Health reference dictionary

558 records · Page 1

• (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA),

  Also known as: Garcinia cambogia, HCA What does it do? (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a fruit extract with a chemical composition similar to citric acid (the primary acid in ci

• 5-HTP

  5-Hydroxytryptophan Also known as: 5-HTP, tryptophan (5-HTP) What does it do? 5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and

• 5-Hydroxytryptophan

  Also known as: 5-HTP, tryptophan (5-HTP) What does it do? 5-HTP is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotoni

• AZT

  AZT inhibits reproduction of retroviruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that infects people, causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• AZT (Azidothymidine, Zidovudine, Retrovir®) AZT (Azidothymidine, Zidovudine, Retrovir®)

  AZT inhibits reproduction of retroviruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that infects people, causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• Abnormal Pap Smear

  Women are advised to have periodic Pap smears, because cancer of the cervix is a fairly common and sometimes fatal disease. A Pap smear checks cells from the cervix for any evidenc

• Acetaminophen

  Acetaminophen is used to reduce pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it lacks anti-inflammatory activity. Acetaminophen is available by itself or i

• Acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol®, and Others)

  Acetaminophen is used to reduce pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it lacks anti-inflammatory activity. Acetaminophen is available by itself or i

• Acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol®, and Others) Acetaminophen (APAP, Tylenol®, and Others)

  Acetaminophen is used to reduce pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it lacks anti-inflammatory activity. Acetaminophen is available by itself or i

• Acne

  Acne is a skin condition characterized by reddened, inflamed lesions (sometimes called pustules or “whiteheads”) on the face, neck, shoulders, and elsewhere. Acne occurs most commo

• Acupuncture

  Acupuncture is an ancient method of healthcare used in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is based on the belief that life energy, or chi, flows through the body along energ

• Adenosine Monophosphat Adenosine Monophosphate

  Also known as: AMP What does it do? Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is an intermediary substance formed during the body’s process of creating energy in the form of adenosine triph

• Adenosine Monophosphate

  Also known as: AMP What does it do? Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is an intermediary substance formed during the body’s process of creating energy in the form of adenosine triph

• Alcohol Withdrawal

  A majority of people who have been drinking alcohol and decide to stop (often for health-related reasons) are able to do so without much trouble. Alcohol withdrawal typically becom

• Aldoclor®

  This drug is a combination of two or more active ingredients. Please refer to each of the ingredients for information about nutrient interactions. Chlorothiazide Methyldopa

• Alendronate (Fosamax®) Alendronate (Fosamax®)

  Alendronate is a member of the bisphosphonate family of drugs used to treat/prevent osteoporosis. It is also used to treat some bone diseases and some cases of cancer that have spr

• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

  Common name: Lucerne Parts used and where grown: Alfalfa is a member of the pea family and is native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Alfalfa sprouts have bec

• Alka Seltzer Plus® Alka Seltzer Plus®

  This drug is a combination of two or more active ingredients. Please refer to each of the ingredients for information about nutrient interactions. Acetaminophen Pseudoephedrin

• Alka-Seltzer® Alka-Seltzer®

  This drug is a combination of two or more active ingredients. Please refer to each of the ingredients for information about nutrient interactions. Aspirin Citric acid Sodium

• Allergies Testing and Treatment

  There are several tests or procedures that are used by physicians to detect allergies. Most of these tests remain controversial. Some clinicians (cited below), however, believe som

• Allergies Testing and Treatment

  There are several tests or procedures that are used by physicians to detect allergies. Most of these tests remain controversial. Some clinicians (cited below), however, believe som

• Allergies and Sensitivities

  What is an allergy or sensitivity? Allergies are responses mounted by the immune system to a particular food, inhalant, or chemical. The term “sensitivity” is general and may inclu

• Aloe (Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis)

  Part used and where grown: The aloe plant originally came from Africa. The leaves are used; they are long, green, fleshy, and have spikes along the edges. The fresh leaf gel and la

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

  Also known as: ALA, thioctic acid What does it do? Alpha lipoic acid is a vitamin-like antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid is sometimes referred to as the “universal antioxidant,” be

• Aluminum Hydroxide

  Aluminum hydroxide acts as an antacid and is most commonly used in the treatment of heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcer. This drug is also sometimes used to reduce absorption of