Photo: djd
Expert Interview
The WUNDERWEIB expert in general medicine: med. Rainer Hübner is a general practitioner in a practice specializing in natural healing in Landau in the Palatinate.
In this interview he explains how it is possible to regain inner balance even in stressful times.
1. Due to the economic crisis many working people, but also seniors, who believed their pensions safe, are currently insecure and are under enormous stress. How high is the load really? Do you see that in practice?
Dr. Hübner: Recent polls confirm that most people consider money worries a major factor in stress. With the economic crisis, this situation has aggravated. It does not matter whether in my practice professionals or senior citizens are questioned about their complaints. Regardless of one's own real situation, worries and fears about the future will lead to an increased sense of stress among more and more people.
2. What physical symptoms can cause such a professional and emotional insecurity?
Dr. Hübner: Insecure working conditions in the crisis, high deadline pressure, inflexible and long working hours, bullying and not least the incompatibility of work and family are the causes of job overload with stress consequences. A variety of physical symptoms occur in the practice today: stomach pain, head pressure, palpitations, shortness of breath and diarrhea, but also nervousness, depression, restlessness and sleep disorders are mentioned.
3. Currently the sick leave in Germany is as low as in a long time. But does not that mean that workers go to work sick to secure their jobs? What does this pressure mean in the medium term for the physical and mental health of those affected?
Dr. Hübner: In the meantime, unsettled patients postpone going to the doctor for as long as possible in order to save costs and not endanger their jobs. But this almost always leads to further illnesses and follow-up costs for the health insurance companies. Thus, the "civilization-related" diseases such as high blood pressure and chronic heart disease continue to increase. The subject of sick leave is from the point of view of health insurances and enterprises a "hot iron". Almost one in four employees in the European Union suffers from job-related stress, according to one study. This is not only bad for those affected - it also costs the economy huge sums. The physical and mental health of employees should therefore also be of concern to companies and lead to prevention measures.
4. To combat stress-induced sleep disorders, tension and nervous restlessness, more and more German sleep and sedatives can be prescribed, which also have a certain addictive potential. How dangerous are such medicines really?
Dr. Hübner: For a long time, the addictive potential of sleeping pills or tranquilizers was severely underestimated. But now you know better. Therefore, these funds should always be taken only briefly and in consultation with the doctor. Depending on the drug, it is possible to achieve cushioning and relaxing effects. However, balance disorders and restricted movement control can lead to accidents. In addition, older people are increasingly affected by short-term memory disorders. In the long run, the personality of patients may change negatively. A vicious circle is the intake of sleeping pills in the evening and stimulants in the morning. An abrupt discontinuation often leads to withdrawal symptoms.
5. According to the DAK, twice as many women as men have ever taken sedatives or sleeping pills. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Hübner: In both genders, the prescriptions of sedative or sleeping pills increase with age. Menopausal sleep disorders could be a cause in women for the increase in prescriptions. The double burden of family and work seems to burden the stress resistance in women. Men, on the other hand, do not like to talk about their problems, they tend to suppress their complaints and "help" themselves with the legalized drug alcohol, which can have fatal consequences.
6. Are there natural supplements that effectively improve mental performance and mental health? What effect can one expect from homeopathic remedies?
Dr. Hübner: For disorders of the psychophysical condition a sound diagnosis is essential. The frequent complaints such as restlessness, nervousness, sleep disturbances and palpitations are after the exclusion of an organ disease a complementary and naturopathic treatment very accessible. Homeopathic complexing agents such as neurexan are well-effective and tolerable in nervousness and sleep disorders. They help restore inner peace, which improves performance and mental well-being. Unlike chemical preparations, these homeopathic remedies have few side effects and are not addictive. Unlike herbal remedies like Valerian, they do not make you tired and do not quench your consciousness. Their positive effectiveness has been proven in studies.
7. Sport is said to have a relaxing effect. Which sports are especially recommended?
Dr. Hübner: Superficially, sport and relaxation seem to be a contradiction. Of course, sport always means a physical effort. But even movements with moderate effort relax mind and body. Regular exercise lowers blood sugar levels, has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and promotes the formation of endogenous hormones of happiness. When looking for the appropriate sport, risks, goals, time and personal preferences need to be considered. Cycling, swimming and walking, but also Tai Chi are recommended sports.
8. What other possibilities exist for doing something for your inner balance? Are there any foods that are soothing to nerves?
Dr. Hübner: A balanced diet can make a significant contribution to well-being and health. Because a sufficient supply of nutrients is the basis for making us feel good. Every nutrient has its own function. Whether vitamins, minerals or trace elements - the organism needs them all. The new food pyramid of Harvard University (USA) is the ideal orientation for daily nutrition. The pyramid is not based solely on the fat content, but also takes into account the strength of the food. In the case of insomnia and restlessness, the intake of certain foods or the drinking of a tea before falling asleep may well have a psychological effect: This initiates a "ritual" that is linked with sleeping in the subconscious mind.
