When it comes to healthy and wellness, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For most people, it is a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Sometimes we just don’t get the nutrients we need, and so many of our patients take daily vitamins and supplements. Just as you take supplements to boost your physical health, they can also help with your mental health and stress relief. Here’s what you need to know.
Supplements for Stress 101
You probably already know that taking supplements for stress won’t treat the real issue at hand and that stress, like many medical conditions, has no true “cure”. But when it comes to helping your body defend against the negative effects of stress, some herbal supplements can help. These supplements contain herbs that are understood to act as adaptogens, which are natural substances that can help the body “adapt” to stress and function more normally.
Adaptogens as Stress Relieving Supplements
Here are some of the herbs often found in stress management supplements.
Rhodiola: Rhodiola has a rich traditional history in Siberian culture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Soviet Union conducted extensive studies in the the 20th Century searching for benefits in supporting stamina under prolonged stress - making it a favorite of Russian cosmonauts. Recently, there has been research in the US, including some using human subjects that show similar and consistent outcomes.
Ashwagandha: In the Indian practice of Ayurveda, ashwagandha has been recommended for centuries for its therapeutic qualities. More recent studies have found that ashwagandha been shown to impact stress and physical endurance in conjunction with exercise. It is not commonly used in Western medicine and larger scale studies are necessary to prove clinical efficacy, the appeal of ashwagandha in an increasingly hectic world is clear.
Ginseng: Panax ginseng (aka Asian, Korean, or Chinese ginseng) is often hailed for its anti-stress properties. Very few studies have explored its adaptogenic effects in humans, but a 2003 study on rats found that regular intake of Panax ginseng appeared to protect against harmful effects from chronic stress.
Manage Stress Naturally
Supplements can be an excellent tool to support a healthy body and mind. Along with learning tools to handle stress in a healthy way and regular chiropractic adjustments, you may mind the stress relief you are looking for. If you are considering a supplement for stress, take advantage of our monthly sale and enjoy 25% off stress relief supplement packages through April 30! Contact us with any question you might have, or just ask during your next adjustment!