Hangover

A common nonmedical term for the disagreeable physical effects following excessive consumption of alcohol (or the use of other drugs). Veisalgia is the little-used medical name for the condition. It is also called a Spanish headache.

Hangovers been known since Biblical times (or before): "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink" (Isaiah 5:11). Here are a few postbiblical facts that may help prevent or reduce the dreaded symptoms of an hangover from too much alcohol!

1. First of all, it is important to realize that many researchers disagree on what may be the exact cause of the syndrome. Some feel that certain by-products that come from the liver's breakdown of alcohol may be responsible, others have postulated that "toxins" such as methanol found in high quantities in some drinks are responsible.
2. Second, to combat this unwanted side effect, it has been suggested that we eat foods rich in cysteine, such as eggs. The cysteine is used by the liver when it processes or metabolizes alcohol; therefore building back up this chemical may help.
3. Third, another reasonable approach is to be sure to drink lots of water, since alcohol tends to dehydrate the body and brain. Some of the electrolyte rich drinks can also be of value.
4. Lastly, blood sugar levels can decrease after alcohol use, so some extra sugar is advised by some experts.

The bottom line here is that physicians do not actually know what causes a "hangover" so these home remedies are based on educated guesses rather than science. The best cure here is, as always, "moderation."

Hair loss

Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia can be temporary or permanent. The most common form of hair loss occurs gradually and is referred to as "androgenetic alopecia," meaning that a combination of hormones (androgens are male hormones) and heredity (genetics) is needed to develop the condition. Other types of hair loss include alopecia areata (patches of baldness that usually grow back), telogen effluvium (rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight loss); and traction alopecia (thinning from tight braids or ponytails).

Hair loss normally occurs gradually with age in both men and women, but is typically more pronounced in men.

Hairball

A wad of swallowed hair. Hairballs can sometimes be found to cause blockage of the digestive system, especially at the exit of the stomach.

Interestingly, in the Far East culture, hairballs are felt to have medicinal properties!

Also called a trichobezoar.

Kalemia

Kalemia: The presence of potassium in the blood. The word "kalemia" is seldom used today although it is the basis for the terms for abnormally high blood potassium (hyperkalemia) and low blood potassium (hypokalemia). See also: Potassium balance.