Latest news with #UKCareGuide
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor's two easy habits to stop you feeling 'tired all day'
The internal medicine specialist promised his tips aren't 'anything weird' before sharing them on social media A doctor swears by two key lifestyle habits for skyrocketing energy levels - and they're actually surprisingly simple. Dr Alexandre Olmos, who specialises in internal medicine, said incorporating these took him from 'being tired all day' to 'feeling alive' in a recent TikTok. "Add up only these two life habits, and your energy level will skyrocket," he told his 26,000 followers. "I'm not the type of person who tries impossible challenges, but when I first tried this, I went from being tired all day to feeling alive. "And no, you don't need to take anything weird." You may be surprised to hear that Dr Olmos' first habit is to 'expose yourself to the cold', he noted that just a simple two-minute cold shower might be enough to make a difference. And Dr Olmos certainly isn't alone in his views either. In 2023, one study found that participants who spent five minutes in a cold bath reportedly felt more 'active, alert, attentive, proud, and inspired' and less distressed or nervous. Other research has also acknowledged potential links between cold water therapy and anti-inflammation perks. However, it's clear that further research is necessary to thoroughly understand these associations. Dr Olmos continued: "You will notice a surge of energy, improved circulation, and your immune system will activate. "And the second one is even simpler. Stop eating dinner so late. If you have dinner three hours before going to sleep, your body goes into recovery mode, not digestion mode." Once again, various other experts have echoed these thoughts, too. Resting after a large meal can significantly affect sleep quality, which might lead to acid reflux or heartburn. Helen Bell, a nutritionist at the UK Care Guide, previously told the Mirror: "When you lie down soon after eating, it can lead to acid reflux or heartburn due to the stomach acid travelling back up the oesophagus. "I would [also] say that eating before bed can contribute to weight gain. With my clients, I've observed that late-night eating often leads to the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like snacks and desserts. These foods are more likely to be stored as fat because your metabolism slows down during sleep." In his video, Dr Olmos continued: "[If you avoid this] you are going to sleep profoundly, you will burn fat while you sleep, and your biological clock will synchronise itself."
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I Asked Doctors What They Do (And Absolutely Avoid Doing) When They've Got A Stomach Bug
Norovirus is showing no signs of slowing as it continues to take out households across the UK with those characteristic (yet wildly unpleasant) symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. The number of NHS hospital beds taken up by patients with the virus is nearly 150% higher than last year, new figures reveal, while visits to the NHS' norovirus webpage have surged by 40% in the last week. If you're currently down with the virus, you're not alone. We asked Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, and Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, what they tend to do when they're off with a stomach bug. Here are their tips... For Dr Cunningham, the priority when dealing with a stomach bug is to stay well-hydrated. His go-tos are: water, clear broth or herbal teas which can help replace lost fluids. If you've been vomiting a lot, Dr Lee recommends taking small sips of water as often as needed. Small sips are best, as opposed to a big glug, as it helps reduce the risk of overloading your stomach and prevents further nausea. 'The important thing is to look out for signs of dehydration: a dry mouth, lips and tongue; headache; rapid heart rate; low blood pressure; feeling dizzy; not passing much urine; and dark concentrated urine,' says Dr Lee. If you're being sick or having very watery poos, you're going to want to alter your diet accordingly. 'Certain foods should be avoided during recovery, particularly dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and greasy or highly processed foods, as these can irritate the stomach,' says Dr Cunningham. Dr Lee agrees with his comments, adding she would also avoid the following foods if she had diarrhoea: High-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, rice, cereals or pasta Any foods that contain wholemeal flour Fruit juice as the high sugar content can make diarrhoea worse Nuts and dried fruits as they are also high in fibre, and dried fruits contain a lot of sugar Raw vegetables and fruit which can harbour unwanted bacteria Beans, lentils and other pulses which are high fibre Cauliflower, cabbage and onions as these increase intestinal gas Spicy foods like chilli and curry as these can irritate the gut Boiled sweets Chewing gum. 'When ready to eat, I say that is always best to start with bland and boring foods such as plain toast, crackers, rice or plain boiled potatoes, as these are easier to digest,' says Dr Cunningham. Dr Lee's go-to ingredients for recovery are similar: dry crackers, scrambled egg or banana. 'We would avoid high-fat or high-sugar foods until things had got back to normal,' she adds. 'In general, there is no need for electrolyte sachets such as Dioralyte. But if the episode lasted more than 48 hours, I would probably get some.' If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, it's best to stay home for 48 hours after your last runny poo or bout of vomiting. This is mainly to stop it from spreading to other people, but it's also important to just spend some time to rest. 'Rest is also an important part of recovery, allowing the body time to fight off the infection,' says Dr Cunningham. 'If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, or if there are signs of severe dehydration (such as dizziness, confusion or reduced urine output), I'd recommend seeing or speaking to your GP.' I'm A Doctor – Here's Why You Might Get The Shakes For No Reason Norovirus Is Rife Right Now – This Is Why Some People Might Get It Worse Than Others Worried About Getting Norovirus? Do These 7 Things To Prevent It From Spreading I'm A Gynae Health Expert, This Is Why You Get Butt Pain On Your Period
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Am I Shaking For No Reason? A Doctor Explains The Phenomenon
Have you ever noticed your body shaking involuntarily and wondered why on earth it happens? Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, tells HuffPost UK the issue is 'more common than many might think'. 'I'd say that almost everyone experiences a mild tremor at some point, often due to temporary stress or fatigue,' he says. Anxiety, caffeine, high or low blood pressure and even some common medications can trigger the issue, as can a range of health conditions like multiple sclerosis or even after stroke. 'In my experience, tremors can arise from a variety of causes, both physiological and psychological,' adds Dr Cunningham. 'Commonly, I've seen that essential tremors, which can be hereditary, and conditions like Parkinson's disease, are frequent culprits.' According to Penn Medicine, essential tremor – which mainly impacts those over 40 – is a condition that affects the nervous system, 'causing involuntary and rhythmic shaking or trembling'. It typically affects the hands and forearms, but can also impact the head, voice, face and legs. Dr Cunningham adds that medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can induce shaking as a side effect. And even a nutritional deficiency, like low levels of Vitamin B12, can play a role in this, he says. 'Ultimately, pinpointing the root cause requires a thorough evaluation, as tremors can be multifactorial,' he suggests. The doctor suggests lifestyle factors can 'significantly' influence the severity of tremors – so if you're experiencing them regularly, you might want to adopt some lifestyle changes. 'Stress and anxiety are major contributors, and I always recommend stress management techniques to my patients. Caffeine and certain medications can also exacerbate tremors, so moderating these is beneficial,' he adds. Anecdotally he's also noticed that changes in sleep patterns and fatigue can worsen tremors. 'Ensuring adequate rest and maintaining a balanced diet can be surprisingly effective in managing symptoms. Small lifestyle tweaks can often lead to noticeable improvements,' he adds. According to the NHS, a tremor might become more noticeable in the following circumstances: as you get older; when you're stressed, tired, anxious or angry; after drinking caffeine, drinking alcohol, or smoking; if you're very hot or cold. 'Understanding that not all tremors indicate a serious underlying condition is important,' says Dr Cunningham. 'However, the stigma and worry surrounding them can sometimes exacerbate the issue. It's important to address the emotional impact as well.' If you find your shaking is persistent, getting worse, or affecting daily activities, it's time to book a GP visit to rule out underlying issues. 'In my experience, any tremor that interferes with daily activities warrants a closer look. Particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty in movement or speech, medical advice is crucial,' says Dr Cunningham. 'It's always better to err on the side of caution. I've seen peace of mind restored simply by confirming that a tremor is benign. Early intervention can also make a significant difference in the management of more serious conditions.' If your tremor is impacting your life, you might be prescribed something for it to reduce the shaking. If it's impacting your head or voice, the NHS suggests you could be given injections to block the nerves and relax the muscles. 'There are several approaches to managing tremors,' says the doctor. 'I always recommend starting with lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine and managing stress. For more persistent cases, medications or even physical therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms.' I'm A Gut Doctor — Here Are 3 Bread Alternatives That Won't Leave You Bloated This Is Why Doctors Want You To Chew Gum After A C-Section I'm A Doctor — Take This 5-Second Skin Test To Check If You're Dehydrated 1 Thing You Should Never Do If You Can't Fall Asleep, According To A Doctor
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Am I Shaking For No Reason? A Doctor Explains The Phenomenon
Have you ever noticed your body shaking involuntarily and wondered why on earth it happens? Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, tells HuffPost UK the issue is 'more common than many might think'. 'I'd say that almost everyone experiences a mild tremor at some point, often due to temporary stress or fatigue,' he says. Anxiety, caffeine, high or low blood pressure and even some common medications can trigger the issue, as can a range of health conditions like multiple sclerosis or even after stroke. 'In my experience, tremors can arise from a variety of causes, both physiological and psychological,' adds Dr Cunningham. 'Commonly, I've seen that essential tremors, which can be hereditary, and conditions like Parkinson's disease, are frequent culprits.' According to Penn Medicine, essential tremor – which mainly impacts those over 40 – is a condition that affects the nervous system, 'causing involuntary and rhythmic shaking or trembling'. It typically affects the hands and forearms, but can also impact the head, voice, face and legs. Dr Cunningham adds that medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system, can induce shaking as a side effect. And even a nutritional deficiency, like low levels of Vitamin B12, can play a role in this, he says. 'Ultimately, pinpointing the root cause requires a thorough evaluation, as tremors can be multifactorial,' he suggests. The doctor suggests lifestyle factors can 'significantly' influence the severity of tremors – so if you're experiencing them regularly, you might want to adopt some lifestyle changes. 'Stress and anxiety are major contributors, and I always recommend stress management techniques to my patients. Caffeine and certain medications can also exacerbate tremors, so moderating these is beneficial,' he adds. Anecdotally he's also noticed that changes in sleep patterns and fatigue can worsen tremors. 'Ensuring adequate rest and maintaining a balanced diet can be surprisingly effective in managing symptoms. Small lifestyle tweaks can often lead to noticeable improvements,' he adds. According to the NHS, a tremor might become more noticeable in the following circumstances: as you get older; when you're stressed, tired, anxious or angry; after drinking caffeine, drinking alcohol, or smoking; if you're very hot or cold. 'Understanding that not all tremors indicate a serious underlying condition is important,' says Dr Cunningham. 'However, the stigma and worry surrounding them can sometimes exacerbate the issue. It's important to address the emotional impact as well.' If you find your shaking is persistent, getting worse, or affecting daily activities, it's time to book a GP visit to rule out underlying issues. 'In my experience, any tremor that interferes with daily activities warrants a closer look. Particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty in movement or speech, medical advice is crucial,' says Dr Cunningham. 'It's always better to err on the side of caution. I've seen peace of mind restored simply by confirming that a tremor is benign. Early intervention can also make a significant difference in the management of more serious conditions.' If your tremor is impacting your life, you might be prescribed something for it to reduce the shaking. If it's impacting your head or voice, the NHS suggests you could be given injections to block the nerves and relax the muscles. 'There are several approaches to managing tremors,' says the doctor. 'I always recommend starting with lifestyle modifications, such as reducing caffeine and managing stress. For more persistent cases, medications or even physical therapy can be effective in reducing symptoms.' I'm A Gut Doctor — Here Are 3 Bread Alternatives That Won't Leave You Bloated This Is Why Doctors Want You To Chew Gum After A C-Section I'm A Doctor — Take This 5-Second Skin Test To Check If You're Dehydrated 1 Thing You Should Never Do If You Can't Fall Asleep, According To A Doctor
