Food supplements: a natural weapon against stress

Dietary Supplements: A General Overview

Are you feeling stressed, tired or exhausted? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Stress is our body’s natural reaction to difficult or new situations. It’s linked to our survival instinct, allowing us to face or flee from a threat. However, when it becomes chronic , stress can have negative consequences on our health, well-being and productivity.

Massively present in our daily lives, the sources of stress are multiple: professional pressures, personal problems, lack of sleep, poor diet, noisy or polluted environment... Faced with this constant flow of demands, our body can have difficulty coping.

Fortunately, today we have an army of natural products to help us fight against these daily stresses. Among them, herbal food supplements have proven their effectiveness. These products, made from plant extracts known for their beneficial properties, can help you reduce your stress levels and find a state of balance and well-being.

Food supplements can be composed of plants such as St. John's wort, known for its anti-stress and antidepressant action, valerian and passionflower, known to promote relaxation and sleep, or ginseng and rhodiola, which help combat physical and mental fatigue. These plants act in synergy to help your body combat stress naturally and effectively.

It is important to note that, although they are natural, these dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. They should be taken in addition to a healthy lifestyle, which remains the first line of defense against stress. Consult a healthcare professional before starting a course of dietary supplements, especially if you are already taking other medications.

How Dietary Supplements Can Help Relieve Stress

You may be wondering, why does stress occur and how can nutritional supplements help? Understanding stress is crucial. Stress is often the body's response to a difficult or overwhelming situation, including anxiety attacks . Factors such as work, personal challenges, and health issues can induce stress. Now that we understand stress, let's look at how nutritional supplements can help.

Many dietary supplements are enriched with herbs known for their ability to promote relaxation and peace of mind. These herbs can help stabilize our mood, strengthen our immune system, and improve our overall response to stress.

For example, consider the well-known natural sedative: chamomile. Found in some herbal teas and supplements, chamomile is known for its calming effects on the mind and body. With its relaxing properties, chamomile can help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety .

Ashwagandha, another herb commonly used in supplements, is also known for its stress-relieving benefits. Considered an “adaptogenic” herb in Ayurvedic medicine, it helps the body better manage and adapt to stress. Ashwagandha may help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

These examples perfectly illustrate how the plants present in food supplements can effectively combat stress . It is important to note, however, that these supplements should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, consulting a health professional before starting any food supplement program is always wise.

The Impact of Diet on Stress: An Overview

There’s no denying that your diet plays a crucial role in how your body handles stress. Stress is actually your body’s natural response to various stressful situations, whether positive or negative. When you’re faced with a challenge or danger, your body triggers a series of chemical and physiological reactions designed to help you cope with the challenge. This is commonly referred to as the “fight or flight” response.

But when these stress reactions become chronic, it can lead to a range of health problems, from sleep disturbances to heart disease. That's where supplements come in. With their rich nutrient composition, these valuable aids can help your body better manage stress.

Plants in Food Supplements: Allies Against Stress

When it comes to stress, some plants found in food supplements are real allies. Plants like St. John's wort, valerian and ginseng are known for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety. They work by helping to stabilize the nervous system and promote relaxation and restful sleep, which is essential in managing post-traumatic stress, for example.

St. John's wort is often used in herbal medicine to treat mood disorders, including stress and depression. It helps increase the availability of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter important for regulating mood. Similarly, valerian is known for its ability to soothe the nervous system, promoting sleep and relaxation. Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, which increases the body's resistance to stress and fatigue.

In addition to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, the use of these plants in food supplements can be a valuable tool to combat stress and its harmful effects on our health.

Examples of Effective Food Supplements Against Stress

Talking about stress without mentioning certain plants would be a real omission. Indeed, our generous nature has provided us with an arsenal of plants with recognized properties to combat stress. Many plants are used in the formulation of food supplements and are real allies to manage your periods of stress.

Let’s start with Rhodiola, which could be called the “anti-stress queen.” This herb is valued for its ability to balance the nervous system. It helps to resist physical and emotional stress and helps improve endurance, productivity, and even the ability to concentrate. When stress is overwhelming you, Rhodiola is a formidable ally.

Ginseng is another popular herb in the world of dietary supplements. Its ability to boost mental abilities and combat fatigue makes it an excellent choice for those who experience long-term stress, especially work-related stress.

Also look at Valerian and Passionflower, often associated for their calming and sleep-promoting effects. Their presence in your food supplement can help you regain restful sleep, often disrupted by stress.

Here are some specific food supplements from the Naturveda laboratory, designed to combat stress.

Organic True Angelica is a dietary supplement that is not only beneficial for your digestion, but also for your overall well-being. Also known as Angelica Officinale or Archangelica, this plant facilitates digestion and alleviates intestinal discomfort. Coming from high-quality organic farming, Organic True Angelica is a real ally in your quest for serenity by helping to combat stress and anxiety, particularly intestinal stress .

Organic Hawthorn is another great supplement for stress management. Known for its beneficial effects on blood circulation, sleep and anxiety, Hawthorn helps regulate blood pressure, strengthen blood vessels, improve sleep quality and relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety .

And finally, Herba Mig is a dietary supplement that has been specially formulated to support the health of your brain and nervous system. Its unique composition of active plant ingredients, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins B2 and B12, makes Herba Mig a support that helps soothe the nervous system and effectively contributes to the reduction of stress and anxiety.

Incorporating these supplements into your daily routine can be a natural and effective way to manage your stress and improve your quality of life.

Let us remember that each organism is unique and that the effectiveness of plants can vary from one individual to another. Do not hesitate to consult a health professional if you are going through a period of intense or prolonged stress. Your well-being is precious, do not neglect it.

Side Effects and Precautions to Take with Food Supplements

A watchword: moderation. Even if food supplements have demonstrated their beneficial roles against stress, it is crucial not to abuse them. Indeed, like any product that we put in our body, they can have side effects if taken in excess or misused.

It is therefore necessary to respect the dosage indicated by the manufacturer and to consult a health professional before starting a supplementation program, especially if you have existing health conditions or if you are using other medications.

Side effects vary depending on the form of the herb in the dietary supplement. For example, excessive consumption of St. John's wort, a herb known for its anti-stress effect, can cause photosensitivity or negative interactions with other medications.

By the way, it's important to point out that natural doesn't necessarily mean safe. So, always take the time to read labels, understand what you're putting in your body, and have an informed discussion with a healthcare professional to be sure you're making the best choice for your well-being.

Dietary supplements can play a valuable role in stress management. However, they should not be considered the ultimate solution. Rest, a balanced diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are equally crucial to effectively manage stress.

Finally, if stress persists, it is crucial to consult a mental health professional. Dietary supplements can help relieve stress, but they are not a substitute for professional help if needed. Remember that it is okay to seek help and take care of yourself.