Gut flora consists of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts and is the largest reservoir of human flora. The human body, consists of about 100 trillion cells, carries about ten times as many microorganisms in the intestines. The metabolic activities performed by these bacteria resemble those of an organ. It is estimated that these gut flora have around 100 times as many genes...

Licorice or Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a somewhat sweet flavur can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume (related to beans and peas) that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is called “Mulethi” in Northern India. The flavor of liquorice comes mainly from a sweet-tasting compound called anethole. Much of the sweetness in liquorice...

The most commonly used method to find out sex of the baby is ultrasound or sonogram. This method is most accurate between 18-22 weeks. It is normally done at the time when fetal anatomy is done in the mid-second trimester. At this point, it is usually easier to tell the sex of the baby. Earlier dates are usually too difficult to tell and at later dates become difficult because of crowding in the...

The combined oral contraceptive pill is a birth control method that includes a combination of an estrogen (oestrogen) and a progestin (progestogen). When taken by mouth every day, these pills inhibit female fertility. These pills were developed to prevent ovulation by suppressing the release of gonadotropins. Combined hormonal contraceptives  inhibit follicular development and prevent ovulation...

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a salicylic drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. Salicylic acid, the main metabolite of aspirin, is an integral part of human and animal metabolism. While much of it is attributable to diet, a substantial part is synthesized endogenously....

Fish oil is an oil derived from the tissues of oily fish. Fish oils contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors of eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and are thought to have many health benefits. Fish do not actually produce omega-3 fatty acids, but instead accumulate them by consuming either microalgae or prey...

Organic foods are foods that are produced using methods that do not involve synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers; do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. For the vast majority of human history, agriculture can be described as organic; only during the 20th century was a large supply of new...

Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. A study revealed one class of asthma drug can increase risk of hospitalization in children due to asthma attack. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It is thought to be caused by a combination...

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originated in ancient India. The goals of yoga are varied and range from improving health to achieving moksha, which is liberation from all worldly suffering and the cycle of birth and death. A US study showed that yoga ease out moderate lower back pain. Benefits of Yoga Not only does yoga affect the physical aspect of the body, it addresses...

Biomaterial is any matter, surface, or construct that interacts with biological systems. Biomaterials can be produced either naturally or synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of chemical processes utilizing metallic, polymeric or ceramic components. They are often used and/or adapted for many medical applications, and thus comprise whole or part of a living structure or even a biomedical...