Stress levels are at an all-time high, with many of us feeling increased levels of anxiety due to the hectic and uncertain nature of everyday life.
“We are living in an epidemic of stress,” Roxane Bakker, Head Dietitian at Vitl tells us. "As humans we are hard-wired to react to our environment. Stressors such as running late for an appointment will instigate the hormonal release of adrenaline (the ‘alarm’ hormone) and cortisol (the stress hormone). This reaction is often triggered when we experience something new or unexpected or that threatens our sense of self, or when we feel we have little control over a situation.”
And it’s no secret that stress is bad for our bodies. “Long term stress can have negative effects, especially if the body is in a prolonged state of stress which is referred to as ‘chronic stress’,” continues It can leave us in a permanent state of ‘flight or fight’ (triggering the release of hormones mentioned above and activating our immune system).”
Investing in some of the best supplements for stress can be a way to deal with the problem day-to-day, working alongside other tactics to naturally combat stress, such as getting more sleep, exercising and eating a nutritionally-balanced diet.
How can supplements help with stress?
Supplements are a great way to boost your nutritional intake if it’s not possible to get everything you need in your diet, but it’s important to do your research. “The best supplements for stress are the ones that contain a variety of nutrients that research suggests can help regulate the nervous system, such as vitamin C, iodine, magnesium, CBD and most B vitamins,” Roxane explains.
Which are the key ingredients to look out for when it comes to supplements for stress?
- Cordyceps: This is a mushroom that’s been used for centuries to treat fatigue and kidney disease. “There are two main properties this mushroom possesses which are particularly useful in times of stress – energy production and adrenal support,” explains qualified nutritionist Rosie Millen. “Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is your body’s energy source and can help combat stress.”
- Magnesium: “Magnesium is great for reducing stress and anxiety,” Rosie continued. “50 per cent of the population are deficient in magnesium and stress is its biggest robber! This mineral is a major muscle relaxant and can be taken before bed to induce sleep. Studies show that it binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is the neurotransmitter responsible for quieting down nerve activity so helpful for anyone who is restless at night.”
- CBD: A newer ingredient on the nutrition radar, CBD is used to calm the body and mind. “Many have already discovered the power of CBD following studies highlighting how it supports a healthy mind, and with research uncovering that CBD has the unique ability to interact with the ‘endocannabinoid system’ [ourwidespread neuromodulatory system that helps guard against fear and anxiety],” co-founders of MOi + Me, Catherine Meardon and Laura Walton, explain.
- Omega 3: Another important nutrient that plays a critical role in the body to fight oxidative stress are the essential fatty acids (also known as omega 3),” Millen explains. “Our body’s produce free radicals or toxins as a by-product of many different metabolic processes, these toxins need to be neutralised to prevent them from damaging our DNA and cells. Omega 3 found in oily fish and chia seeds are great at doing just that.”
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Anatome Magnesium Reset, Relax + Sleep Supplements
Specifically aimed at reducing stress and helping you get a better night’s rest, this daily supplement is a perfect starter option for those who want to try out magnesium for its relaxing and sleep inducing properties. A mix of amino acids L-theanine and tryptophan help to encourage serotonin synthesis and boost your mood, not to mention easing tense muscles.
Buy now £30.00, Selfridges
Cannabotech Relax Drops
Combining three powerful functional mushrooms - reishi, cordyceps and lion’s Mane - with CBD oil, these Relax Drops from Cannabotech are a recipe for ultimate relaxing success. The reishi mushrooms exert calming effects, while cordyceps militaris helps the body adapt to stress and lion's mane promotes relaxation by supporting nerve growth factors. One reviewer even called these drops her ‘secret weapon’.
Buy now £79.00, Cannabotech
CBII CBD Gummies
These tasty and easy-to-use gummies come in four delicious flavours; watermelon, raspberry, tangerine and lemon. Each gummy contains 25g of broad spectrum CBD for a daily dose of calm. These gummies are particularly useful for aiding sleep and promoting calmness throughout the day - and taste delicious, too.
Buy now £34.00, CBII
Wild Food-Grown Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium has some key benefits for the body, including promoting healthy bones and teeth, aiding muscle recovery, reducing tiredness and relaxing the body. Coined ‘nature’s tranquiliser’, magnesium is said to help calm frazzled minds in order to promote better mental health.
You will need to take 4 capsules a day, so this supplement is a little more of a commitment, but one that plays dividends. Take four capsules a day; two in the morning after breakfast and two in the evening 1-2 hours for a better night’s sleep and calmer days.
Buy now £17.50, Wild Food
Isolate CBD Oil
This easy-to-use CBD oil uses 99 per cent+ Premium CBD Isolate and comes in three strengths; 500mg, 1000mg and 3000mg. Each CBDâ¯Oilâ¯contains 30 servings taken orally, and it can be taken day or night, once a day. The taste is inoffensive, and the product is really easy to use with a flexibility over timings means you’re more likely to stick to taking it.
Buy now £17.49, Vapoholic
BodyBio UK Calm Supplements
These daily supplements offer targeted stress relief for a sense of daily calm. As well as better sleep, these hardworking supplements will help users relax and unwind, without any side effects, balancing brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This is a particularly useful supplement when it comes to winding down in the evening and will help you feel ready to drift off before bed.
Buy now £54.99, iHerb
Better You Good Night Spray with Magnesium Oil
This topical spray is great for a quick dose of magnesium before bed - it’s recommended to spray 5 to 10 sprays on the skin around the body and massage in well. Despite the slight sting that comes from topically applying magnesium spray, this is a great way to get more magnesium into your routine.
Buy now £8.33, Amazon
Weleda Stress Relief Oral Spray
This oral spray is great for relieving stress on the go, targeting mild stress, irritability and tension. Formulated with chamomile, this formula helps calm the body down with a simple spritz. A great spray for encouraging you to take a moment to relax and pause that’s low maintenance and effective.
Buy now £11.49, Holland and Barrett
Cordyceps CS-4 Strain Capsules
Cordyceps is a supplement derived from mushrooms that’s full of nutrients - particularly when it comes to supporting the adrenal gland and boosting energy. This particular supplement tablet is formulated to support the immune system, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This is an easy one to work into your daily routine, as only 1 capsule per a day is needed to gain the benefits.
Buy now £22.70, iHerb
Verdict
The Magnesium Reset, Relax + Sleep Supplements are a great all-rounder when it comes to instilling a sense of calm, at an accessible, mid price-point. Not only will this supplement help you sleep better, which will reduce stress all around, but it also eases muscle tension and boosts serotonin. Plus, it’s just one capsule per a day, meaning it’s one of the easiest routines to stick to on the list.
