Why do us Scots have such an unhealthy reputation?

Scotland has a lot to be proud of – from the majestic landscapes and world-class architecture, to the ground-breaking achievements of scientists, sports athletes and authors. But when it comes to our health, there are several things that we as a nation should be less proud of. So, to mark St Andrew’s Day on 30th November, the experts at YourGP address our unhealthy reputation and the things we can do to improve it…

A diet that’s famous for all the wrong reasons

Us Scots have got a bit of a reputation for having an unhealthy diet. From deep-fried Mars bars to sugar-laden Irn Bru – these are the “delicacies” that most visitors talk about.

But let’s not forget that we’re also incredibly blessed to have an array of locally grown seasonal produce available all year round, including a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and the freshest North Sea fish. So where possible, cook from scratch using fresh, healthy ingredients, aim for a balanced diet, and keep deep-fried and sugary items to a minimum.

A lack of sunshine, a lack of vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for regulating inflammation and immune function. During the spring and summer, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from the sun. However, during the autumn and winter, the strength of the sun in Scotland is not sufficient to allow the body to make enough vitamin D. This can potentially lead to a variety of health problems including fatigue, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, bone pain and osteoporosis.

The good news is that there are things we can do to prevent vitamin D deficiency, such as including oily fish like salmon, cod liver oil or egg yolks in our diet, or taking a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D, especially during the winter months.

A reputation for over-doing the booze

Our national drink is whisky and we have a reputation for drinking too much of it. That said, we have a growing number of teetotallers and a burgeoning non-alcoholic drinks industry, so there’s never been a better time to cut down or cut out alcohol.

Current health advice is to limit yourself to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week – that equates to 6 pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine. However, cutting it out completely could significantly improve your physical and mental health.

The lowest life expectancy in western Europe

Sadly, Scotland has once again topped the rankings for the lowest life expectancy in the whole of western Europe. This is likely due to a combination of factors including poor diet which leads to greater instances of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and lack of sufficient exercise, binge drinking, smoking and higher rates of drug misuse.

If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues or you’d like advice on how to make healthy lifestyle changes, the team at YourGP here to help you. From tips for a healthier diet and daily exercise ideas to smoking cessation support – you can book an appointment using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.