By Koby Taylor, PharmD

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. For some people, stress is a normal part of their everyday lives, and they gradually learn to cope with it in healthy ways. For others, stress can be more debilitating and may even lead to health problems. If you find yourself struggling to cope with stress, supplements can help. Let’s talk about which supplements can help you relieve your stress and where you can find the best supplements.

The Signs of Stress

The signs of stress can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing too much stress:

• Headache
• Tension in the neck and shoulders
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Racing heart or feeling anxious
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite

Benefits of Using Supplements to Manage Stress

There are many benefits to using supplements to manage stress. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Stress can lead to health problems, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Supplements can help reduce these risks.
• Stress can cause you to lose sleep, leading to fatigue and other problems. Supplements can help you get the rest you need.
• Stress can make it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. Supplements can help improve your focus and memory.
• Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. Supplements can help strengthen your immune system.
• Supplements do not require a prescription to obtain – you can buy them over the counter at a drugstore or pharmacy.
• Supplementation is often an excellent solution that does not create side effects common with prescription medication and treats the fundamental cause rather than masking symptoms.

How to Use Supplements for Stress Relief?

There are many different supplements that can help reduce stress. Some of the most popular supplements for stress relief include:

B vitamins

B complex vitamins are essential for many functions in the body, including stress relief and mood regulation. Studies have shown that B vitamins can lower stress by lowering the levels of amino acid homocysteine, which is shown to increase the risk for dementia and heart disease.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea is a herb that has been used for centuries to relieve stress. Studies on rhodiola rosea have reported improvement in sleep quality and short-term memory.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is another herb that is used to relieve stress, originating in India and used in ayurvedic medicine. It is thought to work by reducing the amount of cortisol – the “stress hormone” – in the body.

Glycine

Glycine is an amino acid that is found in protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, and beans. Studies have found that it can have calming effects on the brain and decreases stress by improving sleep, both of which make your body more resilient in times of stress.

L-theanine

L-theanine is also an amino acid and can be found in green tea. One study showed that drinking a tea with 200mg of L-theanine daily lowered cortisol levels and encouraged relaxation. Doses of 200-600mg every day in capsule form have been shown to be safe and well-tolerated.

Before Taking Supplements, Know This

If you are considering taking any of these supplements for stress relief, it’s essential to consult with your doctor first. Certain supplements may interact with medications you are taking or have other risks. Most of these supplements have instructions on the label as to how much you should take and how often. However, it can be helpful to talk to a nutritionist or health coach about which of these supplements you should try first and for how long to see a benefit.

Stress Relief Supplements Near Me

If you are looking for a pharmacy that carries supplements specific to stress, look no further than Fusion Specialty Pharmacy. We specialize in using supplements, vitamins, and alternative medicine to treat common health problems without the side effects of traditional prescription medication. We also offer one-on-one health consultations where our certified health coaches and pharmacists can help you build a personalized supplement plan for your stress and health needs.

To find our location nearest you, visit our website here, and to schedule, an appointment with one of our health coaches, click here.

We look forward to helping you lower your stress levels and promoting your overall wellness!