| Recession-proof your health |
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The effects of the economic downturn could harm not only your pocket but also your health. Cora Lydon looks at how to stave off the common health implications of the credit crunch.
There’s no doubt about it – the effects of the current economic downturn have been felt globally, and, as the economy has steadily shrunk, health niggles have been rising. With uncertainty over jobs, money and financial provisions, it’s hardly surprising that more people are complaining of sleepless nights, headaches and a host of other stress-related problems. While the recession is something we have no direct influence over, we can take control of our lives and the choices we make for our health. So if you want to get your body and mind in tip-top shape, read on for our easy tips and advice. Suffering from recession depression? It’s hardly surprising that everyone is feeling glum at the moment as an air of negativity seems to hang over us and there’s very little in the way of good news. With businesses failing, the cost of living soaring and the headlines filled with doom and gloom, it seems our current mood matches the economic slump. If you’ve been feeling down for more than two weeks then the chances are you’re suffering from more than a touch of the blues. Symptoms of clinical depression can include cutting yourself off from friends and family; lack of enthusiasm, energy or interest; changes in your diet or sleep patterns; and in more serious cases thoughts of death. How to beat it: Experts have been able to map changes in the brain in patients suffering with depression, including in the serotonin or 5-HT system. Serotonin is formed from an amino acid called 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn derives from another amino acid known as tryptophan. Tryptophan is found in many protein-rich foods such as turkey, eggs and beans. St John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy for depression – even being named ‘nature’s Prozac’. But while it may be effective, remember it does interact with other medications, so always seek advice before taking it. Homeopathic remedies may be able to help in the treatment of depression, but it’s important to visit a qualified practitioner to determine the remedy that is most suited to you. If your depression is work-related, aurum metallicum or calcium carbonicum may be recommended to counter symptoms, while if you worry about staying in control during periods of economic uncertainty, natrium muraticum could be just the ticket. You can boost your mood by eating more oily fish, say experts. Worldwide surveys have shown that the more fish a country eats, the less likely the population is to suffer from depression. Oily fish is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, which seem to be a potent anti-depressant. It’s thought that omega 3 helps to build neuronal connections in the brain, as well as receptor sites for neurotransmitters. This results in an increase in serotonin and a positive response to the mood-lifting chemical. So make sure salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna or herrings are on the menu. Mind over matter In countries that experience a rapid descent into recession, with rising inflation and increasing unemployment levels, it’s no surprise that there is also a sharp increase in mental health problems. In light of the global financial crisis the World Health Organisation is warning that those people living in low-and middle-income countries, where access to treatment is limited, will feel the impact the most. Poverty, and its related problems (such as violence, social exclusion and constant insecurity), is linked to the onset of mental disorders. How to beat it: Boost your mental health with exercise. This has myriad benefits, from reducing stress and pent-up tension, releasing the happy endorphin hormones into your body, and clearing your mind. Don’t let your situation overwhelm you. Sometimes it can be hard to look at the bigger picture or to see a way out which can lead to unnecessary mental anguish. If you’ve lost your job, set yourself targets to help secure a new one – this could be anything from making new connections to updating your CV. Talk your worries over with someone you care about and don’t let yourself become isolated. Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. Enjoy doing something creative. If your mental state is suffering, take up a hobby to keep you occupied and stop focusing on your worries. Anything from painting or cooking, repairing cars or writing poetry can help boost self esteem, confidence and your sense of worth. Take heart Perhaps a less obvious symptom of the global downturn is the increase in cardiovascular disease, which has been highlighted in several international studies. In 2008 a report from Central Michigan University reported that the socio-economic environment has a significant role to play in deaths from heart disease. This supports the findings of a 1997 study from the University of North Texas Health Science Centre which concluded that increased unemployment and business failure rates cause an increase in the number of people dying from heart disease. The effects were often seen a few years down the line due to the accumulative effects of increasingly unhealthy habits (such as poor diet and smoking) which can lead to heart problems. How to beat it: One of the key causes of heart problems is high cholesterol, so be sure to include foods that contain high levels of beta-sitosterol, which can be found in many plants, particularly soybeans. This can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 10 per cent. Garlic is another excellent supplement for lowering bad cholesterol, while blue-green algae supplements are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which can also help reduce cholesterol levels. Reduce the amount of fat you eat, particularly from processed food, and instead get plenty of soluble fibre in your diet from foods such as fruit and vegetables, nuts, beans and porridge. The older you are, the more at risk you are of high blood pressure, while excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet and lack of exercise all increase the risk of the condition. Experts know that that a reduction of just 5mmHg in your diastolic blood pressure reading will bring down your risk of stroke by 34 per cent and the chance of developing heart disease by 20 per cent. Tweak your lifestyle by incorporating more exercise into your life, eating a healthy, balanced diet and reducing your salt intake to keep blood pressure healthy. Take your tea without milk and you could be helping to protect yourself against cardiovascular disease, according to research published in the European Heart Journal. Black tea significantly improved flow-mediated dilation of blood vessels – a mark of a healthy artery – while adding milk stamped out all benefits. Pass the stress test? Call it what you will – stress, anxiety, insomnia, unease – we’re talking about that niggling feeling you just can’t seem to shake, and the chances are that less money and financial security equals more stress. This could take many forms – from difficulty in dropping off to sleep or waking up every few hours, to stomach problems, headaches, skin breakouts or forgetfulness. How to beat it: Maintain a good network of friends and family and don’t withdraw from your companions when you’re feeling the pressure. Social engagements can help to reduce stress levels, bolster the immune system (which can be depleted during times of stress), give you a strong sense of community and boost your self-esteem. Make sure you get enough sleep. If you’re feeling fatigued everything will seem a lot worse. If you’re finding it hard to fall asleep try a hot bath before bed with a few drops of lavender essential oil in it. This will raise your body temperature and then when you get out it will drop – a signal to the body that it’s ready for bed. Look into complementary therapies that promise stress-busting results. Acupuncture, massage, Indian head massage, reflexology and aromatherapy are all worth exploring. Food for thought It’s a theme that is echoed across the world – recession hits and everyone seeks comfort in some rather unhealthy habits. But try to avoid using emotional crutches such as smoking, drugs, over-eating or alcohol, as these can only make the situation worse. You may find that alcohol dulls the pain of your financial strain or that cigarettes are the first thing you reach for when you’re feeling stressed, but in fact smoking, heavy drinking and obesity are key danger points for many illnesses, from heart disease to cancer, and diabetes to fatigue. Everything in moderation is best, and it is better to seek out healthier pursuits when you need a stress release such as exercising, socialising with friends or reading. Now some good news… There are also some experts out there who claim that a recession can actually be the wake-up call we need for our health, and they have data to back this up. Christopher Ruhm, from the University of North Carolina, found that his analysis of data between 1972 and 2000 revealed that a one per cent rise in unemployment reduced the death rate by 0.5 per cent. Likewise, the National Bureau of Economic Research reported that a one per cent rise in unemployment led to a reduced rate of smoking (0.6 per cent); obesity (0.3 per cent) and physical inactivity (1.8 per cent). Although these studies are in the minority it could be that as we all start to tighten our belts to beat the credit crunch we make healthier choices for financial reasons. During boom times we’re more likely to indulge ourselves with a weekly takeaway, drive the car everywhere, and carry on with expensive and unhealthy habits such as drinking regularly and smoking. But add financial uncertainty to the mix and people will start to look at what they spend their money on and see how they can make cutbacks. |
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