Not only does stress take a toll on our mental well-being, but it can also wreak havoc on our physical health.
Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular disease, obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches, among other things.
It’s essential to take steps to manage and reduce stress levels, whether that means taking up a new hobby, talking to a therapist, or practicing yoga or meditation.
Another way to help manage stress is by taking supplements and vitamins that have been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in black and green tea. It has been shown to help reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and improve cognitive function.
Some of these benefits might come from synergistic effects with other compounds in tea, such as caffeine. Still, L-theanine appears to be a safe and effective stress reliever even when isolated and taken by itself.
A cup of tea has a much smaller amount (approximately 10-20mg) of L-theanine than the dosages used in studies (200-400mg). While sipping a cup of tea can be relaxing, taking an L-theanine supplement could provide a more significant stress-reducing effect.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are an essential contributor to transforming food into energy.
B vitamins are found in food such as:
- whole grains
- legumes
- leafy greens
- eggs
- dairy
- meat
Stress is associated with high homocysteine levels in the blood, and B vitamins could improve mood and reduce stress by lowering homocysteine levels.
Eating foods rich in B vitamins might be enough, or B complex vitamins can be taken for additional supplementation.
Melatonin
Stress and sleep disorders are closely linked together.
People who are chronically stressed often have trouble falling and staying asleep. And people who don’t get quality sleep are more likely to experience higher stress levels.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep. It is naturally produced in the brain, and levels rise in the dark to help promote sleep.
Melatonin supplements are not sleeping pills. They don’t put you to sleep as soon as you take them. Instead, they serve as a signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep, which can help to regulate sleep patterns over time.
By improving the quality of your sleep, melatonin supplements can help reduce stress levels.
Other Options Are Available
These are just a few of the supplements and vitamins that could effectively reduce your stress levels. What works for one person might not work for another.
If you’re interested in trying a supplement or vitamin to help reduce stress, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional first.
Supplements shouldn’t replace other stress-reducing methods, but they can be a helpful addition. These aren’t magic pills that will make all your stress disappear, but they can give you a little bit of an extra push in your quest to manage your stress.
