If you have heard the term ‘homoeopathy’ and are confused as to what it means, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will look at what homoeopathy is, the principles behind it, and whether it is safe and effective.   Homoeopathy (also known as homoeopathic medicine) is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); these are treatments that are not considered to be part of conventional, mainstream healthcare. Homoeopathic medicines or remedies consist of substances that have been heavily diluted to the point that there is only a very small amount of the substance left. Homeopaths are practitioners that recommend homeopathic remedies.   Homeopathy is based on a series of theories developed by a German doctor called Samuel Hahnemann in the 1790s. One of which is that ‘like cures like’. Meaning that if a substance can cause certain symptoms in a healthy person, it may be able to cure those symptoms in an ill person. Homoeopathy is also based on a theory called potentiation, which is the belief that if a substance can cause symptoms when given in a large dose, then it can cure these symptoms when given in small amounts. It is thought that if a substance is heavily diluted and vigorously shaken, then the curative properties of the substance can become activated. It is also believed that the more a sense is cut, the more potent it becomes, which is why homoeopathic remedies are diluted to the point that they consist of only a minimal amount of the active substance.  

Understanding why herniated disc pain ebbs and flows and its unpredictable nature is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the symptoms, mechanisms and treatments. Common spine conditions like herniated discs can cause a range of symptoms, from little discomfort to bad pain and limits in one's ability to do basic tasks. It is unpredictable, with intervals of relief followed by painful episodes. We will look at the mechanisms, environmental, and personal influences on herniated discs.

Embarking on a weight loss journey can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, resources, and support, the path to a healthier you become more achievable. In collaboration with healthwords.ai, Wegovy, and Liva, this comprehensive weight loss program offers a unique approach that combines medical expertise, cutting-edge medication, and personalised support. If you would like to find out more about the program, then have a look at our pre-assessment program page. Let's examine the key components of this transformative program, which is designed to help you achieve sustainable, lasting weight loss and next steps.

Here’s why you should use healthwords.ai as your go-to platform for booking video consultations. Who we work with healthwords.ai connects you to doctors based at CQC-registered (Care Quality Commission) medical practices. This means the clinics we work with meet strict UK healthcare standards set by an independent government body that regularly inspects and monitors quality of care, safety, and cleanliness. This is the same level of oversight you’d expect from an in-person GP surgery. GMC-Registered UK Doctors – specialists you can rely on   Every doctor available through healthwords.ai is: GMC-registered (General Medical Council), which means they are legally licensed and professionally accountable in the UK. UK-qualified – trained and educated within the UK’s respected medical system. Specialists in their field – from general practitioners to experienced clinicians in specific areas like dermatology, women’s health, mental health, and more. They’ve all worked within the UK healthcare system and bring years of hands-on experience, so you’re not just seeing any doctor – you’re seeing a trusted UK professional who knows their field inside and out.

Healthwords.ai offers a personalised weight loss program designed to support you on your journey. We combine medication (prescribed by UK-registered healthcare professionals) with the power of a weight loss programme. This will give you in your pocket, offering ongoing support, motivation, and guidance What sets us apart? Person-Centred Approach: Our programme is built around your unique needs and goals. Plan for sustainable weight loss, considering your lifestyle, preferences, and health background. Evidence-Based Support: We believe in providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Resources, including expert dietary advice, tailored behavioural support, and information on healthy habits. Long-Term Success: Our programme goes beyond just weight loss.

Collagen is a protein that is very important for your body. It helps keep your skin, hair, nails, muscles, and joints strong and flexible. As you get older, your body makes less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, thinner hair, and joint pain. Many people use collagen supplements and beauty products, hoping to look younger and feel better. This article explains what collagen is, how it works, the different types, and whether supplements really help. It also shares natural ways to boost your body’s collagen and clears up common myths.

What is Shingles? Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a virus. This virus is the same one that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body but remains inactive. Years later, the virus can wake up and cause shingles. The shingles rash usually appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of your body. Before the rash shows up, you might feel pain, itching, or tingling in that area. The rash typically forms blisters that crust over within 7-10 days and usually heal within 2-4 weeks. Shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, but it's more common in older adults and people with weak immune systems. Some people may experience long-lasting nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) after the rash has healed. What Causes Shingles? Shingles happens when the chickenpox virus (called varicella-zoster virus) that's been hiding in your nerve cells wakes up. Doctors aren't entirely sure why the virus wakes up in some people, but several things can increase the risk: Getting older (your immune system naturally weakens with age) Having diseases that weaken your immune system, like HIV/AIDS or cancer Taking medications that suppress your immune system Being under a lot of stress Having an injury in the area where the rash appears You can only get shingles if you've had chickenpox before. If you've never had chickenpox, you can't get shingles. However, if you're around someone with shingles, you could catch chickenpox if you've never had it. Can You Get Shingles More Than Once? Yes, you can get shingles more than once, although it doesn't happen very often. Most people who have had shingles won't get it again. About 1-6 out of 100 people might have shingles a second or third time in their life. The risk of getting shingles again is higher for people with: Weak immune systems Other health problems A severe first case of shingles Lasting nerve pain after their first bout of shingles What Makes Shingles Come Back? Several things can make shingles more likely to come back: Age As you get older, your immune system gets weaker, making it harder for your body to keep the virus inactive. Weak Immune System People with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those taking medicines that weaken the immune system (like steroids or chemotherapy) have a higher risk. Genetics Some people may be born with genes that increase their likelihood of developing shingles multiple times. Lifestyle Factors High stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and may increase your risk. Environmental Triggers Things like too much sunlight or injury to an area of nerves might trigger the virus to wake up again.

Prolapsed or ‘slipped’ discs in the back are a common cause of pain, and may occasionally cause more serious health problems such as nerve damage and bowel or bladder difficulties. You may wonder just how easy it is to know if you have a slipped disc, and whether it is possible to feel one with your hand if it happens. In this article we look at if this is something that can be done, and the correct way to have a possible slipped disc investigated. First, let’s remind ourselves about the anatomy of our spine (our backbone).

What Is Biotin? Biotin, also called vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin from the B complex group. It helps your body turn food: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins: into energy. Biotin is important for cell growth and is often linked to healthy hair, skin, and nails. You can find biotin in foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and whole grains. Most people get enough biotin from their diet, so a deficiency is rare. When someone does not get enough biotin, they might have thinning hair, weak nails, or skin rashes. Does Biotin Help Hair Growth? Many people believe that biotin can make hair grow faster or thicker. Biotin helps your body make keratin, a protein that is a key part of hair. However, research shows that biotin supplements only help hair growth if you already have a biotin deficiency. If you are not lacking biotin, taking extra probably will not make your hair grow more. Can Biotin Stop Hair Loss? Biotin does not cure genetic hair loss, like male-pattern baldness. But if your hair is thinning because you do not have enough biotin, taking supplements can help your hair become stronger and thicker. Most studies that show biotin helps with hair regrowth focus on people who have a deficiency or certain health problems.

PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction tests) have been used since the start of the pandemic to test for the presence of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and alert scientists to any new variants. A PCR test needs to be sent off to a laboratory, and results can take one to three days to return. Rapid lateral flow tests came in a bit later in the pandemic, and can be done at home, with the result quickly available within minutes and they resemble a pregnancy test. Generally speaking, the lateral flow test is useful for those without symptoms and the PCR test is for those with symptoms. Anecdotally, the PCR test may show positive a few days prior to the lateral flow test.

‘Baby blues’ can affect 4 out of 5 women after they give birth and is a term used to describe mild mood changes and the feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and unhappiness that can occur in the first 2 weeks after having a baby. Because it’s so tiring looking after a baby 24 hours a day, it’s entirely normal to feel shattered and a little flat after giving birth!. This usually happens within the first week and is likely due to the rapid change in hormones and other biochemicals that occur once pregnancy has finished. Symptoms include low mood, feeling irritable and on edge, and feeling emotional or tearful for no obvious reason.

Constipation can happen in all ages but is particularly common in children. Here are some of the common questions parents often ask me in my work as a Paediatrician.