6 Best Supplements for Stress

Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques are all great ways to help us manage our stress and keep us feeling our best. There are also some vitamins, minerals, and herbs that are known to help calm the mind and body. When used alongside a healthy lifestyle, they can help improve our resilience to stress and support our overall well-being.

Here are the top recommended supplements for stress:

Vitamin C

One of the most highly concentrated areas of vitamin C in the body is the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands play a key role in the stress response, secreting “stress hormones” like adrenaline and cortisol. The adrenal glands also secrete vitamin C in response to stress. Research has shown that people who supplement with vitamin C have lower blood pressure, faster cortisol recovery, and an overall better stress responses.

GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, more commonly referred to as GABA, is a neurotransmitter produced by the body. Its main role is to reduce the excitability of neurons throughout the nervous system, which creates a calming effect. GABA supplementation has been shown to reduce anxiety and can also help improve sleep by helping individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

L-theanine

L-theanine, an amino acid commonly found in green tea and other teas like black tea, white tea, oolong tea, is well-known for promoting relaxation and improving sleep. Research has shown that L-theanine improves feelings of stress and reduces salivary cortisol levels in response to a stressor. L-theanine supplementation also decreases anxiety, improves symptoms of depression, and promotes better sleep.

Ashwagandha

Adaptogens are plants and herbs that help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis (a fancy word for stability or balance inside the body). Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is well-known for its adaptogenic, antioxidant, and immune-supportive properties. Studies have shown that ashwagandha improves serum cortisol levels, perceived stress and happiness, food cravings, body weight, and body mass index. 

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another well-known adaptogenic herb and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Rhodiola is known for its ability to reduce stress, decrease cortisol levels, and improve physical endurance. Several studies have also shown that rhodiola improves mental performance, concentration, and energy levels.

Siberian ginseng

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 Siberian ginseng can reduce fatigue. 

Again, it’s important that supplements are used alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle that also support stress reduction and management. If you’re curious about the best supplements and where to purchase, I highly recommend Fullscript. They have all high-quality supplements from reputable brands. You can log in or create your Fullscript account here to receive a 20% discount!