The goal of Stress Awareness is to increase awareness about stress and the impact it has on our health. We have all undoubtedly experienced some sort of physical or emotional stress in our lives. While short-term stress is normal, long-term, chronic stress has been associated with numerous stress-related health conditions, such as anxiety, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, HPA axis dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and utilizing relaxation techniques can help you manage your stress levels and keep you feeling your best. Vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements can also help to improve your resilience to stress and support healthy adrenal gland function. If you are looking for a quick-acting systemic relief from symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, you may want to schedule an acupuncture treatment with out office.
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Vitamin C
One of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the body is found in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands play a key role in the stress response, secreting the hormones adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol. The adrenal glands also secrete vitamin C as a response to stress. Research has shown that individuals supplementing with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) demonstrate lower blood pressure, faster salivary cortisol recovery, and better subjective stress responses.
Top Vitamin C supplements on Fullscript:
Buffered Vitamin C by Integrative Therapeutics
Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C by Seeking Health
GABA
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid, more commonly referred to as GABA is a neurotransmitter produced by the body. The primary role of GABA is to reduce the excitability of neurons throughout the nervous system, inducing a calming effect. Research demonstrates that GABA supplementation reduces anxiety and improves sleep, helping individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Top GABA supplements on Fullscript:
GABA by Progressive Labs
GABA by Enzymatic Therapy
L-theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid commonly found in green tea, is well-known for promoting relaxation and improving sleep. Research has shown that L-theanine supplementation improves subjective stress and salivary cortisol responses when individuals are confronted with a stressor. L-theanine supplementation also decreases anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbances in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Top L-theanine supplements on Fullscript:
L-Theanine 200mg by Vital Nutrients
L-Theanine 100mg by Integrative Therapeutics
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
Adaptogens refer to a group of plants or herbs that help your body adapt to stress, normalize body functions, and maintain homeostasis. Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, “Indian Winter Cherry”, or “Indian Ginseng”, is well-known for its adaptogenic, antioxidant, and immune-supportive properties. Studies have shown that ashwagandha supplementation improves serum cortisol levels, perceived stress and happiness, food cravings, body weight, and body mass index.
Top Withania somnifera supplements on Fullscript:
Ashwagandha by Pure Encapsulations
Ashwagandha by Ayush Herbs
Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola)
Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine, the adaptogen Rhodiola rosea is known for its ability to reduce stress, decrease cortisol levels, and improve physical endurance. Several studies have also shown that rhodiola supplementation improves mental performance, concentration, and energy levels.
Top Rhodiola rosea supplements on Fullscript:
Rhodiola by Integrative Therapeutics
Rhodiola 3% 200mg by Vital Nutrients
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng)
Eleutherococcus senticosus, or Siberian ginseng, is a wild shrub of the Araliaceae family. Similar to ashwagandha and rhodiola, Siberian ginseng is known primarily for its adaptogenic effects. Siberian ginseng has been associated with reductions in heart rate and systolic blood pressure in women. Studies have also shown that supplementation with Siberian ginseng reduces severity and duration of fatigue.
Top Eleutherococcus senticosus supplements on Fullscript:
Eleuthero Root Capsules by Gaia Herbs (Professional Solutions)
Eleuthero Solid Extract by Wise Woman Herbals
The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook
While supplementation can provide your body with extra support during periods of stress, it’s essential to understand your personal stress response and address the factors contributing to your stress. This workbook includes tips for stress management, relaxation techniques, and step-by-step exercises to help you accomplish this. If you have any issues accessing the dispensary, let us know. We may just need your paperwork updated. Additionally, please use caution when self-prescribing as many supplements are practitioner grade and ingredients may already exist in other supplementation in different forms you may already be taking.
