Stress a Global Scenario

Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) is a demographic defining a particular market segment related to sustainable living, "green" ecological initiatives, and generally composed of a relatively upscale and well-educated population segment.

According to World-renowned Economics Professor Paul Zane Pilzer, one seventh of the U.S. economy today is devoted to the healthcare business and services that keep us healthy, look or feel better, slow down the effects of aging, and prevent diseases from developing altogether.

The implications of the shift to proactive wellness are far reaching from health to beauty to food to medicine.In 2005, the LOHAS market in the United States alone accounted for US$209 billion, of which, the healthcare market alone accounted for US$ 118 billion.

Therefore, the concept of well being has changed to pro-active wellness, and beauty is being linked with internal health. The need to be health conscious is now more than ever, as the occurence of lifestyle diseases reveals some startling facts :

ANTIOXIDANT DEFICIENCY: GLOBAL SCENARIO

• The fact that approximately 2.5 billion people suffer from some form of micronutrient deficiency has somehow barely found its way into the consciousness of the general public.
• 1 out of 3 people in developing countries are affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies(WHO)
• Approximately 13% of the US population is vitamin C deficient(Nutrition Examination Survey)
• 10% of U.S. Adults consume less than 30 mg of Vitamin C
• For maximal protection against certain cancers, a total daily intake of 200-300 mcg is probably necessary.

Prevalence of lifestyle diseases caused by stress in India and the world

Manifestation of accumulated oxidative stress over a period of time