In order for carbohydrates to be absorbed from food, they first must be broken down into smaller sugar particles such as glucose. Enzymes in the small intestine are responsible for breaking down these carbohydrates. Alpha-glucosidase is one of these enzymes.

Prescription medication for treating ulcers decreases the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. There are proteins in hazelnuts that are digested by hydrochloric acid, if for some reason these proteins aren't broken down they can cause sensitization to this tree nut. If the prescription medication decreases the release of hydrochloric acid, it is thought that allergy to this (and other foods in a similar manor) may occur.

Studies show that getting more sleep is one of the best ways to fight obesity. One investigation, reported by the National American Association for the Study of Obesity, showed that people who got less than four hours of sleep each night were 73 percent more likely to suffer from obesity than those who get the standard eight hours of rest. Obesity risk was 50 percent higher in people getting about five hours of sleep on average, and 23 percent higher for those hitting the hay for only six hours a night.

The worst symptom of nerve damage in diabetic peripheral neuropathy is pain. Peripheral neuropathy or damage to the nerves usually in the legs is a common complication of diabetes. In this analysis of two studies a total of 1,257 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were placed on Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) for one year, or a placebo.

A deficiency of zinc fosters the development of cancer of the upper digestive tract in rats. A lack of zinc increases inflammation and the release of the COX-2 enzyme. Zinc is needed for healthy DNA activity, the creation of new healthy cells, and for the removal of damaged cells.