Nutrients To Help With Stress

As you may have noticed – modern lifestyles are stressful! Life has its challenges, and sometimes the body needs a little help to deal with it. 

The stress response originates from 2 glands which sit on top of the kidneys called the adrenal glands. They produce the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. In response to stress, the adrenal glands release their hormones into the blood stream where they target several organs and stimulate several actions. Stress hormones cause the blood vessels to expand to allow more oxygen into the cells. Stored sugar gets dumped into the blood for increased energy, and blood flow increases in the muscles of the limbs, and to the brain for increased strength and cognitive performance. 

Sometimes however, the adrenal glands get used too much. This could be due to a constantly stressful lifestyle, or the occurrence of a deeply stressful event. The body can use up the nutrients that are used for stress hormones, and then our reaction to stress becomes different. It manifests itself as anxiety or depression, rather than being helpful. Poor adrenal health can also have a negative impact on the immune system and other biological functions. 

There are a few nutrients and herbs which can be helpful in this situation, and to stressful lives in general. It can be beneficial to take a supplement designed specifically for stress and anxiety.  Look for a supplement which contains some of these ingredients –

Thiamine (vitamin B1) – Thiamine is a vitamin necessary for nervous health and function. It is often referred to as the ‘anti-stress vitamin’. Thiamine is essential for energy production, and for the utilisation of glucose. In stress states, glucose in dumped into the blood for an increase in energy. Without thiamine, the body cannot produce that energy, which triggers an even bigger stress response. Thiamine is also needed for the creation of the neurotransmitter Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which calms down and relaxes the body and mind and helps when dealing with stressful situations. 

Vitamin B6 – Vitamin B6 is used for the creation of stress hormones and is needed in larger quantities during periods of acute stress. Vitamin B6 can become used up quickly if enough isn’t consumed, leaving a deficit in other biological functions. Vitamin B6 is needed for the production of the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may lead to depression and anxiety. 

Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5) – Pantothenic acid is directly used in the synthesis of adrenaline and cortisol and is therefore essential for a healthy stress response. Pantothenic acid can be quickly used up in states of acute stress, and supplementation my be necessary to replenish stores. 

Magnesium – Magnesium is a mineral that is often not consumed in high enough levels. It is often known as “Nature’s relaxant”. It works in balance with calcium, and due to typically high calcium diets, magnesium gets left behind. Magnesium levels are lowered after the consumption of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Magnesium is also required for the production of GABA which calms down the mind and any tense muscles. A magnesium deficiency induces a dysregulation the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis which is an interconnected relationship between hormonal and the adrenal system. When this relationship is dysregulated, the stress response is greatly impaired. 

Ashwagandha Extract – Ashwagandha is a beautiful Ayurvedic herb which has been used for thousands of years. It is an adaptogenic herb meaning that it has a regulating effect on the body. Ashwagandha may help to lower cortisol, and therefore reduce feelings of stress. Some research has found that daily doses of ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels by an incredible 11–32%. https://blog.priceplow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/withania_review.pdf

Avena Sativa – Avena Sativa is from the oat plant and contains compounds called avenanthramides. Avena Sativa inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 4. This sounds complicated but basically means that the inhibition of this enzyme reduces stress and anxiety. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519694/ 

Nude Health Stress & Anxiety Aid has been especially formulated for stressful and anxious times.  We all have these feelings at some point in our lives and getting the right nutrient intake can help to reduce these feelings. 

It is essential to support the nerves and brain in high stress situations and during periods of anxiety. Nude Health Stress & Anxiety can be used to support the body, along with mind & body techniques including medication, and gentle exercise.  Taking a broad-spectrum complex is important for a holistic approach to dealing with stress and anxiety. The ingredients in Nude Health’s stress and anxiety aid all work in different ways to effectively target all areas that need support in times of stress. Remember that eating a diet high in nutrient dense foods and low in sugar can help too.