Working around the clock, either at the office or at home, can take a toll on your mental health. But it’s not just the pressures of work that can trigger stress. Several other factors can start a domino effect that results in a mental breakdown. Everyone has their own trigger points. These can be:
- Health
- Financial condition
- Family matters
- Relationships
Once stress takes hold, various mental or physical problems can start manifesting. For instance, it can cause irritability, anger issues, insomnia or nervousness. These conditions can be acute. Headache, fatigue, and stomach upset are some of the physical manifestations of stress.
To counter these effects, you can exercise, ensure proper nutritional intake, and get quality sleep. These things help maintain the balance of hormones like cortisol. Some vitamins for stress relief and supplements can also be of help.
Here are six vitamins and supplements that you can take as a countermeasure for stress.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is a plant from India. It is an adaptogenic herb that is valued in Indian Ayurveda, an ancient form of medical practice. This plant can increase one’s physical resilience, helping to effectively battle physical or mental stress.
Ashwagandha has two primary benefits.
- In terms of health: It reduces anxiety, stress, and depression substantially.
- In terms of safety: This is a natural herb that is known to be safe, and people tolerate it well.
- Melatonin
Insomnia can aggravate stress, which means that getting adequate sleep is a must. Otherwise, the effects of stress could get serious.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that is essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake cycle. If you have trouble sleeping, you can take supplements that contain melatonin to get more rest.
- In the U.S., you can get it over the counter.
- In many countries, you need a prescription.
- It is a non-habit-forming hormone, so it is safe to use.
- Glycine
Glycine is a type of amino acid that is needed to create protein. Its effect on the sleep cycle is significant.
Glycine calms the brain and helps create a balance in the body’s core temperature. A lower body temperature makes you more likely to sleep soundly, without waking in the middle of the night.
- Glycine also helps reduce daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
- It is safe and well tolerated.
- A dose of over 9 grams can cause slight stomach upset.
- B-complex vitamins
A vitamin B-complex supplement is a combination of eight essential B vitamins. They play a crucial role in maintaining the metabolic rate. This means your body gets much of the energy it needs from B vitamins. They are known to have an extensive impact on heart and brain health. B-complex is also a popular anxiety and stress vitamin.
- You can get B vitamins from grains, meats, dairy products, legumes, eggs, and other foods.
- Certain B vitamins can reduce the level of an amino acid called homocysteine—which can cause dementia, heart disease, and colorectal cancer—in the blood.
- It can curb stress by improving mood and increasing energy levels.
- It is safe if you consume it under proper guidance.
- L-theanine
In several countries, tea is recognized for its stress-relieving properties. L-theanine, which is present in tea, calms without imposing a sedative effect. It also helps improve memory. L-theanine is safe to consume, and the human body can tolerate it easily.
- Kava
Kava is famous in the South Pacific islands as a shrub with healing properties. Its active compounds are called kavalactones. They have stress-relieving properties, but consuming kava supplements in large doses may trigger some liver problems.
Statistical Reference:
The American Institute of Stress revealed that about 33% of people experience an extreme level of stress. Among these, 77% said that stress impacts their physical health. A lot of these people report having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). About 3.5% of adults in the U.S. report having PTSD symptoms each year.
Conclusion:
Stress is a global phenomenon. In many developing and underdeveloped countries, it goes unrecorded due to a lack of awareness. To reduce stress, you can use anxiety relief vitamins and supplements like Nature Lab’s Ashwagandha Root Powder.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
