Is Alopecia (Hair Loss) a Serious Autoimmune Disease and Is It Permanent?

What causes alopecia areata?  Alopecia areata is a condition that causes patchy hair loss. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition, but it reverses in some cases without any medical intervention. Alopecia is the medical term for baldness. There are many different conditions and diseases that can cause hair loss in both men and women, but …

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Can Eating a Banana Before Bed Help You Sleep?

Benefits of eating a banana before bed Bananas are a great pre-bedtime snack, as they are rich in magnesium, vitamin B6, carbs, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. All these are nutrients that promote better sleep. Up to 70 million adults in America have trouble falling or staying asleep every year. Countless remedies including meditation, exercise, medication, and therapy encourage the …

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Heparin: Blood Clot Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage

Generic Name: heparin Drug Class: Anticoagulants, Cardiovascular; Anticoagulants, Hematologic What is heparin, and what is it used for? Heparin is a natural anticoagulant compound in the body that prevents the formation of blood clots (thrombosis). Heparin used as medication is commercially prepared from animal mucous tissue such as ox lungs and pig intestines. Heparin is administered intravenously or subcutaneously to prevent …

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Fresh Frozen Plasma: Transfusion Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage

Generic Name: fresh frozen plasma Brand and Other Names: FFP, Octaplas Drug Class: Blood Components What is fresh frozen plasma, and what is it used for? Plasma is the liquid component of blood, the medium that keeps blood flowing. Plasma is a straw-colored fluid that remains when all the blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets …

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Bethanechol: Overactive Bladder Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage

Generic Name: bethanechol Brand Name: Urecholine (discontinued brand) Drug Class: Cholinergics, Genitourinary What is bethanechol, and what is it used for? Bethanechol is a medication approved by the FDA for treating urinary retention that occurs after surgery, childbirth, or due to a nerve disorder. Bethanechol is used off-label to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Bethanechol belongs to a class of …

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What Is the Best Operation to Lose Weight?

Weight loss surgery options Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is one of the most effective tools for weight loss for people with a BMI above 40. The best operation to lose weight depends on a variety of factors but gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are two clear frontrunners. Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is …

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What Is a Non-binary Baby?

What does it mean to be non-binary? Non-binary genders are any gender that doesn't fit within the "man/woman" binary view of gender. A non-binary baby is agender, bigender, or demi-gender. "It's a boy," or "It's a girl," is typically the first thing a U.S. parent hears about their newborn child. Assigning gender at birth is now considered customary, and many …

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What Does Ashwagandha Do for Your Body?

Where is Ashwagandha found? Ashwagandha is a herb that’s mainly been used in India as part of the ancient medicinal system of Ayurveda for more than 3,000 years. Benefits of ashwaganda include stress relief, boosts fertility, boosts brain function, and other benefits. Ashwagandha is a herb that’s mainly been used in India as part of the ancient medicinal system of …

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What Diseases Can Cause A Positive ANA?

What are antinuclear antibodies? An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test shows signs of autoimmune disease. Diseases that may cause a positive ANA include scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, and other conditions. If your doctor has ordered an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, it's because they’re looking for signs of an autoimmune disease. These are diseases where your body’s immune system attacks some …

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What Causes a Person to Have Low Iron?

Symptoms of iron deficiency Iron is a mineral that humans need to function. Causes of low iron include colon cancer, IBD, heavy periods, traumatic injury, and other causes. Iron is a mineral that humans need to function. It is an important part of hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to all the …

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