Supplements That Can Help You to Fight Stress and Help You to Relax – OM

Keep stress at bay and stay calm by making these helpful nutrients a regular part of your diet.

To chill out, your parents’ generation might have chanted “om.” That was so then. Our world is different now—a 24/7 anxiety-generator, what with work, commuting, parenthood, staying connected and trying to cram more than ever into every waking hour.

“Stress generates anxiety, and anxiety keeps our minds in motion,” says Mark Stengler, NMD, of Encinitas, California. “Luckily, we can choose from several natural substances to help us stay calm when the world around us is in turmoil.”

Here are some of my go-to supplements to manage stress:  5HTP, L-Theanine, Lavender Oil (try Nature’s Way to take internally – only take internally if  recommended on package!), Citrus Oils (diffused or topically – please dilute with a carrier oil!), Bacopa, and Valerian, Relora, and GABA at night-time.

Those words ring particularly true during the holiday season when long lines, slow traffic, packed schedules and bad weather add more stress to the mix. Meditation, soft music and disconnecting from the stresses of life (at least for a while) can add a semblance of balance. And as Stengler suggests, these supplements can help, too.

B-Complex.

Many Americans don’t get enough B vitamins, making this supplement a good first defense. Researchers determined way back in 1943 that B vitamins had antistress and antianxiety benefits. Since then they’ve discovered the brain uses B vitamins to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals that influence mood. For example, in a study of stressed-out office workers, taking high-potency B-complex supplements eased stress, confusion and anger. A high-potency multivitamin, which contains the B’s, is equally effective.

Dose: Take a daily multivitamin or B-complex supplement with at least 50 mg each of vitamins B1, B2 and B3. If you develop overactive dreams, cut back on B6.

Phosphatidylserine.

Found in brain cell membranes, phosphatidylserine protects against the damaging effects of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. A study by German researchers found that high doses reduce cortisol and stress levels in men. College students who took phosphatidylserine had better moods, experienced lower stress and had less “neurotic” behavior. In seniors, phosphatidylserine can improve memory.

Dose: Take 200–400 mg daily.

Omega-3s.

We need omega-3s—specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—for brain development as infants and children and to maintain healthy moods as adults. Studies have shown omega-3s have a powerful calming and antistress effect. Medical students at The Ohio State University found that omega-3 supplements led to a 20-percent reduction in anxiety symptoms. Other studies show that omega-3s have broad mood-enhancing effects, diminishing anxiety, depression, irritability and hostility. Good news for vegans: Omega-3 supplements are now available from both fish and plant sources.

Dose: Take 1,000–2,000 mg daily.

Passionflower.

This often-overlooked herb has been shown to effectively minimize anxiety in healthy people and those about to undergo surgery. It also promotes sleep without causing druglike sedation or grogginess.

Dose: Follow label directions whether taking passionflower as a supplement or tea.

To discover more about stress-fighting supplements, click here for the original article, brought to you by Delicious Living!