This post has been contributed by Laura With the fresh start that is offered at the beginning of a new year, you have the chance to look after your body like never before. Here are some tips to help you do that. Prioritise Sleep Your body only has the chance to recover and repair itself when you’re asleep. And neglecting sleep can cause all kinds of long-term health problems. It might seem like you haven’t got time to spend seven to nine hours in bed each night, but this is the recommended time. And your health will take the hit if you don’t get enough sleep. Your work productivity and energy levels will not be able to remain consistent through the day either. You’ll see the difference in your mood and energy if you start sleeping more. React to Any Pains When you feel an ache or pain in your body, this is a sign that something is not quite right. You should react to this, rather than dismissing it as a sign of ageing. Those aches in the joints might be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. There are organisations like Physio Body & Sole that can provide physiotherapy to help with any aches and pains. And if you’re still unsure about your health, you should see your doctor. Don’t Forget to Take it Easy Stress is one of the big problems that people are facing right now. As we are working more and having less time to ourselves, getting a balance between work and play is difficult. You have to remember to take it easy if you want to avoid stress and the other problems it can cause your body. Instead of running around and doing things all the time, why not slow down a little? It could give you the break you need to calm down and take a breather. Not everything needs to be done at breakneck speed. Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Routine We’re all busy people, and it can often be difficult to fit exercise into our daily routine. But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the idea of getting active. Living a sedentary life will only cause you to put on weight and deteriorate your general fitness. You could do some yoga when you wake up and before you go to bed, for example. And you should try walking more rather than hopping in the car or on the bus. Even simple things like taking the stairs more often can help a lot. Revolutionise Your Diet The food you consume is what fuels your body. So, it makes sense that if you’re putting in the wrong food, your body won’t react well. Maybe it’s time to completely overhaul the way you eat and think about food. Start by looking at what you currently eat each week; you could keep a food diary. Then add up the calories you consume in a week. And compare the amount of unhealthy foods to the amount of whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Looking at your diet might give you the kick you need to change your diet for the better.
0 Comments
This article has been contributed by Diana Smith. In 1991, something strange happened. A so-called Iceman, a naturally mummified body was discovered by hikers in the Italian Alps. The mystery surrounding a dead body frozen 5300 years before did not end there. Researchers found two lumps containing bracket fungus. Why he carried them with himself was to be discovered 7 years later. In 1998, an autopsy revealed that Iceman had intestinal parasite in his rectum and that he treated his condition with bracket fungus. The case of a mysterious Iceman is the first documented example of herbal medicine in the world. A long tradition The four major herbal traditions in the world, Chinese, Ayurvedic, European and Native American tell us about the importance of herbs throughout history. The Devine Farmer’s Classic of Herbalism, compiled 2000 years ago is the oldest book on herbalism. The roots of this type of medicine in Australia reach 1905, when naturopathic services were advertised in newspapers. Even though synthesized drugs have revolutionized medicine as we know it, a large number of people in developing countries still use herbs to treat various conditions. 90% of population in Africa and 70% of population in India still rely on traditional medicine. The situation is similar in developed countries. According to the estimates by the World Health Organization, 80% of people worldwide use herbal medicines. Multiple active compounds Major advantage of botanicals over drugs is that botanicals contain multiple active compounds. These compounds taken together may have a positive effect on our bodies no drug can have. Even though this may seem to you an advantage of herbs, separation of the active compounds is a serious challenge when it comes to scientific evidence. On the other hand, the type of environment, how and when the plant is harvested and processed can determine the effectiveness of the herb. This means that plants should be grown specifically for the purpose of research. Other benefits Another reason why people opt for medicinal herbs is that they cost less than drugs. Furthermore, they are effective for various conditions. For example, kava kava can be used for elevating mood and treating insomnia. Finally, they are usually available without prescription. Some of the most commonly used herbal medicines: Echinacea- decreases the odds of catching a flu by 58%; Ginkgo- improves blood circulation and slows down Alzheimer’s disease; St. John's wort- strong scientific evidence that it is effective for mild to moderate depression because it contains a chemical, hyperforin, which plays a role in depression; Garlic- produces a chemical, allicin which makes it effective in treating the conditions related to the heart and blood system, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack and atherosclerosis; Chamomile- used for treating chest colds, slow-healing wounds, abscesses, gum inflammation and skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox, and diaper rash; Ginger- used for stomach problems, such as motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery and loss of appetite; Ginseng- lowers blood sugar levels, improves concentration and learning; when it comes to studies of mental performance, ginseng was combined with ginkgo; Saw palmetto- used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland; Valerian- a common medication for sleep problems; has fewer side effects compared to sleeping pills Milk thistle- provides benefits when it comes to liver problems, such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders; Evening primrose- used for eczema, psoriasis, and acne, rheumatoid arthritis, weak bones, Raynaud’s syndrome and multiple sclerosis; Cannabis- the latest cannabis news link this herb to the treatment of epilepsy. Regulations in Australia Herbal medicines are referred to as complementary medicines in Australian law and they regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The risk-based approach includes that lower-risk medicines can be listed, while higher risk medicines must be registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Even though herbal medicines are safe to use in most cases, some of them can have side effects as they can interact with prescription medications and as they may worsen certain medical conditions. Before you choose herbal medicines, research about them online. Make sure you look for scientific studies proving health benefits of the plant. Finally, if you are unsure about their usage, contact a healthcare professional. |
Categories
All
Archives
November 2022
|