Stress is a natural part of life, but it can also be detrimental to our health if left unchecked. If you’re looking for natural ways to fight stress, there are plenty of vitamins and supplements that can help.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best natural vitamins and supplements to help combat stress.
1. Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that play an important role in nervous system function, energy production, and brain health.
These vitamins include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12).
Studies have shown that vitamin B complex can help reduce stress levels by regulating the function of neurotransmitters in the brain and supporting the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood.
Additionally, vitamin B complex can help boost energy levels, which can help combat fatigue and mental fog associated with stress.
2. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help combat stress and anxiety.
This herb has adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress by regulating hormone levels and improving energy production.
Studies have shown that rhodiola rosea can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by increasing the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
Additionally, rhodiola rosea has been shown to improve cognitive function and physical endurance, which can help combat the mental and physical effects of stress.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and protein synthesis.
Additionally, magnesium has been shown to help reduce stress levels by regulating the production of stress hormones like cortisol.
Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression.
Additionally, magnesium has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can be particularly helpful for people with stress-related insomnia.
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce stress and anxiety. This herb has adaptogenic properties, which means it can help the body adapt to stress by regulating hormone levels and improving energy production.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha supplementation can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression by regulating the production of stress hormones like cortisol and improving mood-regulating neurotransmitter function.
Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to improve physical performance and reduce inflammation, which can be helpful for people with stress-related health issues.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation. Additionally, research has shown that vitamin D can play a role in reducing symptoms of stress and depression.
Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Additionally, some research has indicated that vitamin D supplementation can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
6. Kava
Kava is an herb that is commonly used in traditional medicine to help reduce anxiety and stress. This herb works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, which helps reduce the activity of stress-regulating neurotransmitters like cortisol.
Studies have shown that kava supplementation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood in people with mild to moderate anxiety.
Additionally, kava has been shown to improve sleep quality, which can be helpful for people with stress-related insomnia.
7. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for digestive and immune health.
Additionally, research has shown that probiotics can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety by regulating the production of stress hormones like cortisol and improving the function of the gut-brain axis.
Studies have shown that probiotic supplementation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in both healthy individuals and people with digestive disorders.
Additionally, some research has indicated that probiotics can help improve mood and reduce stress-related inflammation.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play a role in brain function, heart health, and immune function. Additionally, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Studies have shown that omega-3 supplementation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation, which can be helpful for people with stress-related health issues.
9. Valerian Root
Valerian root is an herb that is commonly used in traditional medicine to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
This herb works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, which helps reduce the activity of stress-regulating neurotransmitters like cortisol.
Studies have shown that valerian root supplementation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality in people with mild to moderate anxiety.
Additionally, valerian root has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress-related inflammation.
10. L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that is commonly found in green tea. This compound has been shown to have relaxation and stress-reducing properties by interacting with GABA receptors and improving alpha brain wave activity.
Studies have shown that L-theanine supplementation can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and improve cognitive function in healthy individuals.
Additionally, L-theanine has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress-related inflammation.
Conclusion
Stress can be detrimental to our health if left unchecked, but there are plenty of natural ways to combat it.
These 10 natural vitamins and supplements have been shown to help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and improve mood, sleep quality, and cognitive function. If you’re struggling with stress, consider incorporating some of these supplements into your daily routine to help support your body’s natural stress response.