In an increasingly high-stress world, just a few simple steps can help ensure general well-being and support the body’s ability to adapt to tense situations. In a NAPS article, Douglas MacKay, N.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), noted controlling stress is critical for good health. “Stress overload harms the body and can eventually lead to cardiovascular, immune and digestive problems, as well as depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns,” he said. “Incorporating relaxation techniques into our everyday lives is essential for overall health and wellness.”
While MacKay offers basic stress-busting tips, including incorporating more meditation or yoga to decrease stress levels, exercising regularly to improve mood, and incorporating more complex carbohydrates from whole grains into the diet, he also supports the use of certain nutritional supplements. Botanicals such as chamomile, lavender, valerian and lemon balm are known for their ability to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep; Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, known to improve physical and mental performance and fight fatigue. Also consider taking vitamin B complex, as stress depletes the body of essential B vitamins that work to maintain the health of the nervous system and important neurotransmitters.