Work culture has changed significantly over the past century. Multitudes of people have begun working in offices, which allows certain benefits but also has an impact on overall health. Most office workers spend their days sitting in poor posture, unexposed to natural light, and staring at computer screens for extended periods of time. This may not seem taxing on the body but long term exposure to these conditions can cause damage.
A primary issue that arises from working in an office is vitamin and nutrient deficiency. Those working in an office can benefit greatly with proper supplementation. Resolving common deficiencies can help improve wellness, attitude, and productivity in the workplace and life. The following five substances support better bodily function by helping resolve common deficiencies found in office employees.
Ashwagandha
Unfortunately, stress has become synonymous with many office jobs. Regardless if it is the daily grind getting one down or a looming project on the horizon, an inhibited ability to handle stress can cause a ripple of dysfunction throughout the body. By optimizing one’s response to stressful situations they may improve their health and focus.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps balance critical stress-related hormones such as cortisol. Properly regulating cortisol levels significantly improves the body’s neurological and physiological response to stress. Incorporating ashwagandha into one’s dietary or supplement plan can provide significant benefits regarding stress management. A study published in the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association in 2008 investigated ashwagandha and its influence on adults with chronic stress. The study found that those who added ashwagandha to their diet experienced a 30% reduction in stress levels. If one is experiencing particularly stressful periods or recognizes that they do not handle stressful situations well, it may be beneficial to explore ashwagandha supplementation.
Fish Oil/Omega-3s
Joint pain, and arthritis are common complaints among office workers. Omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate joint issues and support longevity.
Arthritis frequently develops in people who spend a significant amount of time typing or executing repetitive tasks with their hands. The nagging and stabbing pain resulting from this condition can reduce productivity and inhibit one’s ability to enjoy life. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, attacks the cartilage around joints making movement more difficult and painful. Omega-3s help combat the inflammatory pain caused by this condition and may help slow degradation of cartilage in the joints.
Appropriate supplementation with Omega-3 usually means that one must increase intake significantly. Generally, when people want to increase the prevalence of a certain substance they consume more foods containing the nutrient, vitamin, or mineral in question. However, in the case of Omega-3s, an effective method is taking fish oil capsules. These supplements contain an impressive amount of Omega-3s that can help resolve deficiency and supports joint health.
Remember Me
Afternoon malaise, difficulty thinking clearly, mental fatigue, and loss of focus are some of the most common difficulties associated with office work. Fortunately, proper supplementation may provide an answer to these workplace woes. Remember Me is a supplement produced by HoltraCeuticals that supports neurological function. This includes better memory, greater focus, and clearer thinking. Furthermore, it may reduce and delay age-related memory issues and memory loss caused by chronic conditions such as CFS and fibromyalgia.
The elements that make up Remember Me have been clinically proven to help resolve memory difficulties and forgetfulness. Clinical research composed of double blind and placebo studies have shown that the ingredients found in this supplement promote better neurological function and protection. One of the greatest contributors found in Remember Me is gingko biloba extract. This naturally occurring substance has been used as a memory aid and for sharpening mental ability for many years. The formulation of Remember Me is based around therapeutic doses that work in conjunction with other ingredients, such as B vitamins, to support brain health and function.
Vitamin C
For most people, eyesight is a critical component of their everyday life. Unfortunately, staring at a screen for up to 8 hours every day of the week can cause significant lasting damage. In some cases, one may simply experience eye dryness but others may develop blurred vision and severe headaches. A contributing factor to these symptoms may be a vitamin C deficiency.
We know now that some of the highest concentrations of vitamin C is found in eye tissue. The relatively increased level of vitamin C in this area supports blood vessel health, helps prevent cataracts, and dissuades common causes of blindness such as AMD (age-related macular degeneration). If one is deficient in vitamin C, they do not have access to the preventative benefits of this critical substance.
It is not uncommon for those working in an office to have reduced vitamin C levels. This may be due to unchecked job-related stress. It has been found that those with greater emotional or physiological stressors require greater vitamin C intake to maintain proper eye function. One study found that women who consume higher levels of vitamin C daily, 362 mg or more, reduced their risk of developing cataracts at 60 by 57 percent. The study compared this group with women who took in less than 140 mg of vitamin C daily. Properly supplementing with vitamin C may help keep one’s eyes working better longer.
Vitamin D
Because many offices have little to no direct sunlight there is increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in office workers. This is not surprising as the average work day is 8 hours and if one is stuck in an office for that period, they get little to no exposure to the sun. A study conducted by the Alberta University in Canada found that 91 percent of people working in offices are not getting adequate vitamin D. Worse still, 75 percent have a deficiency. This is unfortunate as vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of health issues including possible links to various cancers.
Supplementation can provide a consistent source of vitamin D for those who are not able to acquire enough throughout the day. As with all supplements it is best to use a high-quality product that does not contain any erroneous elements such as heavy metals or fillers. It is always best to discuss supplementation with a physician to ensure optimal treatment.
Although there are many supplements available that provide vitamin D, the best source is the sun. If possible spend lunches and breaks outside or in areas with plenty of natural sunlight. On average, one needs about 30 minutes of sunlight exposure to acquire the vitamins the body needs. However, this time differs from person to person depending on skin tone and other absorption factors.
Stepping Up Supplements in the Workplace
If one is employed in an office, it doesn’t mean their health must suffer. Using supplements that contain the above substances can give a significant boost to one’s health and wellbeing. Understanding the health risks and difficulties associated with an office job is important if one is to maintain good health in the workplace. Proper patient-specific supplementation can significantly support one’s health regardless of their employment.
References
2. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/04/04/vitamin-c-vision-health.aspx
3. http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/arthritis-fish-oil-omega-3
4. https://draxe.com/ashwagandha-proven-to-heal-thyroid-and-adrenals/
