to increased risk of heart disease.
Diseases & Conditions
Anemia caused by low iron - children
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Iron helps make red blood cells and...
Diseases & Conditions
Celiac disease – sprue
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This is a substance that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and...
Diseases & Conditions
Folate deficiency
Folate deficiency means you have a lower-than-normal amount of folic acid, a type of vitamin B, in your blood. folic acid
Diseases & Conditions
Folate-deficiency anemia
Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) due to a lack of folate. Folate is a type of B vitamin. It is also called folic acid. anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body...
Diseases & Conditions
Iron deficiency anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types and causes of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs...
Diseases & Conditions
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
Diseases & Conditions
Pellagra
Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid). niacin tryptophan
Diseases & Conditions
Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia, gum disease, poor wound healing, and skin hemorrhages. anemia...
Diseases & Conditions
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia means there is an abnormally low amount of platelets. Platelets are parts of the blood that help blood to clot. This condition is sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding.
Diseases & Conditions
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Anemia Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia...
Special Topics
10 ways to cut 500 calories a day
Weight loss - 500 calories; Overweight - 500 calories; Obesity - 500 calories; Diet - 500 calories
Special Topics
12 healthy snacks with 200 calories or less
Nibbles; Appetizers; Healthy eating - healthy snacks; Weight loss - healthy snacks; Healthy diet - healthy snacks; Wellness - healthy snacks
Special Topics
Amino acids
Special Topics
Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid is a nonessential amino acid. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. amino acid "Nonessential" means that our bodies produce it, even if we do not get this amino acid from the food we...
Special Topics
Body mass index
A good way to decide if your weight is healthy for your height is to figure out your body mass index (BMI). You and your health care provider can use your BMI to estimate how much body fat you have.
Special Topics
Calorie count - Alcoholic beverages
Weight loss - calorie count - alcoholic beverages; Overweight - calorie count - alcoholic beverages; Obesity - calorie count - alcoholic beverages
Special Topics
Calorie count - fast food
Weight-loss calorie count fast food; Obesity - calorie count fast food; Overweight - calorie count fast food; Healthy diet - calorie count fast food
Special Topics
Calorie count - sodas and energy drinks
Weight-loss calorie count sodas; Obesity - calorie sodas; Overweight - calorie count sodas; Healthy diet - calorie count sodas
Special Topics
Can you boost your metabolism?
Weight-loss boost metabolism; Obesity - boost metabolism; Overweight - boost metabolism
Special Topics
DASH diet to lower high blood pressure
Special Topics
Diet and cancer
Diet can have an impact on your risk of developing many types of cancer. You can reduce your overall risk by following a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Special Topics
Diet myths and facts
Obesity - diet myths and facts; Overweight - diet myths and fact; Weight-loss diet myths and facts
Special Topics
Diet-boosting foods
Obesity - diet-boosting foods; Overweight - diet-boosting foods
Special Topics
Facts about monounsaturated fats
Monounsaturated fatty acid; MUFA; Oleic acid; Cholesterol - monounsaturated fat; Atherosclerosis - monounsaturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - monounsaturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - monounsaturated...
Special Topics
Facts about polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fatty acid; PUFA; Cholesterol - polyunsaturated fat; Atherosclerosis - polyunsaturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - polyunsaturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - polyunsaturated fat; Hypercholesterolemia...
Special Topics
Facts about saturated fats
Cholesterol - saturated fat; Atherosclerosis - saturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - saturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - saturated fat; Hypercholesterolemia - saturated fat; Coronary artery disease - saturated...
Special Topics
Facts about trans fats
Trans fatty acids; Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs); Cholesterol - trans fats; Hyperlipidemia - trans fats; Atherosclerosis - trans fat; Hardening of the arteries - trans fat; Hypercholesterolemia - trans...
Special Topics
Food guide plate
By following the US Department of Agriculture's food guide, called MyPlate, you can make healthier food choices. The newest guide encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins...
Special Topics
Foods - fresh vs. frozen or canned
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - Brussels sprouts
Healthy food trends - Brussels cabbage; Healthy snacks - brussels sprouts; Weight loss - brussels sprouts; Healthy diet - brussels sprouts; Wellness - brussels sprouts
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - beans and legumes
Healthy food trends - pulses; Healthy eating - beans and legumes; Weight loss - beans and legumes; Healthy diet - beans and legumes; Wellness - beans and legumes
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - chia seeds
Healthy food trends - sage; Healthy food trends - salvia; Healthy snacks - Chia seeds; Weight loss - Chia seeds; Healthy diet - Chia seeds; Wellness - Chia seeds
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - flaxseeds
Healthy food trends - flax meal; Healthy food trends - flax seeds; Healthy food trends - linseeds; Healthy snacks - flaxseeds; Healthy diet - flaxseeds; Wellness - flaxseeds
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - kale
Healthy food trends - borecole; Healthy snacks - kale; Weight loss - kale; Healthy diet - kale; Wellness - kale
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - microgreens
Healthy snacks - microgreens; Weight loss - microgreens; Healthy diet - microgreens; Wellness - microgreens
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - quinoa
Healthy food trends - goosefoot; Healthy snacks - quinoa; Weight loss - quinoa; Healthy diet - quinoa; Wellness - quinoa
Special Topics
Lower-calorie choices for alcoholic drinks
Low-calorie spirits; Low-calorie mixed drinks; Low-calorie alcohol; Low-calorie alcoholic beverages; Weight loss - low-calorie cocktails; Obesity - low-calorie cocktails
Special Topics
Omega-3 fats - Good for your heart
Cholesterol - omega-3s; Atherosclerosis - omega-3s; Hardening of the arteries - omega-3s; Coronary artery disease - omega-3s; Heart disease - omega-3s
Special Topics
Pesticides on fruits and vegetables
Special Topics
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way medicines work in a person. Your health care provider can use the information from pharmacogenetic testing to prescribe medicines that will work...
Special Topics
Salads and nutrients
Special Topics
Soluble vs. insoluble fiber
Special Topics
Substance use recovery and diet
Substance use harms the body in two ways: The substance itself affects the body. It causes negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating and poor diet. The substance itself affects the body. It causes...
Special Topics
Taking iron supplements
Eating iron rich foods is a key part of treating anemia caused by low iron levels. You may also need to take iron supplements as well to rebuild iron stores in your body.
Special Topics
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid needed for normal growth in infants and for the production and maintenance of the body's proteins, muscles, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. It is an essential amino acid. This...
Special Topics
Vitamin C and colds
Special Topics
Ways to burn more calories every day
Weight loss - burning calories; Overweight - burning calories; Obesity - burning calories; Physical activity - burning calories; Staying active - burning calories
Special Topics
Weight loss and alcohol
Weight loss - alcohol; Overweight - alcohol; Obesity - alcohol; Diet - alcohol
Special Topics
Wine and heart health
Studies have shown that adults who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all or are heavy drinkers. However, people who do...
Tests
Folic acid - test
Folic acid is also called vitamin B9. This article discusses the test to measure the amount of folic acid in the blood. It is often done together with a vitamin B12 test of the blood.
Tests
Mental status testing
Mental status testing is done to check a person's thinking ability and to determine if any problems are getting better or worse. It is also called neurocognitive testing.
Tests
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic testing provides information about your genes and how they control your response to certain medicines. Your genes can affect the desired result of a drug. Your provider can use the information...
Tests
Vitamin B12 level
The vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood. vitamin B12
Special Topics
10 ways to cut 500 calories a day
Weight loss - 500 calories; Overweight - 500 calories; Obesity - 500 calories; Diet - 500 calories
Special Topics
12 healthy snacks with 200 calories or less
Nibbles; Appetizers; Healthy eating - healthy snacks; Weight loss - healthy snacks; Healthy diet - healthy snacks; Wellness - healthy snacks
Special Topics
Amino acids
Diseases & Conditions
Anemia caused by low iron - children
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Iron helps make red blood cells and...
Special Topics
Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid is a nonessential amino acid. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. amino acid "Nonessential" means that our bodies produce it, even if we do not get this amino acid from the food we...
Self-Care Instructions
Benefits of breastfeeding
Nursing your baby; Lactation; Deciding to breastfeed
Special Topics
Body mass index
A good way to decide if your weight is healthy for your height is to figure out your body mass index (BMI). You and your health care provider can use your BMI to estimate how much body fat you have.
Self-Care Instructions
Butter, margarine, and cooking oils
Cholesterol - butter; Hyperlipidemia - butter; CAD - butter; Coronary artery disease - butter; Heart disease - butter; Prevention - butter; Cardiovascular disease - butter; Peripheral artery disease - butter...
Nutrition
Caffeine in the diet
Caffeine is a substance that is found in certain plants. It can also be man-made and added to foods. It is a central nervous system stimulant and a diuretic (substance that helps rid your body of fluids...
Nutrition
Calcium in diet
Calcium is the most plentiful mineral found in the human body. The teeth and bones contain the most calcium. Nerve cells, body tissues, blood, and other body fluids contain the rest of the calcium.
Special Topics
Calorie count - Alcoholic beverages
Weight loss - calorie count - alcoholic beverages; Overweight - calorie count - alcoholic beverages; Obesity - calorie count - alcoholic beverages
Special Topics
Calorie count - fast food
Weight-loss calorie count fast food; Obesity - calorie count fast food; Overweight - calorie count fast food; Healthy diet - calorie count fast food
Special Topics
Calorie count - sodas and energy drinks
Weight-loss calorie count sodas; Obesity - calorie sodas; Overweight - calorie count sodas; Healthy diet - calorie count sodas
Special Topics
Can you boost your metabolism?
Weight-loss boost metabolism; Obesity - boost metabolism; Overweight - boost metabolism
Nutrition
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the main nutrients in our diet. They help provide energy for our body. There are three main types of carbohydrates found in foods: sugars, starches, and fiber. fiber People with...
Nutrition
Celiac disease - nutritional considerations
Celiac disease is an immune disorder passed down through families. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, or rye. It may also be found in some medicines. When a person with celiac disease eats or drinks...
Diseases & Conditions
Celiac disease – sprue
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This is a substance that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and...
Nutrition
Chloride in diet
Chloride is found in many chemicals and other substances in the body. It is one of the components of salt used in cooking and in some foods.
Self-Care Instructions
Cholesterol and lifestyle
Hyperlipidemia - cholesterol and lifestyle; CAD - cholesterol and lifestyle; Coronary artery disease - cholesterol and lifestyle; Heart disease - cholesterol and lifestyle; Prevention - cholesterol and...
Nutrition
Chromium in diet
Chromium is an essential element that is not made by the body. It must be obtained from the diet.
Nutrition
Cooking utensils and nutrition
Cooking utensils can have an effect on your nutrition.
Self-Care Instructions
Cooking without salt
DASH diet; High blood pressure - DASH; Hypertension - DASH; Low-salt diet - DASH
Nutrition
Copper in diet
Copper is an essential trace element present in all body tissues. A small amount is needed for the body to function, but the body cannot make its own copper. You must get it from food.
Nutrition
Cow's milk - infants
If your child is under 1 year old, you should not feed your baby cow's milk, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Cow's milk does not provide enough: Vitamin EIronEssential fatty acids...
Nutrition
Cystic fibrosis - nutrition
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. People with CF need to eat foods that are high in calories and protein throughout...
Special Topics
DASH diet to lower high blood pressure
In-depth Report
Diabetes diet - InDepth
An in-depth report on how people with diabetes can use healthy nutrition to help manage their blood glucose.
Nutrition
Diabetes type 2 - meal planning
When you have type 2 diabetes, taking time to plan your meals goes a long way toward controlling your blood sugar (glucose) and weight. type 2 diabetes
Nutrition
Diet - chronic kidney disease
You may need to make changes to your diet when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD). These changes may include limiting fluids, eating a low-protein diet, limiting salt, potassium, phosphorous, and other...
Nutrition
Diet - liver disease
Some people with liver disease must eat a special diet. This diet helps the liver function and protects it from working too hard. liver disease
Self-Care Instructions
Diet after gastric banding
Gastric banding surgery - your diet; Obesity - diet after banding; Weight loss - diet after banding
Special Topics
Diet and cancer
Diet can have an impact on your risk of developing many types of cancer. You can reduce your overall risk by following a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Special Topics
Diet myths and facts
Obesity - diet myths and facts; Overweight - diet myths and fact; Weight-loss diet myths and facts
Special Topics
Diet-boosting foods
Obesity - diet-boosting foods; Overweight - diet-boosting foods
Self-Care Instructions
Diet-busting foods
Obesity - diet-busting foods; Overweight - diet-busting foods; Weight loss - diet busting foods
Self-Care Instructions
Dietary fats explained
Cholesterol - dietary fats; Hyperlipidemia - dietary fats; CAD - dietary fats; Coronary artery disease - dietary fats; Heart disease - dietary fats; Prevention - dietary fats; Cardiovascular disease - dietary...
Self-Care Instructions
Drinking water safely during cancer treatment
Chemotherapy - drinking water safely; Immunosuppression - drinking water safely; Low white blood cell count - drinking water safely; Neutropenia - drinking water safely
Self-Care Instructions
Eating extra calories when sick - adults
Getting more calories - adults; Chemotherapy - calories; Transplant - calories; Cancer treatment - calories
Self-Care Instructions
Eating extra calories when sick - children
Getting more calories - children; Chemotherapy - calories; Transplant - calories; Cancer treatment - calories
Self-Care Instructions
Eating habits and behaviors
Self-Care Instructions
Eating out
Weight-loss - eating out; Healthy diet - eating out; Obesity - eating out
Self-Care Instructions
Exercise and activity - children
Special Topics
Facts about monounsaturated fats
Monounsaturated fatty acid; MUFA; Oleic acid; Cholesterol - monounsaturated fat; Atherosclerosis - monounsaturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - monounsaturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - monounsaturated...
Special Topics
Facts about polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fatty acid; PUFA; Cholesterol - polyunsaturated fat; Atherosclerosis - polyunsaturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - polyunsaturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - polyunsaturated fat; Hypercholesterolemia...
Special Topics
Facts about saturated fats
Cholesterol - saturated fat; Atherosclerosis - saturated fat; Hardening of the arteries - saturated fat; Hyperlipidemia - saturated fat; Hypercholesterolemia - saturated fat; Coronary artery disease - saturated...
Special Topics
Facts about trans fats
Trans fatty acids; Partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs); Cholesterol - trans fats; Hyperlipidemia - trans fats; Atherosclerosis - trans fat; Hardening of the arteries - trans fat; Hypercholesterolemia - trans...
Nutrition
Fiber
Fiber is a substance found in plants. Dietary fiber, which is the type of fiber you can eat, is found in fruits, vegetables, and grains. It is an important part of a healthy diet.
Nutrition
Fluoride in diet
Fluoride occurs naturally in the body as calcium fluoride. Calcium fluoride is mostly found in the bones and teeth.
Diseases & Conditions
Folate deficiency
Folate deficiency means you have a lower-than-normal amount of folic acid, a type of vitamin B, in your blood. folic acid
Diseases & Conditions
Folate-deficiency anemia
Folate-deficiency anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (anemia) due to a lack of folate. Folate is a type of B vitamin. It is also called folic acid. anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body...
Tests
Folic acid - test
Folic acid is also called vitamin B9. This article discusses the test to measure the amount of folic acid in the blood. It is often done together with a vitamin B12 test of the blood.
Nutrition
Folic acid in diet
Folic acid and folate are both terms for a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9). Folate is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, and beans. Folic acid is man...
Nutrition
Food additives
Food additives are substances that become part of a food product when they are added during the processing or making of that food. "Direct" food additives are often added during processing to: Add nutrientsHelp...
Special Topics
Food guide plate
By following the US Department of Agriculture's food guide, called MyPlate, you can make healthier food choices. The newest guide encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins...
Nutrition
Food jags
A food jag is when a child will only eat one food item, or a very small group of food items, meal after meal. Some other common childhood eating behaviors that can concern parents include fear of new foods...
Nutrition
Food labeling
Food labels contain a great deal of information on most packaged foods. Food labels are called "Nutrition Facts. " The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did a major update of the Nutrition...
Nutrition
Food safety
Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food. These practices prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. foodborne
Special Topics
Foods - fresh vs. frozen or canned
Nutrition
Genetically modified organisms - GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals, or microbes that have had their DNA changed using genetic engineering techniques. Another term for this is bioengineered foods.
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - Brussels sprouts
Healthy food trends - Brussels cabbage; Healthy snacks - brussels sprouts; Weight loss - brussels sprouts; Healthy diet - brussels sprouts; Wellness - brussels sprouts
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - beans and legumes
Healthy food trends - pulses; Healthy eating - beans and legumes; Weight loss - beans and legumes; Healthy diet - beans and legumes; Wellness - beans and legumes
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - chia seeds
Healthy food trends - sage; Healthy food trends - salvia; Healthy snacks - Chia seeds; Weight loss - Chia seeds; Healthy diet - Chia seeds; Wellness - Chia seeds
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - flaxseeds
Healthy food trends - flax meal; Healthy food trends - flax seeds; Healthy food trends - linseeds; Healthy snacks - flaxseeds; Healthy diet - flaxseeds; Wellness - flaxseeds
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - kale
Healthy food trends - borecole; Healthy snacks - kale; Weight loss - kale; Healthy diet - kale; Wellness - kale
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - microgreens
Healthy snacks - microgreens; Weight loss - microgreens; Healthy diet - microgreens; Wellness - microgreens
Special Topics
Healthy food trends - quinoa
Healthy food trends - goosefoot; Healthy snacks - quinoa; Weight loss - quinoa; Healthy diet - quinoa; Wellness - quinoa
Self-Care Instructions
Healthy grocery shopping
Obesity - grocery shopping; Overweight - grocery shopping; Weight loss - grocery shopping; Healthy diet - grocery shopping
Nutrition
Heart disease and diet
A healthy diet is an important factor in reducing your risk for heart disease.
In-depth Report
Heart-healthy diet - InDepth
An in-depth report on how to build the best diet for your heart's health.
Nutrition
Iodine in diet
Iodine is a trace element and a nutrient found naturally in the body.
Diseases & Conditions
Iron deficiency anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types and causes of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs...
Nutrition
Iron in diet
Iron is a mineral found in every cell of the body. Iron is considered an essential mineral because it is needed to make hemoglobin, a part of blood cells. The body cannot make it, so it must be taken in...
Self-Care Instructions
Jejunostomy feeding tube
Feeding - jejunostomy tube; G-J tube; J-tube; Jejunum tube
Self-Care Instructions
Learn about gluten-free diets
Celiac and gluten
Self-Care Instructions
Low FODMAP diet
Irritable bowel syndrome - low FODMAP diet
Self-Care Instructions
Low-fiber diet
Fiber restricted diet; Crohn disease - low fiber diet; Ulcerative colitis - low fiber diet; Surgery - low fiber diet
Self-Care Instructions
Low-salt diet
Low-sodium diet; Salt restriction
Special Topics
Lower-calorie choices for alcoholic drinks
Low-calorie spirits; Low-calorie mixed drinks; Low-calorie alcohol; Low-calorie alcoholic beverages; Weight loss - low-calorie cocktails; Obesity - low-calorie cocktails
Nutrition
Magnesium in diet
Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition.
Diseases & Conditions
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
Self-Care Instructions
Managing your weight with healthy eating
Obesity - managing your weight; Overweight - managing your weight; Healthy diet - managing your weight; Weight loss - managing your weight
Self-Care Instructions
Mediterranean diet
Tests
Mental status testing
Mental status testing is done to check a person's thinking ability and to determine if any problems are getting better or worse. It is also called neurocognitive testing.
Self-Care Instructions
Nasogastric feeding tube
Feeding - nasogastric tube; NG tube; Bolus feeding; Continuous pump feeding; Gavage tube
Nutrition
Niacin
Niacin is a type of B vitamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. The...
Nutrition
Nutrition and athletic performance
Good nutrition can help enhance athletic performance. An active lifestyle and exercise routine, along with eating well, is the best way to stay healthy. Eating a good diet can help provide the energy you...
Special Topics
Omega-3 fats - Good for your heart
Cholesterol - omega-3s; Atherosclerosis - omega-3s; Hardening of the arteries - omega-3s; Coronary artery disease - omega-3s; Heart disease - omega-3s
Nutrition
Pantothenic acid and biotin
Pantothenic acid (B5) and biotin (B7) are types of B vitamins. They are water-soluble, which means that the body can't store them. If the body can't use the entire vitamin, the extra amount leaves the body...
Diseases & Conditions
Pellagra
Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not get enough niacin (one of the B complex vitamins) or tryptophan (an amino acid). niacin tryptophan
Special Topics
Pesticides on fruits and vegetables
Tests
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic testing provides information about your genes and how they control your response to certain medicines. Your genes can affect the desired result of a drug. Your provider can use the information...
Special Topics
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes affect the way medicines work in a person. Your health care provider can use the information from pharmacogenetic testing to prescribe medicines that will work...
Nutrition
Phosphorus in diet
Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person's total body weight. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body. It is present in every cell of the body. Most of the phosphorus in the body...
Self-Care Instructions
Portion size
Obesity - portion size; Overweight - portion size; Weight-loss - portion size; Healthy diet - portion size
Nutrition
Potassium in diet
Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte. electrolyte
Nutrition
Protein in diet
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair...
Nutrition
Riboflavin
Riboflavin is a type of B vitamin. It is water soluble, which means it is not stored in the body. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine...
Self-Care Instructions
Safe eating during cancer treatment
Cancer treatment - eating safely; Chemotherapy - eating safely; Immunosuppression - eating safely; Low white blood cell count - eating safely; Neutropenia - eating safely
Special Topics
Salads and nutrients
Diseases & Conditions
Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia, gum disease, poor wound healing, and skin hemorrhages. anemia...
Nutrition
Selenium in diet
Selenium is an essential trace element. This means your body must get this mineral in the food you eat. Small amounts of selenium are good for your health.
Self-Care Instructions
Simple, heart-smart substitutions
Coronary artery disease - heart smart substitutions; Atherosclerosis - heart smart substitutions; Cholesterol - heart smart substitutions; Coronary heart disease - heart smart substitutions; Healthy diet...
Self-Care Instructions
Snacking when you have diabetes
Healthy snacking - diabetes; Low blood sugar - snacking; Hypoglycemia - snacking
Self-Care Instructions
Snacks and sweetened drinks - children
Self-Care Instructions
Snacks for adults
Weight-loss - snacks; Healthy diet - snacks
Nutrition
Sodium in diet
Sodium is an element that the body needs to work properly. Salt contains sodium.
Special Topics
Soluble vs. insoluble fiber
Nutrition
Soy
Humans have been eating soybeans for almost 5000 years. The soybean is high in protein. The quality of protein from soy equals that of protein from animal foods.
Special Topics
Substance use recovery and diet
Substance use harms the body in two ways: The substance itself affects the body. It causes negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating and poor diet. The substance itself affects the body. It causes...
Self-Care Instructions
Sweetened beverages
Obesity - sweetened beverages; Overweight - sweetened beverages; Healthy diet - sweetened beverages; Weight loss - sweetened beverages
Nutrition
Sweeteners - sugar substitutes
Sugar substitutes are substances that are used in place of sweeteners with sugar (sucrose) or sugar alcohols. They may also be called artificial sweeteners, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), and noncaloric...
Nutrition
Sweeteners - sugars
The term sugar is used to describe a wide range of compounds that vary in sweetness. Common sugars include: GlucoseFructoseGalactoseSucrose (common table sugar)Lactose (the sugar found naturally in milk...
Special Topics
Taking iron supplements
Eating iron rich foods is a key part of treating anemia caused by low iron levels. You may also need to take iron supplements as well to rebuild iron stores in your body.
Nutrition
Thiamin
Thiamin is one of the B vitamins. The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are part of many of the chemical reactions in the body.
Diseases & Conditions
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia means there is an abnormally low amount of platelets. Platelets are parts of the blood that help blood to clot. This condition is sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding.
Self-Care Instructions
Total parenteral nutrition
Hyperalimentation; TPN; Malnourishment - TPN; Malnutrition - TPN
Special Topics
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid needed for normal growth in infants and for the production and maintenance of the body's proteins, muscles, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. It is an essential amino acid. This...
Self-Care Instructions
Understanding the DASH diet
Hypertension - DASH diet; Blood-pressure - DASH diet
Nutrition
Vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet does not include any meat, poultry, or seafood. It is a meal plan made up of foods that come mostly from plants. These include: VegetablesFruitsWhole grainsLegumesSeedsNutsMay include...
Nutrition
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver. There are two types of vitamin A that are found in the diet. Preformed vitamin A is found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry,...
Nutrition
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. After the body uses these vitamins, leftover amounts leave the body through the urine. The body can store vitamin B12 for...
Diseases & Conditions
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. There are many types of anemia. Anemia Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia...
Tests
Vitamin B12 level
The vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood. vitamin B12
Nutrition
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so the body cannot store them. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. Although the body maintains...
Nutrition
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It is needed for normal growth and development. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts of the vitamin leave the body through the urine. Although...
Special Topics
Vitamin C and colds
Nutrition
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver.
Nutrition
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Your body stores vitamin E in fatty tissue and the liver.
Nutrition
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. Your body stores vitamin K in the liver and other body tissues, including the brain, heart, pancreas, and bone.
Nutrition
Vitamins
Vitamins are a group of substances that are needed for normal cell function, growth, and development. There are 13 essential vitamins. This means that these vitamins are required for the body to work properly...
In-depth Report
Vitamins and Phytonutrients - InDepth
An in-depth report on the dietary importance of vitamins and other nutrients.
Nutrition
Water in diet
Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen. It is the basis for the fluids of the body.
Special Topics
Ways to burn more calories every day
Weight loss - burning calories; Overweight - burning calories; Obesity - burning calories; Physical activity - burning calories; Staying active - burning calories
In-depth Report
Weight control and diet - InDepth
An in-depth report on losing and managing weight safely for health benefits.
Self-Care Instructions
Weight gain after quitting smoking: What to do
Cigarettes - weight gain; Smoking cessation - weight gain; Smokeless tobacco - weight gain; Tobacco cessation - weight gain; Nicotine cessation - weight gain; Weight loss - quitting smoking
Symptoms
Weight gain – unintentional
Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking more.
Special Topics
Weight loss and alcohol
Weight loss - alcohol; Overweight - alcohol; Obesity - alcohol; Diet - alcohol
Special Topics
Wine and heart health
Studies have shown that adults who drink light to moderate amounts of alcohol may be less likely to develop heart disease than those who do not drink at all or are heavy drinkers. However, people who do...
Self-Care Instructions
Your diet after gastric bypass surgery
Gastric bypass surgery - your diet; Obesity - diet after bypass; Weight loss - diet after bypass
Nutrition
Zinc in diet
Zinc is an important trace element that people need to stay healthy. Of the trace elements, this element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body. iron