Cultural Stress

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Dr. Murad Identifies NEW Stress Responsible For Physical,

Mental & Emotional Health Problems

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=46594

There is a new form of stress permeating daily life, affecting the

entire body, and creating serious health problems inside and out.

Coined by Murad, M.D., dermatologist, researcher, and

Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA, " Cultural Stress

" is distinguishable in that it is all pervasive and cumulative.

Mentally and emotionally disruptive, " Cultural Stress " plays havoc on

physical well-being. According to Dr. Murad, it is a societal crisis;

some researchers believe responsible for 90% of health problems

experienced, including heart disease, cancer and lung ailments.

" We don't pay enough attention to the amount of damage each daily

instance of stress has on the body. Each stressor alone is relatively

insignificant, but when these individual stressors become frequent

patterns, our health deteriorates. I call this 'Cultural Stress', "

explains Dr. Murad. Whether work deadlines, supermarket lines,

traffic, computer isolation or financial concerns, he notes they all

contribute to the stability of an individual's well-being.

Dr. Murad says " Cultural Stress " presents itself in three facets:

- Externally -- With extreme skin dehydration, that results in

inflammation, hyper pigmentation, dullness and adult acne.

- Internally -- Americans eat quickly and often times badly, with 46%

of food expenditures on unhealthy fast foods. Poor diet and lack of

sleep results in a decrease in efficient brain function and a rapid

decline in creativity. Deficiency in foods rich with Gamma Linolenic

Acid (GLA-3) leads to various ailments including stress; lack of

Omega 3's in food may aid in depression. " The saying you are what you

eat is true and extends to your thoughts -- which are directly

connected to what you eat, " says Dr. Murad.

- Emotionally -- Blackberrys, cell phones and ipods are all

communication tools to stay more connected. However Dr. Murad's notes

patients come in, complaining of feeling alone and isolated, while

hooked up to them. " Keeping up with the fast pace of life means

people aren't talking, aren't touching, and aren't communicating with

the all important personal touch. This has a direct effect on our

emotional health " .

- And studies echo Dr. Murad's findings. A recent Los Angeles Times

article reports Americans have fewer close friends than they did

almost two decades ago. " Longer work hours, lengthier commutes and

the substitution of Internet connections for live ones ...

contributed to the breakdown of social networks. " Los Angeles Times

June 26, 2006.

" Cultural Stress " , says Dr. Murad starts young. " It's a vicious and

escalating cycle. New parents are anxious about getting their child

into the best preschool, placing said unborn child on a waiting list.

Once in school, pressure increases, with scheduled play dates and

extra-curricular activities. This cycle, to constantly keep up and do

better, inducts children early into a culture of stress. Coupled with

school, work and increasing affluence, children grow into adults

facing the far-reaching effects of 'Cultural Stress'. Trying to keep

up with more activities requires more money, resulting in longer

hours spent at work. " According to a U.S. government report,

Americans now put in more hours on the job, than workers in any other

nation.

WATER'S ROLE IN " CULTURAL STRESS "

Working with over 1,200 patients, Dr. Murad has discovered that water

is the key to many of the health concerns that stem from " Cultural

Stress " . Calling this discovery the " Water Principle® " , Dr. Murad

notes that when " Cultural Stress " hits, cell walls are damaged,

causing the water that keeps them functioning to escape. This water

loss has a myriad effect. It causes cells and connective tissue to

break down, which prevents the heart, lungs, brain and other organs

from functioning at optimal levels. To encourage more water into the

cells, and strengthen the cell walls to keep the water inside, there

are three main components that need to be addressed:

- Protect the barrier function of skin topically by using plant based

lipids to protect the skin's barrier

- Put the right nutrients in the body in the form of food and

supplements including; Lecithin, which is found in soy, eggs, and

spinach and is a major component of cell membranes.

- Emotional self-care with physical activity, personal touch and in

person contact to reduce stress & isolation

Dr. Murad goes on to say that " Cultural Stress " is a part of living,

but doesn't have to overtake life. Dr. Murad challenges patients to

take responsibility for the amount of stress in their lives and find

ways to reduce it with the " Water Principle " in mind.