Stress and Mood Support Supplements

Quite a few circumstances can cause acute and chronic stress. You cannot always avoid things that cause anxiety (e.g., work, school, interpersonal relationships, emergencies, etc.). However, there are ways to cut down on the effects they will have on your overall well being. Some supplements will allow you to strengthen your body against the effects of stress.

Understanding how stress affects your body can help you learn about the best ways to keep yourself happy and healthy. We will give you a full overview of all our supplements, the ingredients that make them up, and additional ways to combat symptoms like anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system, which are all effects of stress. 

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The Effects of Stress on Your Body

Stress is a natural reaction that helps kick start the "flight or fight" mechanism when necessary. We all have hormones designed to flood our systems during times of danger to keep us alert and safe. However, this critical system response can become a negative thing when it is triggered continuously by everyday situations. This can be caused by mineral and vitamin deficiencies that lower the body's defenses against the effects of stress.

Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine are released during times of heightened nervousness, and they can play havoc on both the brain and the Endocrine system. In addition, vitamin deficiencies will cause an imbalance of neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, histamine, and GABA. Adding a supplement to your diet to replace those deficiencies and shore up your body's systems can help alleviate those symptoms.  

Psychological Symptoms

The brain and nervous system rely on specific chemicals and hormones to stay healthy. When those are thrown out of balance, it can cause problems, and the primary way they manifest is through a change of behavior. Anyone who has been anxious knows the agitated, irritability that always comes with it. Reactions to continued stress can cause psychological symptoms such as those listed below.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Inability to focus
• Extreme mood changes
• Unusual irritability
• Memory issues

Physical Symptoms

If you have ever dealt with a period of anxiety, then you probably know how it can slow down your body and leave you feeling completely drained. These are natural responses to acute and chronic stress. Some of the physical symptoms include the following.

• Increased blood pressure
• Changes in sleeping patterns (e.g., insomnia, oversleeping)
• Changes in eating pattern (e.g., loss of appetite, overeating)
• Flu-like symptoms (e.g., headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, body aches, etc.)
• Lethargy and unusual loss of energy
• Increased risk factor for obesity and heart disease

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

SAMe is a compound that naturally occurs in the human body where it assists with regulating hormones and maintaining the health of cell membranes. Sometimes it is necessary to get additional SAMe if your body is unable to produce enough. A synthetic version is used in supplements, and studies have shown that it can alleviate stress, depression, liver disease, and osteoarthritis

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is an amino acid that is created from tryptophan. For our products, it is manufactured from Griffonia Simplicifolia seeds. When used in moderate doses, this compound can help with anxiety, mood disorders, sleep, and panic through increasing serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

St. John's Wort Extract

Herbalists have been using various parts of the St. John's Wort plant for hundreds of years to treat all sorts of mood disorders. It is all-natural and can be combined with other things like 5-HTP to increase the positive effects. As an over-the-counter medicine and supplement, it is used to treat anxiety, depression, and sleeping disorders.

Kava Kava

This is another ancient medicine that has been passed down for generations. It contains kavapyrones, which produce feelings of happiness, calm, and relaxation. Scientific studies have shown that Kava Kava root extract can reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, and help manage seizures.

Omega-3's Fatty Acids

These fatty acids can be harvested from flaxseed or fish and are most often found in fish oil supplements. Omega-3's are prevalent in the membranes of the brain. When taken as a supplement, they are known to help with anxiety, lower blood pressure, and slow plaque development in arteries

Melatonin

The hormone melatonin is used to regulate sleep patterns. It is available over the counter to help with insomnia. Having a good night's sleep can be vital for fighting stress, which means that taking it will help when you cannot fall asleep due to anxiety or a mood disorder stemming from stress.

B Complex Vitamins

B vitamins are all unique and play essential parts in keeping your body healthy. They include vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (folic acid, cobalamins, biotin). Some vitamin B compounds can include zinc or vitamins C and E as well. They provide various benefits such as increased brain function, higher energy levels, a decrease in stress and anxiety, healthy cell growth, and they can help prevent infections.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that promotes healthy bone growth, heart rhythm, and blood pressure. This is something that must be included as a part of a healthy diet. There are a few types available in supplement form. Magnesium glycinate is the best for lowering anxiety, fighting chronic stress symptoms, and encouraging sleep. A magnesium deficit can lead to an increase in various forms of inflammation, heart disease, and creates a higher risk factor for diabetes.

Other Noteworthy Supplements for Stress Reduction

Meditation

Practicing mindfulness through meditation and other relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, massage therapy, breathing exercises, hypnotherapy, etc.) can be beneficial. It can be used together with supplements for better results.

Nutritional Meals and Exercise

A balanced and healthy body is going to be able to recover from stressful moments faster and easier. Nutritional meals with the added vitamins will be helpful, as will regular exercise. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

Positive Thinking

Studies show that having a positive outlook on life can significantly lower everyday stress. (Source) one way it works is by allowing you to think of more positive coping strategies. There are many ways to find positivity in each day. You can help others, look for beauty in the world around you, or focus on your spirituality if that is something that brings you calm and joy.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Many people are unaware of how connected a good night's sleep is to mood and mental health. It is not only the amount of sleep you are getting but the quality that matters. Stress can be reduced if you create a set sleep schedule that gives you between seven and nine hours of sleep. These restful periods will allow your body to fight stress and related symptoms.