Here are our top 10 natural supplements to help you tackle your anxiety head on
At one time or another, especially in today’s world where it seems like if you’re not being productive 24/7 then you’re not working hard enough, we’ve all felt overcome by anxious thoughts. Whether you’re preparing for a big meeting at work, trying to get the kids to focus during their zoom classes, or just struggling with those feelings of ‘overwhelm’, anxiety can make it tough to get through the day.
And it seems like everybody has something to say about how to deal with anxiety. There’s a lot of contradicting and misleading information out there. But the truth is, what we eat and supplement with has a big impact! Eating a whole food diet full of healthy fats and proteins and minimal added sugar can be a great way to help combat stress. When you need an extra boost, turn to supplements (after all, they are just concentrated food sources!)
With that being said, here are my top 10 supplement recommendations to help relieve anxiety.
1.Magnesium
It’s considered the “anti-stress” supplement. Magnesium helps with everything from anxiety to insomnia, headaches to sore muscles, and even menstrual cramps. But remember - not all supplements are created equally. Be sure to look for a bioavailable form of Magnesium such as glycinate, malate, or threonate, which is the only form shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. Check out Empirica’s Tri-Mag which boasts all three bio-available forms!
2. Ashwagandha
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha help increase your body’s resilience to stress. This herb is known for promoting a relaxed state of mind, a calm nervous system, and better sleep.
3. Zen Out
This is a wonderful blend from Empirica used to help promote relaxation. It features botanical extracts, like valerian, which has been known to help with stress and have a soothing effect on the nervous system. It also includes minerals, like magnesium, to help with soreness and to help you sleep deeper.
4. Fish Oil
Most people in today’s world are eating too many omega-6’s. We need a proper balance of omega-3’s to omega-6’s, somewhere around 1:4. The problem is most people are closer to having only 1 omega-3 for every 20 omega-6’s! This is definitely a recipe for some serious inflammation in our bodies. It’s important to try and balance this ratio out by addressing your diet and including a daily high quality fish oil supplement.
5. CBD
High quality CBD products can help reduce stress, anxiety, promote better sleep and better recovery from hard workouts. And of course without any THC, it’s safe to take on the daily when you need an extra dose of calm!
6. Vitamin D
Even if you make it a point to see the sun on the daily, chances are still high you’re not getting enough Vitamin D for your body’s needs. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression, anxiety and poor sleep. It’s important when supplementing to look for D3 + K2 to increase absorption.
7. Turmeric
This much-loved spice has been known for its anti inflammatory properties, but it’s also a known antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. It’s even been shown to help with achy joints, brain fog and age related diseases.
8. Lemon Balm
So many uses for this amazing herb! On top of being helpful for promoting focus and a more stable mood, lemon balm has tons of antibacterial properties as well. It’s super easy to grow in a potted container and brewing the leaves for tea is a favorite way to use this herb. Don’t want to grow your own? Lemon Balm is the primary ingredient in Herbal Element’s Anxiety Release tea, along with other soothing and relaxing herbs like skullcap and catnip. It’s a perfect blend of zen!
9. Glutamine
Glutamine has a strong history of reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Why is this important for helping with anxiety? Because over 80% of our serotonin, the feel good hormone, is made in your gut! When our gut is constantly inflamed and stressed out, our brain becomes inflamed and stressed out too.
10. Adaptogen Support
Another amazing blend from Empirica. This one combines adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola, which has been used for centuries to increase stamina and maintain a healthy mood, and essential B vitamins, which are needed to help your body properly respond to stressors. If you want healthy energy levels and to support your immune system, this supplement is for you!