Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Economy and Stress

During times of economic hardship, we undergo a great deal of stress. The body needs extra support during stressful times in order to maintain optimal health. Studies have consistently shown that the first things to be eliminated from the budget are health club memberships, family vacations, and healthy eating. As of late, sales for prescription drugs are on the increase such as Cymbalta - up 26%, Effexor up 8%, and Lexapro up 6%. Prescription drugs cause nutrient loss in the body.

It is ironic that as times become tougher, prescription sales climb given the financial burden we are currently under. Someone has to pay for those drugs, so insurance companies respond by increasing monthly policy premiums. As more people continue to eat poorly and don't live a healthy lifestyle, the entire system feels this weight and costs rise in every aspect of healthcare.

Without proper support, we lose many vitamins and nutrients during stressful situations. Two of the vitamins we become most commonly deficient in are Vitamin B and Vitamin D. According to last month's issue of Annals of Rhematic Diseases, Vitamin D is involved with bone and immune system health. It promotes normal bone development. There is evidence that getting enough vitamin D helps protect against MS, type 1 diabetes, and certain cancers. Vitamin B is essential in regulating metabolic function, and are a support nutrient for stress, depression, and anxiety. In today's society where we are under monumental amounts of stress daily, stress can actually be exacerbated or caused by an improper diet.

Foods that can help with Vitamin B deficiencies include :
  • oats
  • grass-fed meats and dairy
  • leafy green vegetables
  • barley
  • wheat bran
  • salmon
  • avocado
  • Brazil nuts
Foods to eat for Vitamin D deficiency include:
  • grass-fed meats and dairy
  • fish
  • whole, sprouted grains
  • obtain some natural sunlight each day or 20 minutes three times a week

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