Supplements that fight stress

Regardless of whether you're good at managing stress or not, it affects each and every one one of us. There is an argument to say that modern day living has increased the amount of stress we feel, with mental health issues such as anxiety becoming more and more commonplace. So whether you're feeling relatively calm right now or a bit overwhelmed it's reassuring to know that you can rely on some secret stress busting weapons to keep you strong during the tougher times.

Magnesium

Magnesium can be found in every cell in the body and is involved in hundreds of functions within the body. It is also a key ally when it comes to fighting stress as it helps to calm the brain, for want of a better phrase. It does this in a couple of different ways: it works to inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity, which reduces neuronal hyper-excitability. And it reduces presynaptic glutamine release by boosting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity within the brain.

It is also important to note that stress depletes your body of magnesium making it even more important to keep levels topped up when you're experiencing prolonged bouts. Opt for a magnesium supplement or ensure you're eating foods such as avocado, bananas and pumpkin seeds that are rich in magnesium.

B Vitamins

There are 8 B vitamins and all of them have their own unique health benefits, getting enough of all of them will give your body a healthful boost. One particularly important area that is benefited is healthy energy levels, and this in turn can help you fight against the physical and psychological effects of stress.

Periods of high stress can deplete the body of some of the key nutrients it needs to function at a high level, this in turn can result in a decrease in psychological and physical health. That is why a taking a B vitamin, especially a B-vitamin complex supplement can be really important, because not only can it replenish the nutrients that stress takes away, but it can promote an actual decrease in stress levels

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for many thousands of years by Ayurvedic herbalists, the active ingredient within it is an antioxidant compound called curcumin.

Curcumin has seen a meteoric rise in popularity among the health conscious and is a great supporter of cardiovascular, liver and joint health but also plays an important role in helping to overcome stress.

Research has shown that taking a curcumin supplement may significantly improve fatigue brought on by daily stress. Studies have also indicated that curcumin may play an essential role in boosting memory health, cognitive function and supporting a healthy mood.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3's are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish and some varieties of nuts and vegetables and they have been linked to a wide range of positive health outcomes. These include promoting heart health, supporting the immune system, bones, joints, restful sleep, healthy skin and mental health. 

Omega-3 fatty acids also fight back against many of the health concerns stress can provoke, plus they may boost your mood, reduce anxiousness, and increase your ability to handle stress.

Omega-3's and their stress-busting abilities have been the focus of numerous studies, and results have indicated that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be helpful in promoting the ability to overcome stress. 

Get the upper hand

There is no single sure fire way to eliminate stress from your life but the right nutrition along with other stress-busting activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with friends and family or any of the many activities that bring you happiness is a step in the right direction. Getting the right nutrients either through diet or supplementation will certainly help you to gain the upper hand in the daily fight.