The best supplements to manage stress

When it comes to ensuring mental well-being, knowing how to regulate stress levels is one of the most important factors.

And it is that stressful experiences not only appear at moments that we consider very important for our lives, but are part of the day to day; many times, without us realizing what it is that causes us discomfort and prevents us from acting normally.

This is so because our nervous system is designed so that we react as soon as possible when detecting risk situations, but... What happens when we enter into an unnecessarily intense state of alert that creates an extra problem for us? In this case, it is good to be prepared and know how to control stress through certain supplements, products that help us to do so.

• Related article: “The 5 phases of stress (and how to combat them)"

Learn about the best supplements to control stress

As with any psychological and physiological phenomenon, stress does not arise out of nowhere, but rather It has its causes in the way the nervous system works.

That is why there are brands that market supplements whose effects are very useful to regulate the impact that stress has on us and prevent it from making us lose control of the situation and spend it evil.

The brand HSN, for example, has a line of products among which several are aimed at modulation of stress and anxiety. In general, as these products are not medicines but supplements that enhance the levels of substances already present in our body, it is easy to acquire them through the Internet.

So let's see a selection of useful products to maintain reasonable stress levels and that allow us to adapt well to challenges from day to day, regardless of whether our goals have to do with work, sports, studies or any other area of ​​life. life.

tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid from which several hormones that are constantly circulating through our cardiovascular system are made. That's why, has effects on both the brain and various glands and organs distributed in the body that, in a coordinated way, have a role in our state of activation.

Specifically, serotonin, which is known as the "happiness hormone" for the way in which it generates a feeling of well-being when it goes into action, cannot be produced if there is not the adequate amount of tryptophan in our body.

In this sense, the effectiveness of tryptophan in managing stress It is an element to take into account in our psychological well-being. Sometimes, having a balanced diet is enough to have the necessary contribution of tryptophan, since this substance is naturally present in healthy foods, but this can be difficult for many people depending on their lifestyle or biological predispositions.

GABA

He gamma-aminobutyric acid, better known by its abbreviated name GABA, is a neurotransmitter, which means that it is one of the substances naturally present in our nervous system that allow our neurons to communicate with each other.

In mammals, in addition, GABA is the main inhibitory substance in the brain, that is, it reduces the level of neuronal excitability and it makes it less likely that we will enter a state of very intense alertness and stress.

On the other hand, the action of GABA can be reinforced thanks to the help with an extra supply of this substance, through capsules made from vegetables.

5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid that is involved in the process by which tryptophan gives rise to serotonin and melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep levels).

Supplements with this substance can be made from the seed of the shrubby plant known as Griffonia.

Thus, it allows the level of activity of our brain to be regulated more quickly and effectively, which favors falling asleep at the right time. Is very useful for those who notice that the stage of stress they are going through causes them insomnia or an irregular sleep schedule.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a plant whose roots and fruits can be used to prepare compounds that reduce stress levels.

On the other hand, it reduces inflammation that sometimes affects the brain and promotes good blood circulation, which serves to optimize the resources available to the body and makes it unnecessary for it to enter a state of alert.

It is recommended to take these herbal formula supplements during specific phases of several days in a row, since they have not been seen harmful effects in the short term, although not for long-term periods, since studies are lacking about its effects during months.

How to use these products?

It must be taken into account that although the supplements are based on the natural way of working nervous system, exceeding the amount ingested can have harmful health effects.

That is why it is important to follow the instructions that go with each product.. On the other hand, it is also recommended that pregnant or lactating women make sure that the supplement to be used is considered safe for them. In general, people who have previously had allergic reactions to any of the compounds in these tablets should also avoid their use.

Bibliographic references:

• Purves D., Fitzpatrick D., Hall W.C., Augustine GJ, Lamantia AS, (2007). Neuroscience (4th ed.). Sunderland, Mass: Sinauer.
• Schaechter J.D., Wurtman R.J. (1990). Serotonin release varies with brain tryptophan levels. Brain Research. 532 (1 - 2): 203 - 10.