Can Supplements Help With Holiday Stress
Can supplements help with holiday stress? To get straight to the answer, absolutely!
We all know what the holiday season means. As soon as the month of December arrives we know that we should all be enjoying the first snowfall, Santa Clause in the mall, Christmas carolers, hot chocolate, baked goods, and the warmth of the fireplace. In reality, however, the 1st of December often sparks a more stressful response. We tend to begin to think about all of the presents we have yet to purchase for family and friends, the amount of travel and preparation that is required for family gatherings, the dynamics of getting along with family members that we don’t necessarily enjoy being around, focusing on the number of unhealthy foods we likely won’t be able to resist, or even the simple fact of knowing that we may not be able to enjoy enough time in a state of actual relaxation. The list goes on and on for many people. It seems as though the holiday hustle and bustle has become part of the season.
BUT… what is all of this stress doing to our health?
Well, science shows that the stress response can spark a cascade of negative effects on the mind and body. In short, our body is always on high alert and reacting to the stressful environment we are in. Add in our daily work and family commitments and sprinkle on a pandemic, and you we have ourselves a recipe for a very big health risk.
Essentially, our adrenal glands are in overdrive at all times during stress. These glands are located on top of each kidney and produce cortisol (which is also called “the stress hormone”). When too much cortisol is released in the bloodstream, our bodies can end up experiencing a whole host of negative symptoms. These may range from lack of libido, to chronic fatigue, all the way to more serious symptoms like high blood pressure, weight gain, water retention, and so on. Over time, chronically-high cortisol levels can cause other illnesses and lead to some pretty serious consequences.
What can be done to avoid this?
For starters, finding some time to relax, plan ahead, and live in the present moment will do wonders during the stressful holiday season. Trying to find some time for meditation and/or yoga is ideal. This, however, is not always possible, especially during the month of December!
Luckily, there are a variety of natural supplements that have demonstrated their ability to help mitigate the negative effects of stress and keep your cortisol at bay so that you can coast through the busy holiday season.
Here are just a few popular stress care supplements:
1.Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Is a member of the nightshade family. It has demonstrated beneficial effects when taken to combat stress and anxiety. In addition, Ashwagandha has been noted in studies to have a moderating effect on cortisol. As such, the actual stress response in the body is normalized right at the root of where stress and anxiety in the physical sense, begin.
2. L-Theanine
Promotes stress-relief, prevents cortisol spikes, and provides relaxation without sedation.
3. Phosphatidylserine
A “Phospholipid”, made up of amino acids and fatty acids that effectively regulates adrenal gland function, promotes healthy heartbeat coordination, has powerful cellular repair properties, and even improves the function of the immune system
4. Rhodiola
An adaptogenic herb that possesses the ability to aid in burning fat, increasing energy, and combating the negative effects of stress.
5. GABA
Gamma-aminobutyric acid helps to send messages between the brain and the nervous system and can have a calming effect on the body – effectively decreasing anxiety, and promoting relaxation.
6. Chamomile
Known for its healing properties, chamomile helps to combat anxiety, muscle spasms, and speed wound healing. In addition, it acts as a calming agent to promote healthy digestion and full-body relaxation.
7. Hops
Dried flowering portion of a plant that is used to aid correcting the inability to sleep, anxiety, and digestive problems.
8. L-Tryptophan
An essential amino acid that helps the body make proteins. It is used to improve mood and quality of sleep. In addition, it helps with muscle recovery and overcoming mental and physical exhaustion.
9. Folic acid
It is a synthetic form of folate. Folate is a B vitamin present in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, breads, and beans. Folic acid is available as a prescription medication or as a vitamin supplement. It is helpful for depression as it decreases symptoms and can provide relief even when combined with antidepressants.
10. SAMe
Its full name is S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). It is produced naturally in the body and enhances the production of neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation..
11. Valerian
Valerian is an herb native to Europe and some parts of Asia. It is mostly used for the treatment of stress and anxiety because of its calming effects and the role it plays on helping users to get to sleep.
12. Choline
Increases energy and focus, supports memory function, and even offers neuroprotective effects in the brain.
13. Holy Basil
An herb that is classified as an adaptogen (reducing the negative effects of stress on the body). It has also been shown to exhibit anti-oxidant activity in the body while protecting the liver.
The key to most of the aforementioned supplements is that they possess adaptogenic properties. That is, they support the body’s natural ability to cope with stress. These supplements will do wonders for you during this holiday season so that you can enjoy the blessings of the season rather than the stresses that it can bring.
To find the stress-relief supplements that work best for you, or for more health, fitness, and wellness advice, visit us in store and have a chat with one of our experts. We can also be reached on Facebook and Instagram. If you try any of the stress-relief options mentioned above, be sure to tag us! We are #ReflexNation.
