Whenever I’ve gone through periods of stress or simply needed to find some calm, I see what nature has to offer first. Here’s some of my favorite go-to picks from iHerb that may help you to relax your nervous system…naturally! If you’re not familiar with iHerb, check them out. They’re a brand that I’ve recently partnered with who provide wellness solutions for key aspects of life including supplements and vitamins, herbs and homeopathy, and sports nutrition. What’s great about them is that they offer the freshest products available, always noting expiration or best-by dates on products. As always, before you start any new supplement, check with your doctor.
Sunwarrior Probiotics Many years ago a doctor told me to start taking probiotics and since then, I’ve been taking them religiously. In recent years, there’s been more and more studies that prove that what’s happening in our gut is most-likely affecting everything from our mood to our skin. Our gut needs “good” live bacteria to keep it healthy and probiotics are just that. The gut produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain does (serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid) and all of these play a role in regulating mood. I like Sunwarrior Probiotics because they combine probiotics with prebiotics and chloroplants to help fight free radicals, help digestion and help improve enzyme function. They’re also vegan, soy, gluten and dairy-free.
Solgar Magnesium Tablets with Vitamin B6 This little mineral, magnesium, has helped me so much in my life! I really can’t say enough about it. I started magnesium several years ago and felt better rather immediately. Now, if I’m ever feeling jittery or my thoughts are all over the place, I’ll take some magnesium. A natural muscle relaxer, magnesium helps with fear, irritability and restlessness. Coupled with Vitamin B6, this is a power duo for staving off anxiety. Our bodies don’t produce B6, so getting it from a supplement is vital. B6 is taken to improve mood, for brain health and for treating PMS (amongst other things). These Solgar tablets are gluten, wheat and dairy-free and they’re also suitable for vegans. If you’re looking for another way to incorporate magnesium into your diet, try adding some Navitas Organics Organic Cacao Nibs to your smoothie or yogurt. I like the added crunch they provide, but keep in mind that raw cacao nibs are not chocolate chips, they’re bitter, not sweet. They’re also incredibly healthy and provide an ample amount of protein, fiber, healthy fats, minerals, and flavonoids.
Sunfood Raw Organic Maca Powder Maca, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant that is native to the mountains of Peru. Years ago, when I was struggling with some mood swings, a friend told me that she swore by Maca. Since then, I’ve been taking it daily (first in tablet form, but now in powder form as it’s easier to remember to add it to my smoothie). Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. It’s also really healthy for you as it is high in Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and copper and it contains antioxidants to fight off free radicals which can damage cells in the body. Menopausal women are often recommended Maca for depression or anxiousness. I find that it definitely works for me and with all of the added health benefits, it is a win-win!
Organic Traditions Ashwagandha Root Powder Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is an herb that has been used for ages in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India. It’s classified as an adaptogen, which means it can help the body reduce stressors of all kinds. Ashwagandha soothes the hypothalamus by balancing and normalizing thyroid function. It’s also helpful for fatigue, insomnia, exhaustion, anxiety and improving blood sugar. With so much going on these days, many of us are stressed out and overstimulated which is why adding Ashwagandha and Maca to your beverage of choice is a healthy, smart option. I feel like I get more done when I’m not stressed out, so it’s a no-brainer for me. Be aware that adaptogens take a while to build up and work in the body, so take them for at least 2 to 3 weeks before expecting noticeable results. I recommend starting with a 1/2 teaspoon and then work your way up.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own!
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