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OverviewScleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. Scleroderma also may cause problems in the blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract. Scleroderma is often categorized as limited or diffuse, which refers only to the degree of skin involvement. Both types…

What is metabolism?Metabolism refers to the chemical (metabolic) processes that take place as your body converts foods and drinks into energy. It’s a complex process that combines calories and oxygen to create and release energy. This energy fuels body functions.AdvertisementCleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.…

Coping with thalassemia, your own or your child’s, can be challenging. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you have questions or would like guidance, talk with a member of your health care team.You might also benefit from joining a support group, which can provide both sympathetic listening and useful information. Ask a member of…

What are the symptoms of stomach ulcers?A stomach ulcer feels like a sore spot in your stomach, which is located in your upper abdomen, between your breastbone and your belly button, a little to the left.Typical ulcer pain feels like an acid burn in your stomach, or like something is eating it. This feeling isn’t…

A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the nutrition you need, most of your daily calories should come from:The Dietary Guidelines for Americans explain how much of each nutrient you should consume daily.The number of calories in a food refers to the amount of energy stored in…

Overview Chronic sinusitis Enlarge image Close Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis An infection, growths in the sinuses, called nasal polyps, or swelling of the lining of the sinuses can cause chronic sinusitis. Symptoms might include a blocked or stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe through the nose and pain and swelling around the eyes,…

Added sugar has taken the spotlight as the ingredient to avoid in the modern diet.On average, Americans eat about 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day (1).Most of this is hidden within processed foods, so people don’t even realize they’re eating it.All this sugar may be a key factor in several major illnesses, including heart…

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) causes the body to destroy healthy tissue. It can change the appearance and texture of your skin and affect other organs in your body.Systemic sclerosis (SS) is an autoimmune disorder that causes atypical growth of connective tissues. Connective tissue gives your tissues (organs and muscles) strength and shape. With SS, your tissue…

Vitamins are nutrients that are found in the foods we eat. They’re needed for functions such as growth, metabolism, and nervous system activities.Often, a health-promoting diet can provide all the vitamins your body needs, but a vitamin supplement can help if there’s a vitamin you’re lacking. However, vitamins can pose risks and cause side effects,…

What is thyroid disease?Thyroid disease is a general term for a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. It can affect people of all ages.Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and…