True Health Info

Yoga is traditionally associated with exercise and meditation, but it also has a philosophic, spiritual and historical background in India. But did you know practicing yoga has health benefits for the body and mind? Read on to learn more.

Thyme is a common herb, used often on roasted vegetables and meats as well as in soups and stews. But did you know besides its taste, thyme also has health benefits? Read on to learn.

Are you medically underweight?
If you think you might be underweight you should check your Body Mass Index (BMI); any number less than 18.5 generally means you are underweight - although there can be exceptions, for example if you're of Chinese or Indian descent you could expect to be slighter. Your doctor (GP) can advise you on this.
The right food for weight gain

To put on weight you need to consume more calories than your body is burning off. The Government recommends that women eat about 2000 calories a day and men consume about 2500 per day, so if you want to put on weight you should try to eat more than that. But there are good ways and not-so-good ways of doing this.
Junk food is highly calorific, but stuffing yourself isn't the best way of putting on weight. Fast food and snacks such as crisps are high in saturated fat, leaving you with greasy skin, lank hair and high cholesterol - which in severe cases can cause strokes and heart attacks.
On the other hand unsaturated fats, such as oily fish, nuts and seeds, avocados, olive oils and vegetable fats, are powerful sources of energy but still healthy. They can lower cholesterol and provide you with the essential fatty acids you need.
A balanced diet containing all of your main food groups is the healthiest way to put on weight. Ideally every meal should contain some protein and some carbohydrates. Proteins can be found in foods like nuts, fish, dairy products and meats. These food groups will help you build muscle mass, rather than adding body fat.  Proteins are essential for growth and repairing the body - about 15% of your daily calories should come from protein.
Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body as they are the easiest to convert into glucose which the body uses to power itself. Basically, if you eat lots of carbs you are more likely to be consuming more energy than you're burning off. Pulses, bread, potatoes and rice are all good sources of carbohydrates.
How much to eat?
If you are used to eating small portions and infrequently you may want to think about eating slightly more than you normally would - you will find your appetite beginning to increase over time.  But you can't just be expected to double your food intake - there is a limit to what you can eat.
Be clever with your calories: every time you cook, think how you can add extra calories without just eating more food. Consider mashing your potatoes with olive oil (which is full of healthy unsaturated fats), drizzle dressing on your salad or make creamy sauces for your fish.
When to eat
If you can, try and eat every three hours or so, which means you'll be eating three main meals a day and three snacks. Evenly pace how often you eat to make sure you get a chance to digest your food.
Make it easy to snack by keeping your fridge and cupboards stocked with easy foods - breakfast cereal with full-fat milk is quick to prepare and can be eaten any time of day.  If  you're too busy to eat regularly try and think of ways to cheat. Cook more food than you need for dinner and save half for lunch the next day or take snacks, like bananas, to eat while you're out.



Exercise for the underweight
It's a myth to think if you want to put on weight you should cut down on exercise. Different types of exercise can help you lose or gain weight. Resistance exercises, like weight training, will help to increase your weight through building muscle mass, while aerobic exercising, such as running, burn off calories. Focus on activities that will build you up.
Keep your GP informed
Putting on weight isn't any easier than losing it - you'll need will power. But if you commit to eating more over a period of time you will achieve your goal.
If you're consuming more food and not putting on any weight there might be an underlying medical reason. For example, undiagnosed diabetes or an under-active thyroid can be reasons for weight loss. Also if you're really struggling to put on weight, there are food supplements your doctor (GP) can prescribe for you that can help increase your daily calorie intake. These include high calorie juice drinks or milkshakes which you drink as an addition to meals, rather than as a replacement.
Being underweight can be just as bad for you as being overweight, so don't feel you can't discuss it with your doctor (GP) - they will be interested and will want to help.

What is it?
Acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The TCM theory says we have flows of energy, called qi (pronounced 'chee') channelling through our body. These channels are known as meridians and when they're blocked it can cause imbalance in the body and ultimately illness.

How does it work?
An acupuncturist will insert very fine metal needles into carefully selected points under the skin to stimulate certain parts of the body. It's thought that this releases any blockages and reinstates energy flow. More conventional theories state that the needles stimulate our nerves, increasing the body's release of our natural painkillers and 'feel good' chemicals, endorphin and serotonin. Apparently, this affects the way pain signals are received.
Typically, your first consultation will be longer than subsequent appointments. The practitioner is likely to look at the colour and appearance of your tongue and assess the pulse of your wrists. They'll also ask about your medical history and the symptoms you're currently experiencing. Even if you're normally alarmed by injections, don't rule out acupuncture. The needles are much finer and the sensation is often described as a light tingling or dull ache. Most sessions last for around 30 minutes.
What are the benefits?
People find acupuncture particularly beneficial for treating pain, such as headaches, back, shoulder, neck and leg pain. It's also a well-used treatment for patients with bowel or bladder problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), allergies, menstrual problems and skin complaints. Others seek treatment when they're trying to give up smoking.
Where's the proof?
A British Medical Association (BMA) enquiry in 2000 recommended that acupuncture becomes more widely available on the NHS. Its two-year study found that the therapy proved effective in treating back and dental pain, nausea and migraine. The Cochrane Reviews provide independent evidence about the use of acupuncture for many complaints. According to these studies, there isn't sufficient evidence to show that acupuncture is helpful for depression or as an aid to give up smoking. Its research into the use of acupuncture for neck pain is more positive.
Researchers in Germany have also claimed that acupuncture is one of the most effective therapies for back pain. The study, led by Dr Michael Haake of the University of Regensburg, discovered that six months' treatment of acupuncture appears to be more effective than the more usual treatment involving a combination of medication, exercise and physical therapy.



Getting treatment
Doctors (GPs) regard acupuncture as a more effective treatment than many alternative therapies, so it is possible to get a referral. The British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) is a nationwide group of doctors and hospital specialists who practise acupuncture alongside more conventional techniques. It offers a more measured approach to the use and benefits of acupuncture and you'll find some useful advice about seeking treatment on its website. You can search for a qualified professional in your area on the British Acupuncture Council's website. Expect to pay upwards of £25 for a private session, often more depending on the length of the session.
If you're considering a complementary treatment or therapy for any medical condition, always consult your doctor (GP) first. This is to make sure it doesn't conflict with any existing course of treatment you may be taking, and also to check it won't have a negative impact on your health.

What is it?
Herbal medicines are plant-based remedies, and have been in use since early civilisation in many different forms. Today, they are commonly available as tablets, tinctures, powders, teas, food supplements and extracts. Herbal medicine also plays a central role in other forms of complementary therapy, such as homeopathy, naturotherapy and also traditional Chinese medicine (which is underpinned by a philosophy that good health comes from balance - known as yin and yang) and Ayurvedic medicine (a herbal-based therapy which is based on an Indian belief system).

How does it work?
Herbalists believe that the delicate chemical make-up of each plant - or herb -based product contains certain healing properties. Unlike conventional medicine, however, no attempt is made to isolate and extract such elements. Instead, the belief is that the entire plant or herb should be used in order to preserve the healing properties. It's worth noting that some conventional medicines are derived from herbalism, such as aspirin (from willow bark) and morphine (from poppies).
What are the benefits?
Some herbal medicines have been tested, with proven results. For example, St John's wort is recognised in the treatment of mild depression, garlic is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, and ginger is often used to relieve feelings of nausea. Other popular herbal remedies include Echinacea to help ease cold symptoms and peppermint oil in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. People with allergies, sleep disorders and skin conditions also commonly turn to herbalism for treatment. Like any medicine, however, herbal products have the potential to produce unwanted reactions, and should be used with care. If in doubt, consult your doctor (GP).
Recently I went to see the herbalist with a variety of problems. So far, I've been far more chilled out, but it is still early days. I'd like to see how I feel by the end of the month.



Where's the proof?
It is a fact that many plants contain chemical compounds that can have an effect on the body. While many herbal products have been scientifically proven to have a beneficial impact on health, many remain untested or even questionable in nature. The key is to be sure that what you're taking is safe for your health, and only your doctor can address that.
Getting treatment
NHS herbal medicine is now available, in a very limited capacity, and much also depends on your doctor's view of complementary therapies. You can also check out the website for The National Institute of Medical Herbalists which offers an online facility to find a herbalist in your area.
Case study - Helena, 17
Recently I went to see the herbalist with a variety of problems, which are all (more or less) caused by stress. She went through my health history, and then she took my pulse and blood pressure. Once this was done, she created a blend of herbal tinctures for me to take twice a day for a month, and gave me a food diary to fill out. She then asked me to come back in a month's time to see how I got on. She also recommended that I eat some different foods (more nuts, and leafy greens), and encouraged me to drink more herbal teas, such as peppermint for my digestion and chamomile for the stress. So far, I've been far more chilled out, but it is still early days. I'd like to see how I feel by the end of the month.
If you're considering a complementary treatment or therapy for any medical condition, always consult your doctor (GP) first. This is to make sure it doesn't conflict with any existing course of treatment you may be taking, and also to check it won't have a negative impact on your health.

People, if taking came down to an option between the torture and there, the drug of the weigh-loss to be available on Friday that begins opposite, would take the stuck burning pokers through my internal.
Which is remarkable similar in order that there on me. , Nevertheless, there are lost 74 pounds without him. On that it advanced more more. There it is what was Orlistat call, and I have made two courses very horribly repugnant of Orlistat. And here it is what I must say to you: Not to leave to the taking of the big drum of the drug-company your money.

Yes, it blocks the absorption of some fats there, but it is not no drug of the miracle. If outside, it would not need a campaign the public-relations. First, it is not a drug there that promises enormous loss of the weight, and they impel to you to follow a program of the put on a diet-and-exercise anyway. There to do that, and you do not need. Secondly, it is a drug that has indirect effect that - and I not to wish overshare here - can be that you make wonder if you have consumed roadkill two inadvertently time-cooking to the furnace.

To say that it can be that you wish more not to share a bathroom with is not even putting things too much strongly. For one drug that does not improve your cardiovascular system nor heightens your tone of the muscle, that looks like a pretty poor compensation for some hypothetical pounds of your end. I do not say to this frivolously: I know that people wish to lose the weight. In fact, there are lost 74 pounds during the eight last months. No, you are not able to discover my weights of the principle and the conclusion. To be it sufficient to say that I began towards outside well in the 200 frees-more territory, and now I am using the jeans of size 10. I am not aiming for a particular weight.



Healthy desire and to be at least intoned smoothly, and if it could from time to time rob a pair of the jeans of my daughter of 16 years, que' d are inflammation. Here it is how I lost the weight: I changed what I ate, and I exercise two hours per day at least. Newspaper.

Nonjump towards outside in my exercise. If I have an early meeting, I rise early and I exercise first. I occur to no ignited step exercise. What changed my mind on my weight? Among other things, I am a single father. And although I make that any day could walk in front of a car, I wished to occur the best system of probabilities in living enough time to see my cabritos through High secondary School and of university. I so began to walk in a wheel of squirrel in the daily work, including Saturday and Sunday. First, four miles. Then five. And, finally, seven. And I added the training and crujidos of the weight three times to the week.