Key Takeaways:
- Adaptogens are natural plant substances that help the body adapt to stress.* Ashwagandha root extract is a powerful adaptogenic herb.
- Taking B-complex vitamins can help support nervous system health.*
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. And while it may be normal, stress can sometimes impact overall health. This is why it’s so important to learn how to manage and respond to stress effectively.
We’ll break down what exactly happens to the body when it is under stress, what adaptogens are, and how they can help, as well as the best vitamins and supplements to help with stress.
Let’s get into it.
What happens to the body during stress?
Emotional stress – like losing your job – is very different from physical stress – like breaking your leg. Not all stress is bad either. In dangerous situations, stress signals send the body into fight or flight mode, and in non-life-threatening situations, stress can motivate you to work hard. However, emotional stress can often present itself through physical symptoms, especially if it is ongoing.
When your body feels stress, it releases hormones. This process starts when the central nervous system fires up in response to a stressful situation. The hypothalamus in the brain sends a message to your adrenal glands to release stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Your body responds by sending blood to where it is needed, including the heart and muscles. When the stress is gone, your central nervous system returns to its normal state. If the stress doesn’t go away, your body experiences chronic stress.1
Chronic stress, or a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period, can contribute to long-term cardiovascular issues. The consistent and ongoing increase in heart rate and the elevated levels of stress hormones and of blood pressure can take a toll on the body.2
What are adaptogenic herbs, and how can they help?
Adaptogens are naturally sourced plant substances that help the body adapt to stress and normalize our bodily processes.* For plants to be classified as adaptogens, they must be non-toxic to the individual, positively affect the body, and help reduce occasional stress by helping the body adapt.
Several clinical trials demonstrate that adaptogens exert benefits against a background of stress and fatigue.3
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is one of the most well-known adaptogens for stress. A popular herb in the Ayurvedic wellness tradition, today, we know ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress and benefits overall well-being.*4
Recent findings suggest that high-concentration full-spectrum Ashwagandha root extract helps with an individual’s resistance towards stress.5
Solgar® Stress and Anxiety Relief deliver 600 mg of KSM-66® standardized Ashwagandha extract. This clinically studied form of Ashwagandha provides occasional stress support by supporting a calm, relaxed mood and helping to maintain healthy cortisol levels already within a normal range.*
How do B-complex vitamins work?
There are eight different B vitamins, each one needed by the body for a unique purpose. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12 help to maintain a healthy nervous system. A healthy nervous system is essential to being able to deal with the symptoms of stress.
One study found that participants who took ashwagandha and B-vitamin supplements for four weeks reported a 19% decrease in their perceived level of stress.6
Solgar® B-Complex Stress Formula with Vitamin C offers the five B-vitamins mentioned above to provide nourishment for the occasional stress of daily living and 500 mg of vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system.
Other stress-reducing supplements:
Solgar® Daily Stress Support
Solgar® Daily Stress Support is a 100% drug-free and non-habit-forming way to support your ability to deal with occasional mental and physical stress.*
It is made with clinically-studied Rhodiola and PANMOL® B-Complex from organic quinoa sprouts.*
Each serving of Solgar® Daily Stress Support helps:
- Build your body’s resistance to stress*
- Aid in your ability to deal with mental and physical stress*
- Provide relief from occasional stress-related mental fatigue*
- Support your ability to stay calm*
- Support energy metabolism and nervous system health*
And, it’s vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free!
5-HTP
5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, known as the “happy chemical” because it plays a role in mood.* Serotonin also sends messages throughout the nervous system.7
Solgar® 5-HTP combines the calming effects of 5-HTP to promote a calm and relaxed mood, vitamin B6 to support nervous system health, magnesium for its involvement in nerve impulses, and valerian root extract.*
Magnesium Citrate
Magnesium citrate is arguably the most common and the most celebrated form of magnesium. Compared to the other forms of magnesium – like magnesium oxide – it is superior for absorption and bioavailability. At least 300 mg of magnesium citrate per day helps support a calm, relaxed mood and helps with occasional stress.*8
Solgar® Magnesium Citrate is highly absorbable and offers 420 mg of magnesium citrate per serving.
Solgar® Sleep & Stress Support
Solgar® Sleep & Stress Support is a melatonin-free formula made with sleep-supporting herbs and L-theanine for stress support for occasional sleeplessness and occasional stress.* Each serving is 100% drug-free and non-habit forming, and helps you:
- Fall asleep quickly*
- Improve sleep quality so you can wake up feeling ready to take on the day*
- Feel calm and relaxed*
- Stay rested throughout the night*
And, it’s vegan-friendly, non-GMO, gluten-free and dairy-free!
Other ways to reduce stress
- Write out a to-do list: if there is a mountain of responsibilities looming over you, try writing out a detailed to-do list, and then work your way through it in small, manageable steps.
- Meditate: centering your energy and focusing on the present moment can help you face each new day with gratitude and productivity.
- Take care of yourself: although self-care can often be neglected when stressed, eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep can make all the difference.
- Ask for help: sometimes, we give ourselves unnecessary stress because we are too scared or proud to ask for help. Admit when you are struggling, and reach out to those around you.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Solgar® site.
