When you “crack” your joint, the popping noise is not due to bone rubbing against bone. Instead, when you crack your joints, the joint space expands and causes the joint fluid to form a gas bubble which subsequently pops causing “cracking” sound. The gas then requires a few moments to redissolve into the fluid before… Continue reading Why is it that when you crack your knuckles they make a popping noise? Will cracking knuckles cause arthritis?
Month: August 2010
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite refers to the change in skin appearance resulting in dimples and nodules resembling orangle-peel often in the abdomen, gluteal, and thighs of women. Cellulite affects women more than men and is commonly regarded as a normal variant of skin as opposed to a disease. Human skin has suspensary ligaments that hold the skin close… Continue reading What causes cellulite?
I hear that licorice can make you get high blood pressure. Is this true?
There is some truth to that statement. In susceptible individuals, licorice can indeed elevate blood pressure. In individuals who have a history of hypertension, licorice can aggravate the hypertension if taken in excess amounts. The mechanism is that licorice inhibits the enzyme (11-B hydroxysteoid dehydrogenase) that allows cortisol (the body’s natural stress hormone) to be… Continue reading I hear that licorice can make you get high blood pressure. Is this true?
I have a missing tooth and am exploring options. I went to the dentist and he recommended implants. But I am not so sure because its a surgery. What are the side effects and complications of implant surgery? Should I get an implant or a bridge?
For single tooth replacements, most dentists recommend implants over bridges. Granted, this is quite subjective and based on personal experience and preference. Implants have been around for over 30 years and in the hands of an experienced dentist, the success rates are over 99%. Implants are superior to bridges for the following reasons: 1) Implants… Continue reading I have a missing tooth and am exploring options. I went to the dentist and he recommended implants. But I am not so sure because its a surgery. What are the side effects and complications of implant surgery? Should I get an implant or a bridge?
Do eye exercises like the “See Clearly Method” actually help improve your vision?
In theory, yes. Eye exercises like the “See Clearly Method” are aimed at strengthening the small muscles that constrict and dilate your pupils as well as the muscles that control the shape of the lens (for accomodation). These muscles (especially the ones that control the shape of the lens) become lax over time which results… Continue reading Do eye exercises like the “See Clearly Method” actually help improve your vision?